Planning a trip to France in May and trying to choose between Marseille and Lyon for about 4 days mid-trip. I would love to hear from people who have been to both. We love architecture and history. Museums focused on history and ethnography more than fine arts. Marseille is on the Med and next to Provence, so I am leaning that direction; but have heard some wonderful things about Lyon too.
I spent 4 nights in Lyon and 2 in Marseille this August and my vote would be for Lyon;
in either spot, do what you need to do to arrange tour guides in a language you follow.
Food possibilities are better in Lyon, and since it isn't attracting a resort crowd, the
catering seems more sincere to me.
OTOH, there is a lot of convention business in Lyon...
New antiquities museum in Marseille is great if their tech is actually functioning
but the fine arts and history museums in Lyon are a level above.
Thank you. Your info was very helpful. I think I will skip both Marseille and Lyon in favor of some time in Brittany.