We are visiting the south of France in May. We love getting the real feel for a city and to visit cities that are truly walking cities. We will not have a rental car though. Thinking that we'll stay in Marseilles for 2 or 3 days and then Aix en Provence for 2 or 3 days. We will take a day trip to Arles if that is possible by train. Could someone let me know if this is feasible and also, we decided on Aix over Avignon because it seemed there was more to see and do in Aix- is this mistaken? I'd love some feedback about this itinerary. Thank you in advance!
Posted by
Paris
6901 posts
There is enough to do in Aix for 1 day, or 2 leisurely days, and you can day trip to Avignon from Aix by bus. I find Aix is a more enjoyable place to wander around in than Avignon.
Similarly, you can do a day trip from Marseille to Arles by train. But here, I love Arles, and I think you'd miss out if you don't stay there.
I'll also point out that Aix and Marseille are 40 min apart by bus, it is very easy to day trip to Marseille from Aix or vice versa.
So I'd actually change the plan:
- 3 days in Marseille including Aix day trip
- 2-3 days in Arles including Avignon day trip, Nîmes is also a possible day trip.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Aix is charming, but there are no major sights to see, and it is a bit removed from the Rhone Valley attractions.
Posted by
Washington DC
27122 posts
There is what I consider a rather important WW II historical site on the outskirts of Aix-en-Provence. The Camp des Milles was a way-station for many people who ended up in concentration camps and death camps (by way of Drancy). The Camp des Milles has been developed as a memorial site/museum. Virtually all the information is in English as well as French. The site is accessible by public bus followed by a short walk. I didn't observe any cafes or restaurants in the area.