We will be on a cruise that pulls into Marseille for just one day (Dec 31, 9am to 6 pm)
Given that we have extremely limited time, what are your must see and do recommendations? GO!
Posted by
New York, NY
1582 posts
Ellen - Due to the fact your time is extremely limited in Marseilles, I would say tour Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, La Corniche path, MuCEM, and take a stroll in the Old port and sample some Marseilles cuisine (like a bouillabaisse). That should cover your 9am to 6pm layover on 12/31/19.
Posted by
Rockville, MD, USA
596 posts
My husband and I studied the Rick Steves Mediterranean Cruise ports guide to see what appealed to us. We wound up on an interesting excursion sponsored by the cruise ship - to Pont de Gare and then Avignon. We skipped the Palais des Papes to visit the park overlooking the famous bridge and then tour the bridge itself. it's a fair amount of bus riding so I don't recommend it for everyone.
Posted by
Washington DC
27172 posts
A boat trip to the Calanques is a possibility, though that might not be your top priority since you are traveling by ship. I haven't checked the transportation schedule, but you might have time to go to Cassis (cute but very touristy) and take a boat trip to the Calanques from that direction instead.
I'd check the MuCEM website to see what exhibitions are running before committing to going there. I was extremely disappointed.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15591 posts
I found a self-guided walking tour of Le Panier on the Frommer's website which I enjoyed. It didn't come with a map and the map I got at the TI didn't have all the street names on it, so it was a little difficult a couple of times, but I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the neighborhood - a combination of dilapidation and gentrification and pretty views. The area right around the Vieux Port is interesting and pretty, nice cafes for a drink, or lunch, a fresh fish market in the morning, and shops with local products, especially Marseille soap. There's a bus from there up to the Basilica.
Posted by
OP
Texas
14 posts
Thank you all for your suggestions. As we have been to Avignon and surrounding area, we are opting for the free ship walking tour and will then take Rick Steves along with us as we follow his walking tour and his and your other suggestions.
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