We are flying into Marseille to take a river cruise leaving from Avignon. The cruise line will pick us up at the airport when we are ready for the cruise. We will come in a couple days early and need suggestions on a place to stay that is close to the metro or train station as we are thinking of taking a boat trip out to see the Calangues. I am getting rather discouraged by the all the reviews of the hotels in Marseille that I'm reading. Many of them complain about a lack of restaurants nearby, lack of cleanliness, service and a dicey area around the hotel. Also, we can get a boat tour from the harbor in Marseille or go to Cassis and take one from there. Is it worth it to take the time and trouble to go to Cassis? Thanks in advance to anyone who answers this.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
I'm planning my own trip to that area for this fall, also flying into Marseille/Provence airport. Although Marseille's big-city issues don't worry me, I've decided to sleep in Aix, partly for better hotel rates, to be there early on the best market day (Saturday), and the more pleasant atmosphere won't hurt. The airport transfer by bus to Aix is just as easy as to Marseille. Based on your other forum thread, it sounds like this plan would work for you, too. Another day (it will be November), I'll plan to daytrip by train to Marseille and visit the Calenques from there (not swimming weather and I have been to some of the Calenques before). If you do have a couple of nights and will be there in beach weather, or if you are hikers, then staying in Cassis is very attractive solution, too.
Posted by
Ohio
2130 posts
We stayed at the Grand Hotel Beauvau in June. My friend and I have traveled quite a bit, and we agreed that this was the nicest hotel we've ever stayed at. We had a room on the fifth floor with a spectacular view of the port. There were many restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. Best part, this was our last night on a Rick Steves tour, and it ended on a very high note! I didn't get the feeling that Marseille was particularly unsafe, but it is a big city, so act accordingly.
I visited Cassis on another trip and thought it was a very pretty town. Hope you have a wonderful trip!
Posted by
Atlanta
4833 posts
Grand Hotel Beauvau is quite nice. Fairly close to metro / train stations. Quite a few good restaurants within walking distance.
Posted by
Portland
3595 posts
Just a heads up about visiting the calanques. We allotted a day for that, with the next (departure) day as a backup, if needed. It was pouring down rain on our planned day, so no go. The next day was clear and sunny. However, when we arrived at Cassis, we discovered that the windy conditions and strong currents precluded the boats from sailing. Have a Plan B.
Posted by
OP
11 posts
Thanks everyone, and thanks Rosylyn, this is good advice about visiting the Calangues.
Posted by
Savannah, GA
1336 posts
I, too, will be travelling to Marseille, but in December at Christmas. I have booked my stay at LE GRAND HOTEL BEAUVAU and I am so excited about staying there because of its' history. George Sand stayed here, as did Mozart and some other biggies.
My destination IS Marseilles this time. And I do plan on travelling to the surroundings as well--- as much as is touristy possible at Christmas.
I cannot wait. Let me know how it goes.