We are booked for the Eastern France trip this fall and because our preferred return flight via Marseille would leave so very early, we are seeking options. Option 1: Spending the night before our flight at a hotel near the Marseille airport. There seem to be several choices. Option 2: Taking the TGV from Aix to Paris CDG airport and staying the night before our flight at an airport hotel there.
Both options mean we would stay one extra night somewhere. We’re mostly interested in convenience rather than cost and do love train trips. We would welcome any comments or advice from someone who has stayed near the Marseille airport or has taken that TGV train to the CDG airport.
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2373 posts
I took the TGV from Aix to CDG at the end of the Eastern France tour. It was convenient and I would do it again.
Posted by
Paris
6887 posts
Aix en Provence is a 30-minute taxi ride from the Marseille airport when there is no traffic (and before 7 AM there is absolutely no traffic). You can catch even a 6 AM flight without staying at the airport.
Posted by
Hudson Valley
2267 posts
Added bonus for the train option—you'd cut a flight connection out of your return trip.
Posted by
4518 posts
I have stayed near the MRS airport, it was inexpensive, like $50/room with pool, used to be a Comfort Inn, now is something else. Airport shuttle (5 AM) was free. There are closer hotels, within walking distance. CDG would work too, 3-4 hotels on the airport property.
Note that the TGV station is quite a bit outside Aix en Provence but fairly close to the MRS airport. So if you are taking a taxi that far it can't be much more money to get to the airport.
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2373 posts
The tour hotel in Aix, https://hotelnegrecoste.com/en/ was walking distance to the bus depot with frequent, cheap shuttles to the TGV station. Don't know if RS uses other hotels in Aix, though.
Posted by
Greenbrae, CA USA
65 posts
Hi. I'm on the May 29 departure of the Eastern France tour. I was concerned about an early flight from Marseilles and didn't want to worry about missing a connection. I decided to take Option 2 - I'm staying three days post tour and taking the TGV back up to CDG. Last time I checked the train leaves Aix around noon and arrives CDG at 4:30pm. (Hopefully there will not be a train strike that day!) Staying at Ibis Styles at the airport the night before my 9:15am flight the next morning.
Thanks to all for your comments and advice. BTW our last tour hotel in Aix was originally the St. Christophe, but it was changed to Hotel Aquabella. I think we got an upgrade!
Posted by
Jersey Shore
336 posts
If you choose the TGV, consider staying in Paris for that last night. Wander a little bit, get a nice final meal, then taxi to CDG in the morning. Just sounds nicer than an airport hotel....
Posted by
OP
Texas
7 posts
I’m so grateful for all of these suggestions. And would like to hear more, although most seem to lean toward our secret preference of taking the TGV to Paris.
Other advice and replies are still very welcome!