PLEASE HELP - Traveling alone for the 1st time

Biarritz is a couple of hundred air miles from Barcelona in exactly the wrong direction for Laura's track. It'd probably take me seven hours to drive it. The train couldn't be much faster and might be a heck of a lot longer considering the quirky connections getting out of Spain.

Why Marseilles?

because it seems like a beautiful and cultural place that's less bustling than a big city and i can hang out on the beach for a few days.

If this is your first trip and you are alone I might skip Marseilles and look at Antibes or Nice. Just a thought. Marseilles is not as bad as some people say, but I'd save it for a 3rd or 4th visit.

I agree with Marsailles not being what you might think. It might have beaches but it was more of a port town from what we saw. Okay for wandering and eating, but there are so many better places. If you want something with a beach that is along the
Riviera and not too big there is a wonderful beach town of St. Maximes. Between St. Tropez and Nice. Has great shopping, restaurants, a market, and is not as busy as St. Tropez, Canne or Nice. Are you driving?

Thanks to the two previous posters who pointed out the true about Marseilles, the tourist board must have been really churning out the junk recently.

Stay in Nice and do a day trip to Monaco/Monte Carlo.

I would also avoid Marseilles, especially since you're traveling alone. My then-20-year-old daughter and her female roomate were there a year ago and had to walk from the train station to their hotel. It was a very uncomfortable walk, as there were lots of men loitering around and calling out to them. In all of her travels, that was the only time she truly felt frightened and unsafe.

What is this, kick Marseille in the teeth week? I can only guess that the naysayers haven't spent much time there. Actually, it's one of the WonderCitiesOfTheWorld, along with Hong Kong, Beirut, and a few others. I'm tempted to take a list of names and conduct a tour with the tourees in chains just so they can appreciate it. Get into the outer arrondissements and see what it has to offer. Heck, wander the central area away from the eastern industrial zone and the train station-to-old port tourist stretch and you'll be amazed at what's around. And, Laura, it ain't a small city, it's probably the third largest by population in the country and definitely is the largest in land area. Also, it's not a place for beaches - - the ones close to the center suck and you'll never find (or figure out how to get to) the neat ones to the east. However, looking at your list, it doesn't fit in. Just don't go around telling your buddies that you didn't go there because it's a hell hole. If you want a quiet beach for a break, look at any of the areas between Barcelona and Sete.

My son was in Marseilles last week on business and the city is the 2nd largest in France. He was only there during the day and took the 2 hour train ride to Cannes. I would chose another city rather than Marseilles. Biarritz is one of the nicest beaches in all of France and is the surfing capital of France. I spent one week in Biarritz on business and loved the city with some of the nicest walking areas along the beach.

@ Ed, "What is this, kick Marseille in the teeth week?" LOL! That comment brightened my morning! However, I have to agree with the others that Marseilles is perhaps not the best choice for a first and somewhat short visit. My suggestion would also be Nice as there are lots of possibilities for sightseeing, a nice (albeit somewhat rocky) beach along the Promenade des Anglais and it also puts Laura slightly closer to her next destination. Each leg of the rail travel for this trip will be somewhat long, so travel time is one consideration. @ Laura, As this is your first trip to Europe, I'd highly recommend having a look at Europe Through The Back Door as there's some good information there that will help you to travel well in Europe, especially the "Rail Skills" chapter. Also, wearing a Money Belt (especially in Barcelona) would be a really good idea! Regarding "unique places to stay", as you're travelling in the middle of the "spring shoulder season" and haven't pre-booked accommodations, I suspect you'll have to take what you can find. Are you interested more in Hotels or Hostels? You might head to your local Library or larger book stores and have look at the country-specific Guidebooks as they have lots of suggestions for budget Hotels (and some Hostels). The Guidebooks also have great suggestions for sightseeing options in each city, info. on local transportation, Museum opening / closing times and costs. Happy travels!

Thanks EVERYONE for this incredible information. While I still saw some interesting things about Marseilles I agree that it might not be quite what I'm looking for. I've decided to fly in to Barcelona (Aer Lingus - $700), train to Cannes to go to the beach, train to Milan, train to Venice, fly home from Venice to New York City via Dublin (Aer Lingus - $322? Can that be for real?). Does this seem like a reasonable itinerary? I think i'm picking too many large cities even though i'm more interested in small towns but i think what i'll do is use those stops as home base and take day trips to smaller towns from there. Does that sound like a smart idea? Are there small towns along the way that I MUST see? I'm sort of torn between trying to pack in a lot or just really sit in a place and "be." The purpose of the trip is to enjoy the sites while writing and resting (I'm only in my 30s but I'm having an early mid-life crisis!:)). I think 2.5-3 weeks is ample time to do these things but it feels overwhelming when i think of all the small places i would like to stop on the way. Although, when i really consider the trip in terms of where i live (like going from DC to New York or a little farther) it doesn't seem like that big of a deal. As you can see I'm still full of thoughts and questions. I would LOVE to hear more from you about this. Also, does anyone have experience with Aer Lingus? I can't believe those prices!!!

Sorry i am late on this- we wake up later on the West Coast. Avoid Marseille. I spent one night there and couldnt find anything to want to go back for. Nice is OK , although it is mostly big hotels, has an interesting small old town area, and Villefranche around the corner is cute. If you have the transport options orefer Arles or Nimes or any of the Corniche hill rowns. Even St Tropez has an interesting harbor and old town

If you like little towns and inspiring scenery, you might route yourself through Genoa and the CT, rather than going through Milan. There appear to be a couple of options for train connections -- either La Spezia>Parma>Bologna>Venice or La Spezia>Florence>Venice. It's a little longer, but would be a stunning trip. You could spend a night or two in CT (and in Florence?) if time allows.

For the record... I did not hate Marsailles (we had been warned that it was a sleezy, dumpy town) and found it to be fun... just not a small town nor the beach that she was looking for. Spent 3 days there due to flight scheduling and had a good time... As far as the beaches in Canne, they reminded me more of the chaos in South Beach Miami... tons of people, very touristy and the whos who, (or wannabes) Not a charming small town. I would also bypass Milan if you are not looking for big cities. Why not pick some tiny little town on the Mediterranean and have an adventure, since you are already going to a few big cities. I stayed in a tiny hilltop village of Gassin which is just a few miles out of St. Tropez, which was charming.
But again, St. Tropez was much busier and chaotic than I thought it would be. However, France Spain and Italy are probably a great place for a midlife crisis!

I think i'm picking too many large cities even though i'm more interested in small towns but i think what i'll do is use those stops as home base and take day trips to smaller towns from there. Does that sound like a smart idea? I think you will be fine! Three locations in 2.5 weeks is super! Yes, you have some travel days, one long one between each of the big "moves," but that's fine since you'll have what, 5 or 6 nights in each location? From Venice you can daytrip to Padova, Verona, other parts of the Laguna. 5 or 6 nights in Venice will pass in a blink. Do get accommodations nailed down ASAP, though. As noted above, it might be a little lean geivn you travel so soon. But you will find something. A B&B is nice because you will meet other travelers, share stories, and get some advice.