I'm going to be in Avignon a week in September, then want to travel to Marseille and Nice with side trips around the area. When I leave Avignon (on a Friday) I want to go to Marseille. Not sure if I should plan on staying a full day and night or just a short visit and head on to Nice. A quick look at the train schedule doesn't revel a late trip to Nice. I am fairly flexible with about 5 days to spend in this part of the region before heading back to Paris.
Any suggestions as to what I should/must do?
Posted by
Reston, Virginia
403 posts
I took a quick look at the DB schedules myself for a Friday in July, and saw a train leaving at about 9:30 pm and arriving in Nice just after midnight. I don't think you would want to get into Nice much later than that. Having never been to Marseilles (other than the train station), I will leave it to other posters to provide a suggestion as to whether to do marseilles as a stopover or a one-night stay.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
The German Rail site mentioned by Roe shows direct trains departing at 20:01, 20:31, and 21:31. How much time you should spend in Marseille will vary according to your interests. I spent one afternoon there seven years ago, but I certainly would have enjoyed staying longer if my schedule had allowed it. I only had time to take a bus to the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde. The panoramic view of the city from the top of the hill on which the church is located is excellent.
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
I stayed in Marseille a few times as it was where I was getting a flight, and was pleasantly surprised and had a wonderful time. However, given the choice of any place in Southern France it would not be my first choice. I would probably prefer a smaller beach town along the sea (Ste. Maxime) or a hill town near Nice. Marseille is fine, but not what I long for when I think of the south of France.
Posted by
Stuttgart, Germany
3050 posts
It really depends on your interests and whether you're up for a more hectic itinerary or want more lounging beach time. I love Marseilles and think it's well worth a stop. That said, you could cover many of the main sites there within 6-8 hours, probably. But it's an fun city to stroll in and has great food culture, if you're into that. If I had 5 days, I'd consider spending 1 day and 1 night in Marsielle, and then onto Nice, or if you'd like to break up the trip a little more, spend most of the day in Marsielle, train 25 minutes to Cassis,overnight there, enjoy the calenques in Cassis the morning of the next day, then onto Nice.
Posted by
OP
Round Rock, TX, USA
117 posts
I'm going to Cassis with the group I will be in Avignon with. Would like to see the African Market in Marseille. Planning on going to Cannes and Monte Carlo as well.