Marseille or Aix-en-Provence?

You could do both but you wouldn't have much time for either. I like Aix a lot, but Marseille is more interesting and has more to see.

So, Ed, in an earlier post a couple weeks ago I was whining about Marseilles, wanting to be persuaded of its value over Aix or... Could you please tell Sherry and me why you like it and what your, say, top 5 things to see/do there would be?

I answer questions, I don't rank things unless asked. Marseilles has If, Frioul, the Old Port, and the Calanques. It's a huge multi-cultural city. Aix is an educational center. It has a pretty good market.

Thanks, Ed. I was only asking for the things you find personally worth seeing and doing, not for any kind of ranking, and shouldn't have implied I was by using the term 'top five'.

Thanks Ed, sounds like the day in Marseille is the way to go.

Been there done that via a cruise: Winner = Provence: gets you out of a city into beautiful countryside filled with wonderful people. Created great memories. Easy to take the train to Provence or you can research car guides who will pick you up at the dock (many to choose from via online research) Marseille: big city, small old town harbor (very touristy and expensive) returned to the ship early to unwind on deck. No special memories.

Are those your only two choices? If so, I would probably stay in Marseille. I did have a great time just hanging out at the harbor and wandering around, but it is not the quintessential French town. I like Aix ok, but it was so crowded when I was there (twice) and I had a hard time finding a place to park. If you are without a car, then it would be easier. It is a lovely city, just much bigger than I thought. But, if you have other options, I would pick a small town/village in Provence that you can get to by train and spend the day there.

Aix en Provence and Marseilles are very different experiences. Aix en Provence is a small city/town and Marseilles is a big city. Aix en Provence is a charming town in the typical Provence style with beautiful flowers, fountains, and small museums. Marseilles is a gritty port city with an mélange of everything and everyone from the Mediterranean and Northern Africa. Keep in mind that even though Marseilles is a major transportation hub you could spent a large chunk of time just getting to and from Aix. I think it depends on where else you have been in France. I personally would not try to do both.

Thanks for the suggestions. Now I am thinking that Provence might be the way to go. We have about 7-8 hrs in port. It was mentioned about finding a driver online to meet us at the cruise ship. Any recommendations? About how much do you think it would cost for a driver? I guess we could also take a taxi to the train station. Thank again

I was really confused reading my fellow Hoosier's response which said to take a train to Provence. Being kind of slow, It took me a while to get it. He meant Aix. That's the real name. It's a very old word for water because there are many natural fountains there. The second part is added as a geo- locator, to distinguish it from other towns with the word aix in the name. So enjoy Aix-en-Provence, affectionately shortened to Aix when speaking locally.