I just looked at the tours for 2017 and I'm interested in the Eastern France tour. I noticed that the final city has been changed from Marseille to Aix-en-Provence. Any thoughts on the change? Safety? Ease of transportation? Something else?
Posted by
Edmonton, Alberta
797 posts
Aix is probably much safer. It is a smaller city. Flights will probably be out of Marseille
Though. I am not sure what the airport transportation isnbecause it was included in my trip. I stayed in Aix for a month taking a French language program. I enjoyed the city but not many big sites.
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
A fast train stops at a station just outside the city with shuttle and taxi connections to Aix. You could travel to Paris fairly quickly. I stayed in Aix over a weekend a few years ago. After a couple of days I was bored.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Both cities are easily accessible to Marseille-Provence Airport. Aix has better value hotel options, as noted in Rick's book. If you have time to stay longer, you can daytrip from Aix-en-Provence (old center station) to Marseille by train in 35-45 minutes each way, which I'd certainly encourage you to do. Part of that day can include a boat excursion to view the Calenques. Or if you're staying longer, you could move on to Cassis for Calenques access.