4 and a half days in Marseille

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grahamphelan
grahamphelan

Hi,

So I'm going to be spending 4 and a half days in Marseille at the beginning of September. Before I go these are the few things I'd like to know more about:

There seems to be a lot to do in Marseille and knowing exactly what to do is pretty hard figure out but here is my list; Le Panier, Palais Longchamp, Cathedrale de la Major, Abbaye Saint Victor, Castle of If, Fort Saint-Jean and the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde. I will also visit Les Calanques during my stay in Marseille if I don't visit them before I arrive in Marseille (I will already be in France).

I will be using public transport in Marseille. So since I'm a student can I get a discount for the week somehow?

Lastly is 4 and a half days too much in Marseille? Should I take a day trip to Aix-en-Provence? (It's just €4 one way with the train).

Thanks!

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Buratino
Buratino

Hi,

I don't think that 4 days is too much. 1 day is probably enough for the city(all the sights you mentioned), but as you said there so many great places nearby, only 1 hour by train: Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Avignon, etc.

Les Calanques is not to be missed!

Just take care in Marseille! You probably heard already it's something like the crime capital of Europe with several no-go zones. You'd better inform yourself where are the districts and streets to avoid, sorry but I can't help with these.

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tempelton
tempelton

For the Ile d'If check the first day you arrive, if the boat can't land there you have other days to go there, we just stopped over at Marseille to go there and the water was to rough to land at the island so we had to skip it.

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jstutu
jstutu

If you are planning to do day trips from Marseille, this site may give you some ideas......................http://www.beyond.fr/

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kerouac2
kerouac2

Whatever you do, don't miss the MuCEM museum.

An excellent thing to know about Marseille is that the public transportation tickets are valid for one hour, even if you make a round trip on the same bus or metro line.

Here is the photo report I made about Marseille 2 summers ago: Marseille kaleidoscope

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regards
regards

http://www.marseille-tourisme.com/en/discover-marseille/

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smystic
smystic

I agree that the MuCEM is not to be missed.

When going to the Calanques, I recommend to take the boat shuttle from the Vieux Port to Pointe Rouge. The boat trip itself is worth it, with nice views of Marseille, and it's not expensive (about EUR2.5 last year). If you arrive early enough at the Vieux Port, you could see the fishmongers, selling among others rascasse, of which the boullabaisse is made

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smystic
smystic

I agree that the MuCEM is not to be missed.

When going to the Calanques, I recommend to take the boat shuttle from the Vieux Port to Pointe Rouge. The boat trip itself is worth it, with nice views of Marseille, and it's not expensive (about EUR2.5 last year). If you arrive early enough at the Vieux Port, you could see the fishmongers, selling among others rascasse, of which the boullabaisse is made

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grahamphelan
grahamphelan

Hello everyone,

Here are just some updates. I will be going to the Calanques by car before I go to Marseille, so that has all just been organised.

I was just wondering to get to the airport what is the best way? Is it better to go by train or bus and is it cheaper to buy the ticket online? Lastly how much time do you need to be in the airport in Marseille if taking a flight within the E.U.?

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