Dave Hilbert's SoftSeatTravel
Marseille, The South of France, Provence
The Michelin guide and
the Rick Steves
Provence and the French
Riviera are good guides
to Marseille.
the Rick Steves
Provence and the French
Riviera are good guides
to Marseille.
Marseille makes a stunning appearance as you approach by high speed toll road from the
north and descend through a small tunnel and into a view of the port and its cruise ships and auto
ferries in gleaming white that crowd the new harbor. While the old harbor or "Viex Port" lies hidden
between the ancient forts you follow Viex Port signs and visitor's Info signs with the big i. The highway
takes you directly into the old port and at the end, the tourists information office and many parking lots.
north and descend through a small tunnel and into a view of the port and its cruise ships and auto
ferries in gleaming white that crowd the new harbor. While the old harbor or "Viex Port" lies hidden
between the ancient forts you follow Viex Port signs and visitor's Info signs with the big i. The highway
takes you directly into the old port and at the end, the tourists information office and many parking lots.
The view from the Notre Dame de-la-Garde Cathedral can give a
good oversight to the city of Marseille.
good oversight to the city of Marseille.
Small trains make loops from the old port through the city and include a trip to the cathedral Notre
Dame de-la-Garde high on a hill that overlooks the harbor and the city..
Dame de-la-Garde high on a hill that overlooks the harbor and the city..
The huge church of Notre Dame-de-la-Garde, built on a hill over 500 feet above Marseille's old
harbor, dominates the city with its inescapable presence making a good reference point for a tour
of France's largest port. The walls of the church still show scars from WW II.
By taking the tiny white trains that make loops carrying passengers to various points of interest
including the Byzantine/Romanesque cathedral, you can get a 360 degree view from a lofty perch
high above the Mediterranean and get a good feel for the size and shape of the city.
You can walk up to the cathedral, but try it only if you are in shape. Otherwise let the trolley or public
bus do the work.
harbor, dominates the city with its inescapable presence making a good reference point for a tour
of France's largest port. The walls of the church still show scars from WW II.
By taking the tiny white trains that make loops carrying passengers to various points of interest
including the Byzantine/Romanesque cathedral, you can get a 360 degree view from a lofty perch
high above the Mediterranean and get a good feel for the size and shape of the city.
You can walk up to the cathedral, but try it only if you are in shape. Otherwise let the trolley or public
bus do the work.
Half a Euro gets you a ferry ride across the harbor. From this point you can start a walk to the
Notre Dame- -de-la-Garde Cathedral if you are up for a strenuous climb.
Notre Dame- -de-la-Garde Cathedral if you are up for a strenuous climb.
Fish Market at the Old Port
Notre Dame-de-la-Garde,
| Marseille, Coastal Provence |
Marseille is a people-friendly city trying hard to please tourists with Small trains that make loops from
the old port through the city and include a trip to the Cathedral Notre Dame de-la-Garde high on a hill that
overlooks the harbor and the city.
the old port through the city and include a trip to the Cathedral Notre Dame de-la-Garde high on a hill that
overlooks the harbor and the city.
Do You need an International Driving Permit to Drive in
Europe.
In France and Italy you can rent a car and do not need to
show an International Permit, only your drivers license
Italian law, however, requires that..... See Article
Europe.
In France and Italy you can rent a car and do not need to
show an International Permit, only your drivers license
Italian law, however, requires that..... See Article
No Passing
for
commercial
vehicles
for
commercial
vehicles
No
Passing
zone ends
Passing
zone ends
| Rotary with yield to traffic in rotary |
| Check Auto Europe's prices and availability, gas or diesel models |
Auto Europe selection, price, and ease of booking on the web. Shop online well ahead of your trip and
choose diesel (more economical) or gas, luggage space,(important) standard or automatic,(important) two
door, four door and other options. Renting for more than 17 days; see their options see renting a vehicle
in Provence
choose diesel (more economical) or gas, luggage space,(important) standard or automatic,(important) two
door, four door and other options. Renting for more than 17 days; see their options see renting a vehicle
in Provence
Speed limits will be clearly marked and the Rotary will be a welcome site with its directions to various
towns. Gassing up is similar to US with credit card and automatic shut-off at modern pumps. Car rental are
available in all large cities and at many TGV Train Stations.
towns. Gassing up is similar to US with credit card and automatic shut-off at modern pumps. Car rental are
available in all large cities and at many TGV Train Stations.
Information for those renting a vehicle in Provence
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