Marseille,  The South of France, Provence
The Michelin guide and
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.
The view from the Notre Dame de-la-Garde Cathedral can give a
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..
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.
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.
Fish Market at the Old Port
Notre Dame-de-la-Garde,
Marseille, Coastal Provence
Marseille is a people-friendly tourist city 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.
Trains from Paris reach Marseilles and there are good high speed
roads from Paris.
Marseille, The South of France, Provence is reached by
high speed toll road from Paris. TGV trains reach
Marseilles and an International airport serves the city.
Follow Viex Port signs with the big i for old port tourists
information and parking.
Custom Search
Marseille Provence in the South of France offers sightseeing, shopping and museums in the Old
Port.  
(Vieux Port)
Marseille Tourist Offices offer maps and info; Follow the
big i to the Vieux Port for parking and
shuttles by both land and water.
When To Go To Provence:  March, April, May, and June or September and October  are
good times to go to Provence for hiking, biking and the culinary vacation.  The weather
near Marseilles is
Ideal from March to May  (60-75 F) and the trails will not be too
crowded.  July and August are high season and crowded. Accommodations will be scarce.  
Hiking trails could close due to fire danger in July,  August, and September.
Marseilles has a
dry Mediterranean climate with 300 days of sun but showers could come
in Sept. Oct. and the winds in Fall and Winter can be a problem.  The
Mistral's cold, high
winds
(Hurricane Force) can close the trails. Parts of the GR 98 can be slick during wet
weather, the rocks are worn smooth.
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
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
Custom Search
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