Posted previously on the Afloat board, but let me give this one a shot:

We (me, 2 adult daughters and 8yr granddaughter) will be stopping in Marseille for 6 hours in late June. I’ve been looking at a private tour to Aix en Provence through a Rick Steves recommended website Toursbylocals.com but the cost seems to be really high for even just the four hour tours. The cruise excursion for the same length of time goes to the same spots for a fraction of the cost. Has anyone else used another local tour company? I was also given the suggestion of booking a taxi for a round-way trip from the port to Aix en Provence and that cost about the same as the excursion cost.

Any other ideas how to spend our short time in Marseille? Thanks!

Kelly

Hi. Marseille is a great city and for such a short time I wouldn't bother going beyond the waterfront and a few streets back. A trip up to the cathedral (Notre-Dame de la Garde) gives you a great view so it is worth a hike or taxi up there. If you want to go a bit further, visit a smaller town, go to a beach, then Cassis is around 30-45 minutes east of Marseille. Make sure the taxi takes you along the scenic D559 rather than the Autoroute A50.

Thanks Mike!

If you like wine… especially Rosè – Drink Bandol!

- Domaine Tempier
- Chateau de Pibarnon
- Domaine du Gros' Nore

Just to name a few….

Bandol is halfway between Marseille and Toulon. Hands down the best Rosè in the world!
Of course... IMHO

BTW - we have used Tours by Locals in Nice.
Yep expensive, but top notch service and guides very knowledgeable.
Also we had done some pre-homework and they allowed us some quick detours

We walked just a couple of blocks from the pier, and caught a public bus that went right to Aix en Provence. Then took a little [url=https://booking.aixenprovencetourism.com/the-little-tourist-train-guided-tour-of-the-historic-centre.html][/url]trolley tour covered all of the area. Followed by a drink and a snack right in downtown on the sidewalk. Returned on the public bus back to the pier. All quiet easy on a single cruise ship day stop.

Many Google links, this for a start: https://www.omio.com/buses/marseille/aix-en-provence

Once I have used https://gowithguide.com/spain for my Barcelona trip, It was quite reasonable price. You can check out their website for France tour guide and contact local guide for customized short tour.