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Home >> Travel >> Cruises >> Carnival >> A Day in Marseille, France

A Day in Marseille, France

Modified: Jul 28, 2017 by Stefanie Fauquet · This post may contain affiliate links · 46 Comments

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Visiting France was a big deal for my eight-year-old daughter, who's named after the most famous city in the country. Marseille, the first stop on our Mediterranean cruise aboard the Carnival Breeze, isn't exactly Paris, but it was a good starting point for our first visit to the south of France.

The ship docked bright and early at 7 a.m. -- I had been up for hours before, still not adjusted to the time change or the fact that the sun rises incredibly early in Europe-- like at 5:00am.

I love getting up early on port days to watch the ship sail into port. The views of the shoreline are gorgeous in the Mediterranean.

On this morning, I scheduled room service to be delivered 6 a.m. and sat on the balcony with coffee and croissants ... really, does it get much better than this!?

Our plans for the day were to take the city bus to Aix en Provence to see the Saturday market. From my research, Aix had more of an "Old World"  French feel, which was what I was looking for. I had envisioned us strolling through the market vendors, buying handmade bars of soap and painted pottery, and eating butter-laden croissants and pastries from Béchard, the oldest bakery in the city. But , alas, our plans weren't meant to be.

When we exited the ship at the port of Maresille, we were greeted with smiles and lavender sachets -- this was the first time I had ever received a welcome gift like this, but it was greatly appreciated. It was a wonderful beginning to our first day in port!

We needed to get to the Old Port of Marseille (Vieux-Port), which was a good 20 minutes from where the shipped docked and was not walkable. You can either take a taxi or one of the shuttles offered by the port. We chose the shuttle, which was €12 (As of 2013, the shuttle is €14) for adults and €8 for children, round trip. This was the most expensive shuttle transfer out of all our port stops.

Everything was going well while we were on the shuttle -- we were very excited to finally be in France -- and then we hit a road block. To this day, I'm not exactly sure what the delay was, but our 20 minute drive turned into an hour plus-- with an interesting detour. Needless to say, by the time we reached the Old Port, we didn't want to risk missing the ship back, so our plans to visit Aix were scrapped.

On to Plan B -- The Petit Train!

Side Note: If you're not taking one of the ship's excursions, I can't stress enough how important it is to have a backup plan.  Taking the Petit Train up to Notre-Dame de la Garde was my Plan B long before we docked in Marseille. I had general directions to the ticket stand embedded in my head, so we didn't have to waste extra time finding something to do.

The line for the Petit Train looked daunting, but it moved very quickly. I purchased our tickets for Circuit 2: Our Lady of the Guard (Notre-Dame de la Garde), which could be seen directly across the harbor up on the hill. Tickets were very reasonable at €7/adults and €4/children.

Within no time we were on the train, making our way up the hillside. The scenery along the way was spectacular. We had to pinch ourselves because we were finally in France!

The tour to the Basilica was guided, however the commentary was hard to hear at times-- but we made do. We were so busy looking around that it really didn't matter what they were saying.

Finally, we made it to the top of the hill to Notre-Dame de la Garde. The site was more impressive than I had imagined. Even non-Catholics should be able to appreciate its beauty -- plus there are some amazing views!

The Neo-Byzantine basilica was built on the foundations of a 16th-century fort. It's made up of two parts: a lower crypt, and an upper church decorated with nautical mosaics and model boats, which hang from the ceiling. Both sections are free to visitors.

----

We waited a half hour to forty five minutes (in the blazing sun) for the Petit Train back to the Old Port. The trains were running the whole time, but the line was so long it took three trains before it was time for us to board. The trip back is the express route -- we were down the hill and to the harbor in no time.

My daughter adored our ride on the Petit Train, later telling me it was one of the highlights of the trip for her. I still can't believe the value, for €11 we got a tour of Marseille and a ride up to the Basilica -- the whole thing took a few hours, so it was €11 well spent!

The only other thing we wanted to do in France was get some pastries. On our way back to the shuttle we found a little pâtisserie with fresh beignets and creme puffs.

This was the highlight of my day.

Eating pastries in France with my daughter was a dream I had for awhile -- that creme puff lived up to every one of my expectations!

Our day in Marseille turned out to be a success, and as our only stop in France, it was just enough of a taste to have me wanting for more 😉

By 3:00 p.m. we were back on the Carnival Breeze, ready to set sail. Next up: a day in Florence, Italy.

I was invited as media on the Carnival Breeze. All opinions are my own.

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Comments

  1. Theresa

    July 23, 2012 at 10:26 am

    Looks like you had a blast!

    Reply
  2. Elaina- A Time Out for Mommy

    July 23, 2012 at 11:35 am

    Awesome pics! This looks like a great time!

    Reply
  3. Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell

    July 23, 2012 at 1:10 pm

    You were so smart to have all these plans and back-up plans in place. No time wasted for you!

    Reply
  4. Donna

    July 23, 2012 at 2:17 pm

    I love reading about your cruise, what a wonderful experience! Love all the photos.

    Reply
  5. Billie

    July 23, 2012 at 2:58 pm

    Thank you for sharing, it looks like you're having a great time. I almost feel like I'm there, looking through your pictures. The highlight of my day would have been the pastries too!

    Reply
  6. Allie

    July 23, 2012 at 3:23 pm

    Wow! These are some really wonderful pictures. I hope to go to France one day but we'll see.

    Reply
  7. Jenn @therebelchick

    July 23, 2012 at 4:28 pm

    Wow, that sunset looks amazing!

    Reply
  8. Amanda

    July 23, 2012 at 4:42 pm

    Those pictures look amazing! I love the basilica!

    Reply
  9. Jenn

    July 23, 2012 at 4:43 pm

    Such fun! Thanks for letting me live vicariously.

    Reply
  10. Penelope (NYC Blogger)

    July 23, 2012 at 4:54 pm

    Wow, it's gorgeous, I feel like I'm THERE!

    Reply
  11. Xenia @ Thanks, Mail Carrier

    July 23, 2012 at 5:08 pm

    Gorgeous! My husband and I spent quite a few days in Paris, but I'd love to head to Marseille one day as well!

    Reply
  12. Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy

    July 23, 2012 at 5:15 pm

    It looks amazing. I'd love to visit one day.

    Reply
  13. Cassie

    July 23, 2012 at 6:08 pm

    Again, I am jealous over this awesome trip and opportunity. What a fun place. France is on my must travel list! you pictures are beautiful.

    Reply
  14. Zipporah Sandler

    July 23, 2012 at 8:09 pm

    I've lived in France and go back yearly and have NEVER been to Marseille. After looking at your photos I know that I'll have to go check it out this year while I'm there.

    Reply
  15. Tesa @ 2 Wired 2 Tired

    July 23, 2012 at 8:53 pm

    Incredible! What an amazing trip. I love all of your photos, they are so bright and big. Makes me feel like I'm almost there. I'd love to visit France one day.

    Reply
  16. amber

    July 23, 2012 at 9:08 pm

    I love all of your fabulous photos. Looked like a wonderful trip!

    Reply
  17. Jennifer

    July 24, 2012 at 12:04 am

    omg those pastries!!! It looks like heaven

    Reply
  18. Notorious Spinks

    July 24, 2012 at 2:09 am

    You pictures are so beautiful! Glad you all enjoyed.

    Reply
  19. Our Small Hours

    July 24, 2012 at 1:02 pm

    Breathtaking photos! Thanks so much for sharing your travels!

    Reply
  20. HilLesha

    July 24, 2012 at 5:32 pm

    Very nice! I love that picture of the sunset.

    Reply
  21. Maggie

    July 24, 2012 at 8:46 pm

    Oh how wonderful! Lucky girls!

    Reply
  22. Emily @FamilyNLifeLV

    July 24, 2012 at 9:23 pm

    The pictures look amazing! You make me want to go so bad!! Love the desserts!

    Reply
  23. Connie

    July 25, 2012 at 12:48 am

    OMG, so jealous! It looks stunning and your pics are amazing. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  24. debra

    July 25, 2012 at 2:54 am

    Such gorgeous photos! Ah,, ca me manque beaucoup. I really want to go back! And the food...

    Reply
  25. Marcie W.

    July 25, 2012 at 12:43 pm

    What amazing pictures and I'm glad you had a backup plan. I would certainly have pastries in France on my list as well.

    Reply
  26. Kelly

    July 25, 2012 at 3:39 pm

    Oh I'm so jealous! It looks like you both are just having an awesome time and I can imagine the food was amazing!

    Reply
  27. MomStart (Ashley)

    July 25, 2012 at 8:52 pm

    Oh my goodness! Such a gorgeous place!

    Reply
  28. Tricia Nightowlmama

    July 26, 2012 at 1:09 am

    WOW Oh wow. what a beautiful day and a fabulous visit. I don't think I could ever afford to travel like that so I'll just fantasize over your photos

    Reply
  29. Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins

    July 26, 2012 at 3:46 am

    Wow! Those are some beautiful pictures!

    Reply
  30. hidestination

    July 26, 2012 at 7:48 am

    Nice pics..awesome place. I would like to visit there.

    Reply
  31. Maggie

    July 27, 2012 at 10:40 am

    Look like you had a blast! France is on my travel bucket list!

    Reply
  32. Toni

    July 28, 2012 at 12:20 pm

    What a wonderful opportunity. My son was just invited for a 2 week trip next summer to England and France I am hoping we can swing it.

    Reply
  33. April Decheine

    July 28, 2012 at 12:28 pm

    I have always wanted to go to Marseille's, it looks so beautiful, you have some great tips and instructions!

    Reply
  34. Anne - Mommy Has to Work

    July 28, 2012 at 7:10 pm

    How fun and exciting!! I wanna go!

    Reply
  35. Kathleen

    July 28, 2012 at 8:13 pm

    So beautiful. I would love to visit one day. Looks like you are having a blast.

    Reply
  36. Colleen

    July 29, 2012 at 9:21 pm

    What an amazing trip for your daughter. I'm so scared to go somewhere where they speak a different language, how do you manage?

    Reply
  37. Orlando Investment Property

    July 30, 2012 at 12:44 am

    I wish i could go to France as well. It is included in my bucket list.

    Reply
  38. Stefani

    July 30, 2012 at 3:18 am

    You have such fun travels. I can't wait until I can see some of the places you have been to lately.

    Reply
  39. Round Rock Powerstroke Diesel Performance

    July 30, 2012 at 6:40 am

    Nice photos. There is no better place for a romantic vacation than France.

    Reply
  40. Courtney

    August 03, 2012 at 11:18 pm

    Great pictures!

    Reply
  41. Lolo

    August 05, 2012 at 3:26 pm

    France is on my list of places I must visit.

    Reply
  42. Tricia Nightowlmama

    August 06, 2012 at 5:20 pm

    beautiful and amazing 1 day I'll take my family or atleast I hope to

    Reply
  43. Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins

    July 14, 2013 at 7:09 pm

    Oh how beautiful!

    Reply

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