Marseille Shore Excursion: Marseille and Aix-en-Provence

During your cruise stop in Marseille, meet your guide at the portside and board your air-conditioned vehicle for your full-day tour of Marseille and Aix-en-Provence.

Admire the views of Provence’s delightful countryside as you travel to your first destination: charming Aix-en-Provence. Stretch your legs along the Cours Mirabeau, Aix’s elegant main thoroughfare. View the 17th- and 18th-century mansions that flank the street, and delve into the Old Town (Vieil Aix) to see its ornate fountains and pretty squares, and perhaps stroll through a colorful street market.

Enjoy free time to explore independently, and if you wish, visit the Atelier Paul Cézanne (own expense), the last studio of Aix’s native son and Impressionist painter, where he created masterly works such as Les Grandes Baigneuses.

Next, return to Marseille for a panoramic tour of France’s oldest city. Stop for photos at the Notre Dame Basilica (Notre-Dame de la Garde) a hilltop 19th-century church with spectacular views over Marseilles, the Mediterranean beyond, and the Chateau d’If, the island fortress immortalized in Alexander Dumas’ 1844 novel The Count of Monte Cristo.

Then, follow the scenic Corniche road past sandy beaches and grand 19th-century houses, and stop by at the 11th-century Abbey of St Victor (Abbaye Saint Victor) at the entrance to the picturesque Old Port (Vieux Port). Hear about its fascinating history and how its crypt houses many tombs and saintly relics including a revered Black Madonna.

Afterward, end your shore excursion with a drop-off at the port.

Worry-Free Shore Excursion:We will ensure your timely return to the Marseille port for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.