Last 2 nights of Southern France trip

[chachalaca]

Hello ST friends,

We are heading to Provence at the end of September where we'll stay for two weeks. That qualifies as "slow". Less slow is the following 5 nights in Cassis. But, after that it's a rush. Can someone suggest a good plan for the last two nights before we fly home from Marseilles?

We've considered staying in Marseilles (never been), but two nights translates into one full day. Is that worth it?

We're open to any and all suggestions that do or do not include the city. We're looking for something culturally rich rather than hyped and rushed. We will have a car and we'll be heading west from Cassis.

A secondary question: We are also looking for your best bouillabaise restaurant anywhere from around Cassis to Marseilles, and I know we need to book ahead and that it's a pricey dinner.

This is our first real post-CoVid trip back to France, where we're on our own itinerary and have less family obligations at home. We're so excited to be planning a trip again.

Thank you in advance,
Laura

 

[dayhiker]

When we were in Provence a few years ago, we had planned a day trip to Marseilles from Aix-en-Provence, but the political climate took a turn for the worse and Marseilles was not a recommended destination at the time. Marseilles has quite a history, churches, art, good food. Look up "1 day in Marseilles" to see if there is enough for you. There certainly would have been more than enough for us. An alternative if you want a long drive to the other side of Marseilles is the Camarque area. We drove there as a day trip from Saint Remy de Provence and visited the Parc Ornithologique du Pont de Gau, one of the best places in Europe to observe pink flamingos in their natural habitat. We were also there at the end of September and found hundreds if not a thousand flamingos! Whatever you choose, enjoy!

 

[Galgano]

When we were in Provence a few years ago, we had planned a day trip to Marseilles from Aix-en-Provence, but the political climate took a turn for the worse and Marseilles was not a recommended destination at the time. Marseilles has quite a history, churches, art, good food. Look up "1 day in Marseilles" to see if there is enough for you. There certainly would have been more than enough for us. An alternative if you want a long drive to the other side of Marseilles is the Camarque area. We drove there as a day trip from Saint Remy de Provence and visited the Parc Ornithologique du Pont de Gau, one of the best places in Europe to observe pink flamingos in their natural habitat. We were also there at the end of September and found hundreds if not a thousand flamingos! Whatever you choose, enjoy!

I would have recommended the Camarque as well; however, it could be a long drive. We also saw thousands of flamingos, bulls and the salt fields.