We have 5 days in Provence on our own. I booked 3 nights in Marseille and 2 in Aix-en-Provence. That was my first mistake. Aix is not that far away but with much less traffic. Which brings me to Mistake #2. We rented a car at the Marseille airport and got to experience the thrill ride that is driving in France. Getting into the city center was challenging enough, with exits coming and going and Siri telling us where to go (allegedly), then rerouting us when we miss the turn. Which we did a lot. Stress level was about a 5. Then we got into the city center and stress rose to 10+! The streets are narrow and the cars are numerous. French drivers are insane, IMO, but they probably think Grandpa has come to town when they get near us. Street signs are on buildings, traffic is a nightmare, and there is NO parking at the hotel. There is not even a place to unload luggage! After driving around in the general vicinity of the hotel, we located a parking garage across the street from the hotel. Cost is €30 per day. But it has the advantage of being close. When we checked in we were told of a cheaper lot 100 meters away, and Bob has now gone to move the car. It took both of us to get here - me to navigate and him to try to avoid hitting anybody or anything. I hope he can pull this off sans moi because the deductible on the car is €1500! My insurance agent at home told me to take it because we're not covered in Europe. Is that a normal thing or do we just have crappy insurance?
We are staying at the Vieux Port (Old port), which is smack dab in the middle of the city center and a block from the sea. The room is quite small (compared to the huge rooms we've been accustomed to with Grand Circle. After 13 trips with them we tend to get the best rooms.) but seems comfortable and has all the necessary amenities. So we're happy with the hotel, despite the lack of parking.
The view is not bad, but you can't see the Med. from our balcony. Love the balcony!
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