Sunday, September 6, 2009

Marseille and the French Riviera

This itinerary includes places that I think are worth visiting in Marseille and the French Riviera. It's a 7-day trip including Monaco. The cost of this 7-day trip is RM2000 including return air tickets from London to France, accommodation, car rental, petrol, and public transportation at some places, and enrance tickets. It does, of course, exclude meals as I think everyone has different expectations and requirements for food. So, if you can get the AirAsia return tickets to London for RM1800 or even RM2000, this trip will only cost you RM4000 the most, excluding meals and shopping. If you have got friends, say, 4 of you travelling together, the cost will be cheaper as you can stay at apartments instead of hotels. Also, you share the cost of car rental and petrol. However, if you would like to go with just one partner, then, you can let me know your date of departure. I will try to get better deals, if possible.


OK. First, you will fly with AirAsia and arrive London at night. You will stay at the airport hotel and take the 8.15 a.m. flight to Marseille, the second biggest city in France. It is famous for its harbour and stunning Mediterranean coastline. The first 'must see' place is the Vieux Port (Old Port of Marseille). It has been used by the Phocaeans (Greeks from Phocaea) since 600BC but it functions mostly as a private marina nowadays.






From there, you will walk to Le Panier and take a stroll through the old Marseille. It's a hillside maze of narrow streets, steep steps and colourful Mediterranean facades.







You will then reach the Vieille Charite. It was used as a barracks, a soldiers' rest home, and low cost housing for people who had lost their during the WW2. It is now a museum and cultural centre. It houses a number of different cultural and educational resources: Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology, The Museum of Art of Africa, Ocenia, and Amerindia.







Next, you will get to Place de Lenche, a lively square which overlooks the Viex Port.You will then go to the Notre Dame de la Garde by bus from Vieux Port. It is situated at the highest point in Marseille, and thus, you'll get the most breathtaking panorama view of the city.






After that, you will go to Cours Julien, the trendy area of Marseille. You'll find fountains, sidewalk cafes, restaurants and boutiques there.







The B&B that you will be staying at is located in a prime spot for visiting Marseille on foot. That's one of the reasons I choose this hotel so that you don't have to walk until you can't feel your feet. LOL!!! You will stay in en suite studio rooms.


This is how the B&B looks like from the outside.






Day 2:

You will go to collect the car that you have booked before going to Marseille. Then, you will drive to visit one of the most beautiful villages in France.







You will then spend some time exploring this medieval village. It has a wonderful selection of shops selling local products.







One of the 'must see' is the superb fortress. As you can see, it's located on top of the hill.







What next? Warfare machines! There are gigantic siege machines which are built to the actual size according to 13th century sketches on display in the village. You will get to understand medieval military tactics and handle these spectacular machines! Cool, eh?










You will then drive to the next B&B. It's a traditional house with private garden and a small swimming pool. The brekkie (French continental breakfast with homemade jams and bread)will be prepared by the owners who live in the house.








Day 3:

You will continue your journey to one of France's most famous seaside resorts since the 1950's.





It's gonna be a HOT, HOT day! You will have lunch at this particular restaurant. Why must it be the place? Well, it's because this restaurant is located at THE place if you want to see and be seen!!! You can watch the world goes by while having your lunch there. You will see people, rich people, I mean, having lunch on their luxurious yachts, elegant blonds going about their daily rituals......




You should also go to this beach. It's a very HOT place! It's a favourite among the rich and the famous. Luxury golden sands....This is THE place to go if you wanna sunbath topless.......wanna try???
After checking out the town centre, you will check into the hotel that you have booked.







Day 4:

You will drive to another medival village. It's very special as it perches like an eagle's nest on a narrow rocky peak overlooking the Mediterranean sea. The ancient fortified village is still crowned with the ruins of its 12th century fortified castle.







After that, you will drive to Nice (famous for the rich blue-green sea, diverse shopping, and splendid dining) and return your car to the car rental company. You do not need a car from now on as this is your base for the next 2 days. The hotel that I have chosen is near the train station, so you don't have to worry about travelling without a car.








If you are still energetic after spending the day at the medieval village, you can stroll along Promenade des Anglais. It's a great place for romantic stroll.






Day 5:

It's the Promedane des Anglais again. It's such a fantastic place that you have to take a stroll during the day and night. It's almost 3 miles long so if you want, you can hire a bicycle to check the place out. There are chairs and benches along the promenade and thus, you can sit down....relax....and start people watching again. You will see people parachuting, among other sports, picnicking, posing for pictures.... Enough of people watching? Then go to the other side of the road where you will find heaps of cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and also, the world-famous Negresco Hotel.







As you stroll along the promenade, you will get to old port.





Vieux Nice, near the port, is definitely a good place to stroll. You have to check this market out for sure. You will see gorgeous displays of fruits, vegetables, cheese, flowers and many more.



It's also a happening place during the night.
Day 6:
You will travel to Monte Carlo, Monaco. It's a place which is well-known for its casinos, luxurious yachts, and for sightings of the rich and famous. It's not far. Just hop on a bus and pay 2.60Euros for a round trip. You will reach Monte Carlo in 30minutes' time. Easy, rite? It's not a big city (country) so visiting the place can be done on foot.
A trip to Monte Carlo is not completed without going to the Grand Casino. Go and see how the rich and famous gamble. Or.....you can try your luck there, too! Who knows you will hit the jackpot there? Hehe.... If you wanna go into the casino, then please remember to bring along your passport, OK?

Day 7:

It's the last day and you can hit the town centre again and do some last minute shopping, if you have left anything out. Just relax and check out whatever that you wanna see or do whatever you wanna do before you leave this charming place. You will then fly back to London for the night flight back to Malaysia with AirAsia.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you are interested with the itinerary. I can modify it to suit your requirements.