October 30 2020

France: Aix en Provence

“A pocket of left-bank Parisian chic deep in Provence, Aix (pronounced like the letter X) is all class: its leafy boulevards and public squares are lined with 17th- and 18th-century mansions, punctuated by gurgling moss-covered fountains. Haughty stone lions guard its grandest avenue, cafe-laced cours Mirabeau, where fashionable Aixois pose on polished pavement terraces, sipping espresso. While Aix is a student hub, its upmarket appeal makes it pricier than other Provençal towns.” – Lonely Planet

Aix-en-Provence

Coming

There are no airports that service Aix-en-Provence. The nearest is in Marseille which is a short bus or train ride away.

Check the SNCF website for schedules and prices on trains and make sure to validate your ticket before boarding the train.

You can go to Check My Bus for information on buses.

If you’re taking a day trip, sometimes it is the most convenient to mix and match the bus and train based on schedules.

Traditional Restaurants in Aix-en-Provence

Local Picks for Restaurants

Eating

Sleeping

Where to stay

15 best Things To Do in Aix-en-Provence

Doing

Staying

A common day trip but you could stay a day or two if you get out to the surrounding areas as well.

Marseille is to the South and the closest large city. You also have the city of Nice and the rest of the French Riviera not too far off to the East and Montpellier to the West. All of the rest of France is northwards.

Going

October 28 2020

France: Nice

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“With its mix of real-city grit, old-world opulence, year-round sunshine, vibrant street life and stunning seaside location, no place in France compares with Nice.” – Lonely Planet

Nice

Coming

Cote d’Azur Airport is the busiest in France behind both Parisian airports, highlighting the popularity of this destination.

Arriving by train is a very common and convenient way to arrive if coming from Europe. Gare de Nice Ville is the main train station and located near the city center. Visit SNCF website for schedules and pricing. Make sure to validate your ticket before boarding – despite the ticket listing your date and departure time you will still be fined if you do not validate. Look for machines near the platforms, watch fellow passengers or ask anyone to point you in the right direction.

Use Check My Bus to compare the different bus companies available. You will arrive at Gare Routiere where you can then take Tram Line #1 or a taxi into the center.

If you’re coming from Corsica you can take the ferry to the port.

10 things to try in Nice, France

Where To Eat In Nice France

Eating

Sleeping

Where to stay

15 best things to do in Nice

11 day trips from Nice

Monaco (coming soon on Roam Wild)

Doing

Staying

2 – 3 days to see the sights and go on day trips

Head to Monaco if you haven’t already or straight through to Italy. If you’re headed west then Marseille is your next stop.

Going

Julian Hochgesang on Unsplash

October 26 2020

France: Marseille

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“Grit and grandeur coexist seamlessly in Marseille, an exuberantly multicultural port city with a pedigree stretching back to classical Greece and a fair claim to the mantle of France’s second city. Once seen as somewhat dirty and dangerous, and lacking the glamour of Cannes or St-Tropez, this black sheep of the Provençal coastline has blossomed in cultural confidence since its 2013 stint as the European Capital of Culture. The addition of a brace of swanky new museums is just the outward sign of an optimism and self-belief that’s almost palpable.” – Lonely Planet

Marseille

Coming

Marseille is easily reached by air, water, road or rail. As a major European city it is serviced by both nudget and major airlines.

Airport Shuttle buses run from 4:10 am – 23:30, takes 30 minutes, costs €8.30 one-way and drops you at the train station. Buy your tickets upon arrival in multiple places around the airport.

One of the best ways is to arrive by France’s high speed train network. Gare de Marseille-Saint-Charles is a large hub for regional and national travel. Visit the SNCF website for information on tickets and schedules. Be sure to always validate your ticket! You will see machines before the platforms where you punch your ticket before boarding. Even though your ticket says the time and date of your train, if you do not validate you will still be issued a fine for not validating.

Check My Bus is a great tool for checking prices and schedules as sometimes buses can be cheaper and faster.

If you’re coming by sea then you can check ferry prices and schedules HERE.