Bandol Wine!

It is actually very easy to go by train. Don't listen to others I live here. Go to Marseille Blancarde train station (for local trains) and jump on the regular service. It takes 18 minutes.

Yes the one directly across the dock from the ship is a lot easier. It is however €16 EACH WAY (last year's prices). Per person. Ahem.

There was a sign last year just outside the dock gate directing walkers left to the beach and it said 20mn but I can do it in half that so... Les Sablettes is a nice wide long sandy beach and it never gets too packed, the limited parking just couldn't handle it!

If you feel that's too far though taxis come to the "La Seyne cruise dock" quite often and meet people at the ships. They all speak english well enough, but you will need to book them. There's a bus stop just outside too. We are there quite often to pick people up for wine tours so we know it well.

There are ferries going from the docking point but these are quite expensive at about 20 euros each way I gather. However if you go into La Seyne (ten min walk or 5€ on the diddy "train") you can catch the blue boat "bus"service across the bay which is 2€ per trip and a very frequent service.

There are lots of short boat trips going from the Old Port of Marseille going to Cassis via the incredible cliffs called Les Calanques which are a world heritage site. Don't forget to try the Cassis white wine!

The nearest beach to the La Seyne cruise dock is Les Sablettes. You can walk out and turn left and its a ten minute walk. Lots of restaurants on the beach too!