Marseille train to Avignon. Reliable?

[Over from NZ]

We've been to Marseille before. This time, we want to go to Avignon and see the Palace of the popes and Fort Saint Andre. We've found an excursion that would be ideal.. but there's been no other takers to join us and it's too expensive on our own. So we're thinking of taking the train from Marseille to Avignon. Would then get an uber or taxi from the train station to the Place/Castle. Are the trains in France reliable? Have looked at thetrainline.com and we could have about 5.5 hours there and be back just under 2-hours before the ship is due to leave. Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. 

[marazul]

The trains are very reliable in normal circumstances. 

Hopefully,  the current upheavals will be over by the time you go.

[edinburgher]

So we're thinking of taking the train from Marseille to Avignon

 

 As Marazul has already stated, the current wave of strikes are affecting daily life in France and transport strikes are currently quite common especially as these are "general" strikes as opposed to only local ones.  As the French Govt does not want pension ages to stay the same as they are now, and union members are still protesting,  with neither side wanting to concede there is no way of knowing when the strikes will end. Previous French Govts. have tried and failed to bring in the same changes, but Macron doesn't want the plan to fail again and this puts a big question mark over the end date.  (but you didn't state YOUR date and it may be very soon or not for ages yet.)

Protesters are trying to bring France to a standstill, so  a general strike can impact flights, trains, public buses, metros etc. in which case It may be best to have a "Plan B" in place for your date in case there is a strike that day.  Maybe you could look at sightseeing within the city as a back up and have a stress free day without worrying about getting back o Marseille.  You visited once before but the city is big and there may be other sightseeing options you could explore, including boat trips to the Chateau d'If or to the calanques of Cassis?

 

And check online from time to time for any information on strikes already announced for future dates.

 

 

Edited March 26, 2023 by edinburgher

[buckeye7]

8 hours ago, edinburgher said:

there may be other sightseeing options you could explore, including boat trips to the Chateau d'If or to the calanques of Cassis?

Can I jump in and ask a question here? We will be in port in Marseille in late May (the current trouble will likely be resolved, but Plan B is always good.)  We planned to take a train to Cassis. Are there other options for transportation to get there? Thank you!

[Over from NZ]

Thanks for that. Hadn't factored the strikes. That aside.. sounds like it's a reasonable idea to get there? And when we get there.. do you think uber/taxis will be a realistic way to get from the train station to the sights? 

[marazul]

Yes. Taxis are fine. Your should plan work well. 

[edinburgher]

We planned to take a train to Cassis. Are there other options for transportation to get there?

 

there are also public buses, but in the event of a general strike, these too would probably be affected.  Otherwise, taxi or rental car would be alternatives.

 

For what reason would you be going to Cassis? Iif it is to take a boat trip around the calanques,depending on the time of year  these are also offered  from Marseille.  There should be info to be found online if you search..

[Dancer Bob]

SNCF has a very generous plan and is a prime target. The union is juggling between pressuring the government and losing the people who are going to have to pay for it- many don't even have full-time jobs.

SNCF-Connect.com publishes schedules at 17.00 the day before. You have to go through several menus to get to Provence region. This is happening often enough they're getting xell-organised.

Edited March 27, 2023 by Dancer Bob

[edinburgher]

 

For what it's worth.

 

Heard from our French friends this morning.  They are driving  their way home today having had to visit a different city over the weekend for an important family event, and are trying to find fuel to top up their tank while they are on the motorway, as they say motorway filling stations are given priority for refuelling and they could find no fuel at all  locally before leaving home on Friday. I mention this only because  a shortage off fuel could impact taxis and private tour arrangements.

 

They are expecting strike action in France to get worse but didn't say why.

 

Today it is the turn of Germany to have a general  MEGA STRIK  which has almost paralysed the country and created travel chaos for millions.  And  some strike dates have been announced for March and April in Spain.

 

Perhaps cruise pax should consider staying more local to their ships as Plan A, and having travel to towns or cities outside of these ports as a potential Plan B, in the hope that strikes in several European countries will end before their arrival date. 

[sleepingcat]

this site is generally the go to site for any info about European train travel, maintained by someone who has done an awful lot of it. and all in English.

 

https://www.seat61.com

[Over from NZ]

6 hours ago, edinburgher said:

 

For what it's worth.

 

Heard from our French friends this morning.  They are driving  their way home today having had to visit a different city over the weekend for an important family event, and are trying to find fuel to top up their tank while they are on the motorway, as they say motorway filling stations are given priority for refuelling and they could find no fuel at all  locally before leaving home on Friday. I mention this only because  a shortage off fuel could impact taxis and private tour arrangements.

 

They are expecting strike action in France to get worse but didn't say why.

 

Today it is the turn of Germany to have a general  MEGA STRIK  which has almost paralysed the country and created travel chaos for millions.  And  some strike dates have been announced for March and April in Spain.

 

Perhaps cruise pax should consider staying more local to their ships as Plan A, and having travel to towns or cities outside of these ports as a potential Plan B, in the hope that strikes in several European countries will end before their arrival date. 

Thanks. We're going in June.. so hopefully they've sorted themselves out by then 🙂