Toulouse to Marseille by Train, Episode 401

08/07/22 • 51 min

Are you looking to go from Toulouse to Marseille on the train? Kelly Young has some tips for you, including what to do when the train takes a very brief stop somewhere! This was a bit of a whirlwind trip going to 5 cities in 11 days. Kelly would also like to move to France some day, so they are looking at possibly moving to France at some point.

The family of 5 decided they're more interested in the south of France than in Paris. It's great (and unusual) to hear someone who hasn't been to Paris several times before visiting Toulouse!

Things you need to know about taking trains in France

If you've never taken the train in France, be aware that they don't post the number of the train track until about 20 minutes before the train departs. If you arrive at the train station early, look around at the different tracks and how to get to them. Listen to the episode for details on how to handle trains stations for your first time in France.

About Marseille

Marseille is a large city. It feels like a European New York, it's a big city, it's loud, there are ambulances, etc. But if you're looking for a city with diversity, Marseille is perfect and everybody was really friendly.

If you are looking to explore France using public transportation, be aware that taking the bus between Marseille and Aix was really easy. The bus is also a great way to get around in France if you're willing to go out of your comfort zone which clearly Kelly and her family were!

Recommended in this episode

Hôtel des Grands Balcons in Toulouse

Hire Elyse to give you a tour of Toulouse

Best Western in Carcassonne

Table of Contents for this Episode

The family of 5 decided they're more interested in the south of France than in Paris. It's great (and unusual) to hear someone who hasn't been to Paris several times before visiting Toulouse!

Things you need to know about taking trains in France

About Marseille

Recommended in this episode

Hôtel des Grands Balcons in Toulouse

Hire Elyse to give you a tour of Toulouse

Best Western in Carcassonne

Table of Contents for this Episode

Previous Episode

L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Episode 400

Are you thinking of visiting L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Fontaine de Vaucluse? Listen to this episode to understand what it'll be like and make your plans!

Episode Page | Transcript

Table of Contents for this Episode

Next Episode

The Napoleon Route, a Scenic Drive in France, Episode 402

Today Annie Sargent talks with Brian Revel about a trip he took in France with his father on the theme of the Napoleon Route.

The Villages on the Napoleon Route

This route takes visitors from the Mediterranean all the way to Grenoble in the Alps. It is spectacular because the landscapes are ever changing and often breathtaking.

The big hits are the village of Castellane in the Verdon, Tauleanne, Senez and Barrême, Chabrieres, Sisteron, Gap and all the way up the Rhone.

And since it's all tied to the steps of a fallen Emperor making his way back up to Paris to reclaim what he saw as his rightful place makes it a wonderful story.

Accommodations Recommended in this Episode

La Maison du Bois Doré B&B in Montagnac-Montpezat

For a Deeper Dive into the Napoleon Route

Des Racines et des Ailes brief summary of the Napoleon Route on YouTube (in French).

The authentic way to retrace the steps of Napoleon is to walk it. This is the walking path between Castellae and Sisteron called GR 406.

You'd rather ride or drive it? Look for la Route des Grandes Alpes between Lac Léman in Switzerland and Nice.

You get the idea, there are many ways to do this!

Bastille Day in Paris

Brian spent Bastille Day in Paris and shares tips on where to stand to watch the parade. It is also quite different in Paris than in other parts of France.

Table of Contents for this Episode