Here’s the latest on getting around town.
The navette to Pointe-Rouge is back in service after the winter break. It goes daily, on the hour, from the Quai des Belges (same as the boats to Frioul) and costs 3€ each way. The journey takes 40 mins each way, and if you are just doing it for a boat-ride, you have to get off at Pointe-Rouge while the driver has his cigarette, and then get back on again when it departs, on the hour. Or you can take a picnic to the beach and pick up a later shuttle. What a bargain! I read that last year, its first year in service, it had double the expected number of punters so there may well be queues, as indeed there were when I went on it. Not surprising – it’s a really scenic trip. The new navette service to l’Estaque starts on April 13th. Note that they don’t operate if the weather conditions are adverse.
In the Vieux Port, the solar-powered ferry has gone and is being replaced by the reconditioned old favourite the César. This takes people across the VP from outside the Hotel de Ville. I think the solar ferry is going to be used in the docks area but I don’t have this info yet.
Further up the Quai du Port is the new terminus for le Petit Train. This is operating daily 10-12, 14-16. It goes up to Notre Dame de la Garde where there is a 30 minute stop then it takes visitors a picturesque way back along the coast and over the little inlets like the pretty Anse des Auffes. It’s 7€ for adults 4€ for children. The Petit Train service through the Panier starts next month. There is also an electric bus service which runs around the VP and costs 50 centimes.
Has Le Petit Train changed sides of the port? Are you able to describe exactly where we take it from please? I found their website a bit confusing.
Hi – Le petit train has simply moved further up the same side of the VP. so if you are standing at the bottom of the Canebiere, facing the sea, turn right and follow the VP round, past the new Pavillon M and the hotel de ville and you will see the new terminus and kiosk for tickets. Right behind it, there is parking for tour buses and I think they will be bussing tourists off the cruise ships along to Le petit train. Having seen the size of some of these ships, I expect they will be busy!!