La Rochelle
France’s second largest city and the capital of the Provence- Côte d'Azur region, the cosmopolitan city of Marseille lies on the southeast coast of France.
A delightful blend of history, outstanding seafood, culture and heritageFrance’s second largest city and the capital of the Provence- Côte d'Azur region, the cosmopolitan city of Marseille lies on the southeast coast of France. As France’s most important port, Marseille boasts connections with Africa, Italy and Spain. The strong mistral wind blows away all traces of pollution and provides a clarity of air so pure that many famous artists have been attracted to the city: Cézanne; Braque; Derain; Dufy and Marquet. Although Marseille is the economic and industrial capital of France , it manages to remain true to its own traditions and culture, reflected in the Marseille way of life and its numerous museums, theatres and opera houses. If you choose to leave your MSC cruise ship you really will be spoiled for choice during this part of your Mediterranean cruise vacation. Marseille itself is one of the most vital cities in Provence – a delightful blend of history, outstanding seafood, culture and heritage. Food-lovers will be eager to try the city‘s world famous dish, the tempting ‘bouillabaisse’ with its six different types of fish. Passengers already familiar with Marseille are invited to join us on our vacation excursion packages that take you further afield. From the cultural hotspot that is Aix-en-Provence to the charming town of Cassis, you will enjoy the best deals on all local attractions. Book-lovers may wish to swap one marine ship for another and hop on a boat transfer to the island of Chateau d’If, home to Alexandre Dumas’ fictional legend, the Count of Monte Cristo.
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Directions
A bus shuttle service and a taxi service to the city center is available.
Port average temperature
The city has a temperate continental climate. Owing to the mitigating influence of the Baltic sea and Gulf stream, temperatures in winter are much higher than the northern location might suggest, with the average in January and February around −5°C. Temperatures below −20°C occur normally a week or two in a year. However, because of the latitude, days lasts less than six hours in the winter solstice, and the very cloudy weather at this time of year accentuates the darkness. Conversely, Helsinki enjoys long days in summer, almost nineteen hours at the summer solstice. The average maximum temperature from June through August is around 19 to 21°C. The highest temperature ever recorded at city centre was 31.6°C on July 18, 1945 and the lowest was −34.3°C on January 10, 1987
The temperate figures shown are based on monthly average weather conditions for the selected port. Weather data is not real-time, and sometimes no data is shown for a specific date, month or port in general.
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LRH01 - A VISIT TO LA ROCHELLE - 4 hours - 2012
The handsome city of La Rochelle is situated in the Charente-Maritime region of France, on the country's west coast. We will leave the port for a short coach drive along the new fishing harbour and the Gardens of the "Allée de Mail". Join a 2-hour walking tour around La Rochelle's atmospheric old town, learning about its mercantile and military past. Soak up the enchanting atmosphere as you wander the narrow streets paved with ancient stone slabs, vaulted passages, arcades and porches. Free time is scheduled for you to explore the vibrant pedestrian centre at leisure before returning to the ship.
Please note: limited number of guides in languages other than French. Should a tour guide for your language be unavailable, the tour will be provided in French only.
Price per person $88.00 Adults $62.00 Children
LRH02 - THE WHITE ISLAND OF RE - 4 hours - 2012 
Leave the port for the island of Ré, also known as the white island. After crossing the 3 km long bridge that links the island with the mainland, we will reach the Chateliers Abbey for a brief stop for photographs. We will continue to Saint Martin de Ré, the picturesque capital of the island and former active port and military stronghold where the narrow, cobbled streets retain their XVII century atmosphere. After a short guided walking tour you will have free time to explore this little village whose mansions and handsome residences reflect its opulent heritage. Next stop is Ars en Ré, a small village that nestles in the island's atmospheric salt marshes. We will explore this typical village, with its white-washed houses and colourful shutters. Once devoted to the salt trade, the small harbour today welcomes modern yachts and old sailing ships. The church's iconic bell-tower spire, painted black and white, is still used as a landmark by sailors. A scenic drive along the delightful coast of the island will take you back to La Rochelle. Please note: limited number of guides in languages other than French. Should a tour guide for your language be unavailable, the tour will be provided in French only.
Price per person $88.00 Adults $62.00 Children
LRH03 - COULON : GREEN VENICE - 4 hours - 2012
At the heart of the French Atlantic coast, the marshland known as the "Marais Poitevin" lies in the area of a former sea gulf that has been developed by man over the past ten centuries. A one-hour coach drive will take us near to the village of Coulon where, at La Repentie de Magne, we will board a traditional flat-bottomed boat for a one-hour trip across the Poitevin Marshes to explore its fauna and flora. Have your cameras at the ready as you could take pictures of ducks, coypus (a type of beaver), frogs, or even the noble grey heron. Your boat ride will end at the pretty village of Coulon, which is considered as the capital of this area and also referred to as "Green Venice". At Coulon, the Sèvre Niortaise River flows peacefully between quays lined with boatmen's houses, lovely shops as well as cafés and restaurants. Free time to stroll the streets of the village and return to La Rochelle.Please note: limited number of guides in languages other than French. Should a tour guide for your language be unavailable, the tour will be provided in French only. The boat section of the tour is unguided. This tour may be affected by bad weather and reconfirmed directly onboard. This tour is not recommended for guests with mobility problems or in a wheelchair.
Price per person $107.00 Adults $75.00 Children
LRH04 - LA ROCHE COURBON CASTLE & GARDENS - 4 hours - 2012 
This half-day tour takes in one of the most visited sites of the Charente Maritime region: the famous castle of La Roche-Courbon, also referred to as "Sleeping Beauty's Castle". A one-hour coach drive will take you to this beautiful fairytale "chateau", built in 1475. The name is derived from "La Roche", the rock on which it is built, and the name of the family "Courbon" who lived here for more than three centuries. Enjoy a guided tour of the Castle with its opulent, beautifully furnished and decorated rooms; admire the drawing room with painted wood panels that date back to 1662, the Louis XIII room with painted wooden beams and the impressive kitchen with its battalion of copper pans. Our tour continues with a visit to the elegant formal gardens, designed in the style of André Le Notre, who created the landscapes at Versailles. Enjoy some free time before returning to the port.
Please note: Limited number of guides in languages other than French. Should a tour guide for your language be unavailable, the tour will be provided in French only.
Price per person $107.00 Adults $75.00 Children
LRH05 - Sightseeing of La Rochelle & Cognac Tasting - 4 hours - 2012 After leaving the port, the coach will take you on a tour along the "Port Neuf" district and the gardens of the "Allée de Mail". The tour continues with a short stop at the WWII German Submarine Base before reaching the centre of La Rochelle. Upon leaving the coach at Saint-Sauveur Church, you can walk around the atmospheric old town for about 1 hour, learning about its mercantile and military past. Soak up the enchanting atmosphere as you explore the narrow streets paved with ancient stone slabs and amble through vaulted passages, arcades and porches. Next, a short coach transfer will take you to the "Château de La Péraudière", a winery owned by the Normandin-Mercier family. You can look forward to a guided tour of the cognac distillery as well as the ageing cellars. The viewing will come to a close with a chance to sample some winery produce (cognac & Pineau des Charentes) before returning to the ship.Please note: limited number of guides in languages other than French. Should a tour guide for your language be unavailable, the tour will be provided in French only.
Price per person $101.00 Adults $71.00 Children
The excursions in the program above are intended to provide MSC Guests with an idea of the different tours that can be arranged in each port of call; this program is merely a guide and confirmation of each excursion and its description and prices will be made during your cruise. Full information can be found in the onboard Tour Magazine.
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