Marseille, you say?
Marseille is a destination that might have not crossed your mind, but is an experience worth getting to know. In the middle of France’s Mediterranean coastline, strategically located halfway between France and Spain and surrounded by the gorgeous Provence countryside, you’ll find this unique city. Long dominated by foreign forces and an important history as a capital of the Occitan people and then a maritime hub of the Mediterranean, the city has been formed by numerous influences and cultures.
Like all of the Mediterranean port towns, Marseille has a rough edge to it that is exciting and appealing. It’s not the cleanest city in France, nor the most modern (though it has seen a number of upgrades over the past decade) but it it definitely one of the most vibrant and interesting to visit.
Marseille is the second largest city in France and has always been fiercely independent- making it not only geographically distant from Paris but also culturally. The city has a a young and international population and a definitely relaxed feel to it. The summer-all-year-long (well, almost) climate is perfect for the outdoor cafés that seem to be permanently packed with people, from businessmen to university students as well as tourists and immigrants from all corners of the world.
We love Marseille for its laid-back feel and quirky atmosphere. Some of our favorite reasons for visiting are:
1) Pastis in the cafés. This anice flavored liquor, diluted with water and ice is the official drink of Marseille. Morning, noon and night, but especially during the long pre-dinner drink time of day (the Aperitif), the Marseillaise can be found enjoying the ritual of a glass (or two, or three) of Pastis over conversation and bowls of local olives. Observe how the regulars prepare theirs then follow suit- you’ll fit right in immediately.
2) The Markets. The colorful ethnic market Le Marche de Noailles will make you feel like you’re in an exotic foreign location instead of France. The characteristic fish market in the Old Port (see below) is only open in the mornings and is a great place to people watch the locals. In the summer months on weekends there is also a small typically French crafts market (Les Artisanales du Vieux-Port) where you can find handmade goods and products. On weekends you can also find various flea markets (Le Marché aux puces) throughout the city- treasures abound if you are persistent!
3) The food! If you like garlic, this is your mecca. Aïoli (garlic permeated mayonnaise) is on every table, served with crusty bread or vegetables. The tomato and seafood based bouillabaisse is a hearty soup traditionally made from less prized fish that the local fishermen were unable to sell. Again, garlic and the local provençal spices abound. In general all the seafood is prepared exquisitely- one of the advantages of being a port town. Ethnic food is available and very good, thanks to the large population of immigrants.
4) Rosè wines. No one knows how to make rosè wines like the French and no place in France makes more enjoyable roses than in the south of France. Trust us.
5) The architecture. As the 2013 European Capital of Culture, Marseille was modernized with a number of architecturally fascinating buildings. The contemporary structures in such a quintessential port town make for a very interesting contrast. In this video (link here) you can get an idea of the variety of architecture found in the city.
6) The Charming Old Port (Vieux Port) which quickly became too small for the town’s rapid growth, maintains a quaint character. Located in the center of the city, you can easily catch ferries to the Frioul archipelago including The Isle of If (Île d’If) In addition to its cool name (‘If Island’), it houses the prison that Dumas based his classic literary book The Count of Monte Cristo on. The islands are beautiful, with lovely waters (but cold!) to swim in, and you can visit the fortress that was eventually turned into a prison.
7) Its strategic location:
- Les Calanques: located just east of Marseille and easily reached by public transportation, is a hiker’s paradise. A network of trails cross breathtakingly beautiful and steep cliffs lead down to the bluest Mediterranean waters and scenic fisherman villages.
- Provence: Marseille is technically in the region of Provence but is definitely not all orderly rows of lavender and panoramic hill towns. For that, you’ll have to drive, or take the train, to the scenic nearby towns of Arles, Aix en Provence, St. Remy, Isle Sur La Sorgue… and the list goes on.
- The rest of Europe. Marseille is smack-dab in the middle of the French coast. Spain and Italy are close by, there are regular ferries to the gorgeous french island of Corsica and train and highway connections to non-Mediterranean Europe.
8) The weather. It’s almost always fabulous.
Marseille is finally growing up to be a well-rounded city but it still keeps enough of its youthful charm and grit to intoxicate you with its lively exuberance. We love it (and not only for the rosè)!
Bella Vita can organize a stopover tour or a full week (or more) exploring Marseille and its surroundings incorporated into your Bella Vita itinerary. We love to share our enthusiasm for unique and off-the-beaten-path destinations in the Mediterranean. Send us an email and let’s get started!
