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You can never mistake it with Paris, nor Lyon, Marseille is without a doubt, unique. Nestled deep in the heart of Provence along the Meditteranean Sea, this beautiful port-city is something special. A melting pot of cultures from all over the world combines to create an atmosphere rivalled by few. Marseille, due to its location, has long been popular with cruise ships and their passengers stopping by for a few hours. Yet, I feel that with a little extra time you can experience a different side to Marseille. It could very possibly become your favourite city in all of France. The following 5 Reasons To Visit Marseille will certainly show you the best the city has to offer.
1. The Food
As is the case with all French cities, the cuisine is a huge draw. Marseille has some fantastic food on offer, none more so than their regional dish, Bouillabaisse. A traditional fish stew containing the freshest of catches from the sea, Bouillabaisse often contains 5 or 7 different species of fish and shellfish and, although it can be expensive, it is a meal you will never forget. Marseille also makes a claim to be the home of pizza. While I don’t know how true that actually is, it means there are a huge amount of old-school, delicious pizza restaurants throughout the city. One thing is for sure, you will never go hungry during your time there.
2. The Diversity/Non-French Feel
As the saying goes, it’s France but it’s not France. Being a port city, Marseille has always been open to immigrants coming across the waters from Africa and the Middle East. It is often the first stop for many, and a huge amount of people decided to stay there. It has given the city a bad reputation in many ways. However, I think that the edge this provides makes the city even more special. Marseille is a melting pot of cultures. Like so often happens, the city has managed to extract many of the best parts of these cultures and combine them to make Marseille a better place for all.
3. The Old Port & Marina
The epicentre of tourism in Marseille is the Old Port and Marina area. Yes, it is a bit over the top at times. This so often happens when cruise ships roll up but look past that and you will see the beauty that surrounds you. You don’t need to buy a €10 ice-cream to enjoy that. Be sure the take a walk along the coast. Walk from the old port to the new and see first-hand how Marseille is changing, something which is not always for the better.
4. Chateau d’If
In my opinion, this is Marseille’s best attraction and one that is surprisingly not overcrowded. A short and scenic boat journey into the Meditteranean sea and you will arrive at the island of If. This tiny island houses Chateau d’If, an old island prison. It is said to be the inspiration behind Alexandre Dumas’ famous story, The Count of Monte Cristo. As well as taking a look around the old and mostly worn prison, you get the best view of Marseille possible. Both the boat journey and the island itself makes for the perfect way to enjoy the fantastic weather Marseille so often has.
5. Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
Built on the foundations of an ancient fort at the highest natural point in Marseille. This Catholic Basilica is the most visited tourist attraction in the city. The basilica consists of a lower church or crypt carved from the rock, and an upper church decorated with beautiful mosaics. Not only is the Basilica fascinating to visit but it also gives you amazing views of the city and its surrounding landscape.
Of course, this is just for me, my main 5 reasons to visit Marseille. The city has so much more to offer than just this, should you have the time and be interested. There is the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations, Palais Longchamp, Cathédrale La Major as well as the nearby national park, Massif des Calanques. Marseille also gives visitors the opportunity to take a day trip into Provence itself or take the bus to the millionaire’s haven of Monaco. There is no doubting that visiting Marseille will be everything you hoped it would be and more. Marseille is a true Mediterranean marvel.
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