A stunning city on the Mediterranean coast of south France...
During our route through the Balkan region, we were lucky enough to have some very good friends from Marseille and we decided to take a detour and headed for "Le Midi" known as South France. Now having friends who are natives of Marseille really took our experience here to another level. The culture and the people in Marseille are a lot different from what you would get in Paris or North France. Nothing bad, we simply mentioned Paris as most who come to France will head to Paris, and Paris only. Like most countries, the south is a completely different lifestyle.
You can't miss all the life and action that goes on all around the port at any given day, filled with restaurants, bars, shops, a farmers market, and the hop on/hop off bus tours, you cannot go wrong just walking around the the Old Port of Marseille. You can catch views of the Notre-Dame de la Garde, from the port as well, located at the highest point in Marseille, even the Fort Saint-Jean, a fortification that sits near the Port entrance. Best advice we can give you is start off with the hop on/hop off buses to get a good feel of the city and see all the historic sights in a few hours. Once done, hit the streets by foot and start exploring. A very cool pub that is always lively and not over crowded is the O'Malley Pub, even cool to catch a soccer match here with nice views of the Marseille streets and the Old Port. If your lucky, you can catch our friend Anthony working, tell him Jorge & Carmen sent ya!
In the evenings the city of Marseille lights up and transforms into an awesome night life. Besides all the bars, don't forget... The French know food! The French cuisine is some of the best food we have tasted in the world! Believe it or not, Marseille even has some of the best Pizza as well, with Pizza trucks through out the city, there is lots to choose from. A good spot we recommend for some pizza is Le Bone Mère , and if you remember, pronounce Pizza as Pizze to sound like the locals. For a nice upscale restaurant but very fairly priced with an incredible French cuisine menu and a romantic atmosphere , try Le Grande Guste , where we tried grenouille for the first time, a delicacy in France known as frog legs, they were delicious! Don't limit yourself by judging any kind of food when traveling, experience it all or you will miss out!
Once you have explored all the historic sites, we strongly recommend you make time to explore a really cool trendy neighborhood called Le Cours Julien about a mile away from the Old Port. A very cool neighborhood to get lost in and roam the streets and cruise all the boutique shops and coffee shops. This is where you can do some damage shopping! You will pass through colorful streets with lots of culture, graffiti art and murals where ever you turn.
If you are feeling adventurous, come by Le Cours Julien for the night life. We did! Stop by one of many bars open for drinks and food, nothing but bars filled with locals and cool vibes. We do advise if venturing here in the night hours to be a little more self aware of your surroundings. Stay on well lit streets, as even us strolling through with our native friends, we still went up a pretty shady street where a bicycle frame flew across our face! It was not directed to us, just a argument we happen to witness and pass by at the wrong time, but other then that, its like going out at your hometown hipster neighborhood at night filled with tons of diversity and life!
Comments