Marseille is one of my favorite cities to visit in France. Here’s the Times’ take on 36 Hours in Marseille. Wander the streets, climb the hill to the Basilica, enjoy the catch of the day, hop a boat to see the calanques, absorb the melting pot that is France’s second largest city. If you visit the Mediterranean coast, you would do yourself an injustice by not visiting Marseille.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
I had just finished reading the NYT article when I saw this post. I spent just a day in Marseille last year from a cruise ship, not even a day, and I was so wishing I had a few days there. Took me by surprise.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15788 posts
I spent a week on the French Riviera last month and my gateway city is Marseille, so I decided to spend my first 2 nights (1-1/2 days) there beforehand. My hotel was around the corner from the Vieux Port and when I had my first view of it on a sunny March day - WOW. I spent the afternoon walking and learning about (and buying) local products, especially soap. I had great pizza in a crowded, friendly informal restaurant in Le Panier, then went back in the morning for a long exploratory walk (hike really with all the ups and downs) and peeks at the glistening azure sea. After a Nicoise salad and a local white wine while enjoying a perfect view of the Vieux Port, I made my way up to the Basilica for breath-taking views and a good introduction to the mistral.
I have to repeat Philip's post: If you visit the Mediterranean coast, you would do yourself an injustice by not visiting Marseille.