One day in Marseille

If you've already been everywhere but Marseille, then it sounds like time to see Marseille. It has cleaned up its reputation in recent years, and even made it into Rick's books (Mediterranean Cruise Ports or Provence, but not the France book).

We were in Marseilles a few years ago and enjoyed the open air flea market a few blocks away from the harbor and the authentic Moroccan restaurants right there at the harbor.
Shelley

Thank you so much for the great advice! You've convinced me to visit Marseille. My husband had said the same exact thing so I'm ready to do my research.
Alex, I can only wish I could write as well in French as you do in English! I really love your advice. La Ciotat sounds perfect. Just the kind of place that we love. How do we get there? I'll check out your web links.
I was wondering if there are ferries to La Calanque. You've answered my question about that as well. I found a tourist train, which may sound corny, but it picks up passengers right at the port and goes around Marseille past the major sites and up to your beautiful cathedral. I like the idea because we won't have to climb the steep hill to the top and can return to other places enroute after the train ride. It's also a good price and includes the ferry to Chateau D'If. I am now looking forward to finally visiting Marseille.

Merci' Beaucoup, Alex! That is terrific information. I think we probably won't have time to visit La Ciotat but there is always next time. We love France.

Doable isn't really a word but it is definitely a slang expression that we use here and it's very funny that you came up with it yourself! I plan to look at everything you sent. You have been most helpful!

Bon Chance
Katherine

They did so much work on the port area of Marseille. I was there last year and it was very nice. You can take boat tours around the harbor.

When I was in Marseilles a few years ago, there was a hop on hop off bus tour that I found quite useful. It went up to the cathedral, passing interesting places along the way. There was commentary etc.

I also had a nice lunch sitting along the port - found a small place with outdoor seating and a had a great salad and wine.

I also enjoyed having bouillabaisse at Chez Fonfon in a picturesque area of Marseilles called Vallons des Auffes - it might be a bit more like a small village atmosphere for you. I don't know if they are open for lunch.

I liked Marseille and hope you enjoy it too.

Thanks, everyone for the great advice. We have decided to take the ferry to visit Chateau D'If, which sounds fascinating, and then the Le Petit Train 1 1/2 hour tour #1 of Marseille which goes up to Notre Dame de la Garde. Once we finish the tour we will have lunch and time permitting walk Le Canebiere. I bought Marseille City Passes for E24.00 per person which includes all of the above for free plus all public transportation and entrance to several other museums and tastings (?) which are unidentified. We have to exchange vouchers at the tourist office on Le Canebiere and then just go. It sounds like a good deal to me.

Katherine,

I am also planning a trip to Marseille and I was wondering about the City Pass you mentioned in you post yesterday. I would like to look into something like that but don't know where to go?