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Marseille/Avignon Sights

Posted by (Burlington, Ontario, Canada) on

As part of my 5 week trip to Europe this summer I have 3 day (4 nights) in Marseille. I think I would like to spend 2 of these days in Marseille, and one in Avignon, to see the Palace of the Popes and the Pont du Gard. Besides the Old Port and the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, what else is a must-see in Marseille? This is my first time going to Europe, so I am open to doing pretty much anything. Is there a trendy shopping area, or a neighbourhood that is particularly interesting to walk through?

Also, does anyone know of cheap places to eat in Marseille? And does the city have a produce market?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Posted by
251 posts

Marseille is the oldest city in France, the second largest, and the largest industrial port. It doesn't have the charm of say Paris or Lyon, it is a bigger working city, with a large Arab and African population. The old port and old town(panier) is interesting (and touristy, avoid the Bouillabaisse there). There are also lots of little "neighborhoods" each like a little small town village by itself, great for wandering through. But overall the town is hard to know, and some people find it too gritty and too industrial. (There are some rough neighborhoods to avoid) Having said that it is one of my favorite cities in France, but because of its industrial history, and diversity. I can't reccomend any trendy shopping but I went to some markets there with foods and spices from N. Africa that was a real treat, not to mention the small tucked away eating holes (where I was the only white person, and sometimes the only women) but couscous and tangines to die for.

Though I like Marseille I came to like it after working/living in the area. I don't know if I would reccomend it as a must-see for a first time visitor, unless you had a specific interest. Have you looked into Arles (famous for van Gogh milieu),

Posted by
267 posts

You should definitely visit Chateau d'If, off the coast of Marseille. It has an incredible view of the sea, has a rich history which includes imprisoning Protestants, and was the unfortunate home of the Count of Monte Cristo in Alexandre Dumas' book. How to get there: take a boat from the Vieux Port (Old Port) out to the island.

To visit Notre Dame de la Garde, you can take the little tourist train that departs from the same place. It gives you a charming audio tour of the city and takes you up the massive hill.

Cheap eats: how about some authentic Tunisian couscous? Visit Sur le Pouce. When in Marseille, keep an eye out for the cows! (Trust me on this one!)

Avignon has the Pont St Bénézet (Pont d'Avignon). The Pont du Gard is 30-40 minutes away. You'll have go there with a tour.

Posted by
267 posts

For more information on attractions, visit the tourist websites of Marseille and Avignon.

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