I understand that pickpockets rule in Marseille. Would appreciate getting anyone's experience with this and/or tips to minimize the possibility of theft. We were thinking of stopping late in the afternoon on our way back from a boat trip in Cassis to the St-Rémy area in Provence.
Posted by
Cincinnati, OH, USA
11 posts
My husband and I were in Marseille last October. Gypsies, dressed in traditional garb, were all over the place. They were stealing food off the tables of people eating at sidewalk cafes!! It was a pretty amazing sight. Beware of mothers carrying fake babies in their arms -- as noted on RS's site. They were around the tour train station. Hang on to your belongings in this town and you will also find it difficult to find a bench to sit down on. Not very tourist friendly.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23240 posts
This a difficult response. We were in Marseille a few years ago and it didn't appear any different than anywhere else. I don't know if pickpockets rule any more in Marseille than Madrid or Rome or any other place in Europe. Petty theft in Europe appears to be somewhat more common than in the US and maybe Canada. You follow exactly the same approach to security that you would follow in any city. Carry minimum value on you, keep it in a very secure place like a money belt, and be aware of your surroundings. I would avoid carrying extra bags and/or a purse but for some women that is an impossibility/