Discover Marseille (France)
Marseille is a vibrant city on the southeast coast of France, and one of the oldest cities in Europe. From the stately Notre Dame de la Garde church to the colourful markets and sun-kissed beaches, Marseille's African influence and crumbling charm are what makes it so captivating. Second, only to Paris in size, this sprawling harbour town, also known as Port d'Afrique, is a heady mix of multiculturalism and an ideal jumping-off point for exploring the surrounding medieval villages of the Provence and Cote d'Azur region. North African style bazaars displaying colourful wares, twist and turn erratically past animated throngs of buyers and sellers, opening onto the Vieux-Port (old harbour) and energetic fish market. Marseille's melting pot of cultures is mirrored in its signature dish, bouillabaisse, an intoxicating fish stew that is slowly simmered to sublime perfection using the freshest catch of the day. Marseille is the oldest city in France that was founded by Greek traders over two and a half thousand years ago. The city has a unique feel one of which the residents are truly proud. In 2013 its vitality was celebrated when it became a European city of culture.
Marseille is easy to reach with the city only a twenty-minute bus ride from the airport. A single ticket costs eight euros. The city is also well served by train services with the St Charles Station located in the centre of the city.
The spirit of Marseille can probably be captured by a visit to Vieux Port. Along with the pleasure boat marinas and portside bars and restaurants, you will find the acclaimed fish market. No visit would be complete without sampling the local delicacy, bouillabaisse, a type of fish stew. It is from the Vieux Port that it is possible to take a boat to two of the coastal attractions of the city.
The first of these is Calanques. The gleaming white limestone cliffs stretch for twenty miles south of the city. They offer one of the most well-known coastlines of the Mediterranean. The cliffs are inaccessible by car and difficult on foot so a boat trip provides the best view. Visit www.visite-des-calanques.com for details. A two-hour trip is 22 euros and a three-hour trip 28 euros.
As an alternatives take a boat trip to the islands of Pomegues and Ratanneau collectively known as Frioul.Beautiful walks, safe summer bathing and the 19th-century hospital that was used to quarantine victims of yellow fever in order to keep the disease out of the city make for a great day trip. Visit www.frioul-if-express.com. You can visit one island for 10 euros and both for 15 Euros. Both websites are well laid out giving details of all the attractions, pricing and schedules
