Marseille rewards time spent soaking up its unique atmosphere – rich in culture and history. But also try to explore the fascinating and beautiful coastline of West Provence.
Watch the city at work
Start your day in the Vieux Port (Old Port) area, the city’s pulsating heart and its historic centre. Arrive early to watch the local fishermen land the day’s catch for the morning fish market on the Quai des Belges as you sip your morning espresso at one of the quayside cafés. Afterwards step back through the centuries at the superb Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée (MuCEM), which charts the history of European and Mediterranean society through the ages up to modern times.
Sample the famous fish stew
Marseille is famous for its seafood. Chez Madie Les Galinettes, in the Vieux Port, is an excellent place to sample the city’s signature dish, bouillabaisse. This world-renowned fish stew is served in two stages: the stock is eaten first as a soup, followed by a five-fish stew. It’s an absolute must for fish and seafood lovers.
Explore the beautiful basilica
The city’s most popular sight is the iconic church of Notre-Dame de la Garde. Built in the 19
th century, this Romano-Byzantine church gazes protectively over Marseille from the south side of the old port at the city’s highest point. Awesomely beautiful, it is topped by a 10-metre gold leaf statue and is visible from everywhere in the city.
Explore the city of Cézanne
The university city of Aix-en-Provence, once home to the artist Paul Cézanne, is one of France’s cultural highlights. The elegant, tree-lined Cours Mirabeau is among the most impressive boulevards in southern France – well worth a stroll. Lose yourself in the medieval-Renaissance Old Town, then explore the remarkable Mazarin quarter, a grid of handsome 17th- and 18th-century townhouses. Aix also boasts excellent shopping, most notably the clutch of designer boutiques on Rue Granet.
Explore the spectacular Calanques by boat
The charming seaside town of Cassis is a world away from the bustle and noise of Marseille. This picturesque fishing port is fronted by pastel-coloured buildings and sidewalk cafés and restaurants and overlooked by an ancient chateau. Cassis is the main departure point for a boat trip to the famous Calanques – limestone cliffs and creeks of dazzling aquamarine water that stretch for 30km to the west of the town. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it’s among the most dramatic coastline on the French Mediterranean. Buy tickets at one of the booths on Quai Saint-Pierre.
With car rental from Marseille Airport you can explore more of this stunning, historic city and the best of West Provence.
