Marseille, the 2nd largest city in France, and the biggest Mediterranean port and hub of the Provence-Alps-Cote d’Azur Region.
Taking a 3 hour train ride from Nice to Marseille was a beautiful experience, as we passed through numerous towns, with magnificent views of the sea and beaches along the way.
Arriving into Marseille Vieux Port (old Port) in the evening, I was pleasantly surprised by a beautiful harbour shimmering in night lights from the city, comprising of low rise buildings built along the slope spreading outwards from the harbour.
That picturesque view made me fall in love with Marseille the moment I arrived.
With just 1.5 full day in Marseille, I wasted no time in exploring all that I could do :
The 2 Forts
Basilica of Notre Dame (sits high on top of a hill and overlooks the city)
Parc Pharoah
Cathedral Major and surrounding (museum)
Arc du Triomphe
Le Parnier and La Vieulle Charite (the oldest part of the city)
Rue Des Arts
And of course the vicinity around the harbour
Even visited the infamous Calanques (it means Fjord), selecting Calanque Sormiou, one of the few Calanques that allowed me to drive all the way in, instead of hiking too much – the advantage of being there during the low season.
A definite must see in person.
Didn’t get to eat the famous La Bouillabaisse, as I couldn’t bring myself to spend 100 Euro on a dish.
I still managed to eat tremendously well in Marseille though, comprising mostly seafood (oysters, mussels, sea whelk, prawns etc) since I was at the Riviera.
Even got an unexpected surprise at one of the restaurants on Valentine’s Day!
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