Exploring Marseille: Adventures with Traveler

Marseille from the perspective of Traveler

On their way to India, Traveler of the Traveling Together blog are exploring Europe by bus and sharing with you great deals, tips, and tricks through their articles!

Second stop: MARSEILLE.

Marseille feels like our third home, for those of us living in Antibes (when we’re not traveling). Before it, there’s Montpellier, and then the famous Phocean city at an equal distance. We lost count of how many times we’ve been there, always with the same pleasure. Of course, there are the must-sees, but also the little off-the-beaten-path spots… and we’re sharing all of them with you today!

The Good Mother

Overlooking Marseille from the top of her little hill, the Good Mother is the symbol of the city. The sailors’ church is therefore the most visited site in Marseille, and we can hardly recommend going to see why. Here’s a little spoiler: it’s mostly for its view and its incredible nave, adorned with several ship models.

The Canebière

The famous avenue that runs through the heart of Marseille, where you can shop, snack without breaking the bank, and of course enjoy a view of the Old Port in perspective. A must-see, but do not be afraid to venture into the transverse alleys to discover the true, more picturesque Marseille.

The Old Port

The heart of the city, where we love to stroll in the evening to enjoy the sunset, and we are not the only ones. Victim of its own success, the Old Port is the meeting point for many tourists who scramble for a seat at the terraces of the small restaurants that surround it. As for us, we prefer to go to Fort Saint Jean to appreciate the scenery.

The Major

Although it may not hold a candle to the Good Mother in notoriety, the Major can at least boast of offering more original architecture and, above all, a more accessible location. With its newly inaugurated halls, local hipsters are likely to make it the new trendy spot for lunch.

The Panier

The hipster district of Marseille par excellence.

This is the one that inspired the famous series “Plus belle la Vie,” but above all, it’s the artists’ district, where you can find numerous small galleries and cafés. Our favorite spot to enjoy a pastis on a terrace, away from the crowds of the Old Port.

The Vallon des Auffres

Located at the end of the Corniche and at the base of the chic neighborhoods of Marseille, the Vallon des Auffes is the perfect place to take a dip without leaving the heart of the city. You climb on the rocks and lay down your towel before diving right into the blue waters of the Mediterranean. Our tip: go at sunset to enjoy the view!

The Calanques

Quite far from the heart of Marseille, it’s better to have a car to get there, but it’s worth the trip. Even more authentic than the Vallon des Auffes for taking a dip in nature, the Calanques certainly offer the most beautiful beaches of all Provence, in our opinion.

The Julien Course

In the evening, it’s THE place to be. Small bars and restaurants offer affordable menus for partying with friends until the early hours. To get there, we love passing through the creators’ district, especially the large staircase where street artists have set up to leave their mark.

The Plain Market

To soak in all the picturesque aspects of Marseille, there’s nothing better than starting with a little stroll at the Plain Market, located in the neighborhood of the same name. You can find Marseille soaps for a bargain and get a feel for the life of Marseille in all its splendor.

The MUCEM

Inaugurated in 2013 when Marseille was elected European Capital of Culture, the MUCEM is dedicated to Mediterranean cultures and civilizations. Playful and expertly staged, it is accessible to both novices and specialists. For the rest, its exterior architecture alone is worth the detour and offers a lovely view of the nearby Fort Saint-Jean.

Our Favorite Addresses

Where to Sleep?

There are plenty of places to sleep in Marseille without breaking the bank. We had the chance to try the Quality Hotel, which offers simple yet comfortable nights, just steps from the Old Port, for €80 per double room.

Where to Dine?

Chez Toinou remains our favorite address in Marseille. Recommended by native Marseille friends, we love to savor fresh seafood there, such as oysters, shrimp, or crab soup. Special mention for the homemade aioli. You can compose your plate piece by piece and even take it to go.

Some Culinary Specialties

The bouillabaisse remains the must-try dish of Marseille. It’s hard to find a truly good one for less than €50 per person. Fresh fish doesn’t come cheap! We cannot strongly discourage you enough from the addresses at the Old Port, far too touristy to be good. Marseille is also very colorful, where Arab culture is very present, and many places offer delicious oriental pastries. Head to Rose de Tunis to savor them with delightful mint tea, or in the heart of Belsunce!

Reservations:

If you, like Matt & Traveler, are heading to Marseille:
>
Book your cheap trip to Marseille with Links12
> Book your accommodation in Marseille

Enjoy your visit!

About Blogger Man 96 Articles
Nomadic Notepad : Nomadic Notepad is a passionate traveler and storyteller who finds joy in exploring the world’s hidden treasures and sharing them with fellow wanderlust enthusiasts. From uncovering the best-kept local secrets to reviewing futuristic accommodations, their blog offers a unique blend of travel guides, culinary adventures, and cultural insights. As a tech-savvy creator, Nomadic Notepad also dives into innovative travel trends, ensuring readers stay ahead of the curve while planning their next adventure. Every post is a window into a new journey, inspiring others to discover the extraordinary in the ordinary.Whether it’s strolling through animal-themed streets in Helsinki or unraveling the mysteries of Balinese traditions, Nomadic Notepad combines personal experiences with practical advice to craft immersive narratives. Join them to embrace a world of wanderlust, and let every story spark your own path to adventure!

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