Marseille is a place I've often been to, but only on short trips and never overnight. I've always wanted to explore it a little bit more, but as so often with places that are nearby, it has literally taken years.
Marseille Cathedral
It was founded by Greek sailors in 600 BC, and is one of the oldest cities in Europe. It has been a trading port for 26 centuries and consists of several ports and harbors. The Fos Port is the main French trading seaport for cargo, and huge and small passenger ferries depart from different locations bound for other Mediterranean ports or North Africa.
The most charming and picturesque port is the Vieux Port (Old harbour). It is lined with cafés and restaurants, and fishermen come and sell the catch of the day straight off their boats.
For a fabulous view over the Vieux Port (particularly at night), go to the Sofitel Hotel. Either book a room with a harbour view (5th or 6th floor), or go for a drink on the terrace of the third floor bar. For an unforgettable night time view, book a table at the Les Trois Tours restaurant on the 7th floor (make sure to ask for a table by the window), which offers a fresh and beautiful Mediterranean menu.
The old harbour is flanked by imposing forts and fortresses, build in 1660 under Louis XIV.
In 2013, Marseille was designated the European Capital of Culture, and the MUCEM museum (pictured below on the left of the St Jean fortress.. a modern building with a lace like concrete shell) was inaugurated last June to mark the occasion. Dedicated to the cultures of Europe and the Mediterranean, it's also a great place to eat. The restaurant is located on the top floor and has beautiful views over the sea (it is divided into two sections, the more serious 'La Table', and the bistro style 'La Cuisine')
MUCEM (left) and St Jean fortress (centre)
St Nicholas fortress
The Château d'If (pictured below left) was build in 1560 as a fortress. It's most famous use was as a prison, which inspired the novel 'The Count of Monte Christo', by Alexandre Dumas'. Contrary to the Dumas story, no prisoner has ever escaped from the Château d'If!
About twenty minutes from the Vieux Port, the 'Corniche de JF Kennedy' coastal road meanders along the sea shore. The pedestrian walkway gives you breathtaking views over the Mediterranen and it's rocky beaches.
Capsule wardrobe pieces: white jeans, blue and white tunic and navy jacket
Shoes: beige flat sandals or canvas sneakers
Accessories: Hermès 'Courbettes et Cabrioles' 90 Carré, Farandole necklace, clic H enamel bracelet in marron glacé and 35 Birkin in Gris-T
Scarf tying method: Basic bias fold, scarf wound once around the neck with ends secured in a double knot
If you cross the corniche you can explore tiny streets and alleyways lined with cottages, as well as fishermen's creeks and bays
Along the Corniche JFK you also find some of Marseille's best fish restaurants... the L'Epuisette, the Fonfon, the Peron and the Petit Nice Passédat. With beautiful views, these are perfect places to have a Bouillabaisse, Marseille's most famous dish. Invented by Marseille fishermen it consists of local Mediterranean fish with vegetables and Provençal herbs and spices.
On the terrace of the Petit Nice Passédat
The Vallon des Auffes bay
Les Trois Forts Restaurant (Sofitel, 7th floor) http://www.lestroisforts.fr/
Le Petit Nice Passedat: 17 Rue des Braves, 13007 Marseille, Tel: +33 (4) 91 59 25 9,
L'Epuisette: Vallon des Auffes, 13007 Marseille, Tel: +33 (4) 91 52 17 82,
www.l-epuisette.fr
MUCEM: 7, Promenade Robert Laffont (Esplanade du J4), 13002 Marseille, Tel: +33 (4) 84 35 13 13
Le Mole Passédat ('La Table' or 'La Cuisine') at the MUCEM:
www.passedat.fr
Hermès: 27 Rue Paradis, 13001 Marseille, Tel: +33 (4) 96 17 61 12 (will move to Rue Grignan by the end of spring)
Please excuse my lateness in replying to emails and requests. I have been swamped, and I'm only slowly beginning to catch up x
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