Our first stop on our recent September trip to southern France was the major port city of Marseille on the coast of Provence. Marseille is famous for its historic port, bouillabaisse, the iconic fish stew and its fascinating multicultural atmosphere as well as its sacred buildings, which we’ll get to shortly.
As France’s oldest city and a major Mediterranean port, it is also known for cultural attractions like the MuCEM museum and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, the natural beauty of the nearby Calanques National Park, and its traditional Savon de Marseille soap.
What To & Do in Marseille
The city’s most notable attraction is the massive Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Basilica, which we mentioned above. Below, you can see its awe-inspiring presence.
This massive structure overlooks the city and the ocean. Known to locals as Bonne Mère (the Good Mother), it is the city’s iconic symbol and a popular Assumption Day Pilgrimage. It is said that Notre-Dame watches over sailors, fishermen, and the local people. In other words, the basilica can be seen from every corner of the city and faces the Mediterranean sea from above. It is revered in a way by locals and visitors, and is the most visited monument in the city.
Francis I decided to build a fort in 1524 to protect Marseille from Charles V’s armies. It wasn’t until the Renaissance that the basilica was built however and it had three purposes: a look-out post, a military building, and a place of worship and pilgrimage. In the 19th century, the sanctuary was too small and this was when Monseigneur de Mazenod decided to expand, the result of which became Notre-Dame de la Garde (construction began in 1853). The basilica includes three bells, including an 8-tonne bourdon called Marie-Joséphine.
The basilica exudes Roman-Byzantine style (with domes, stones polychromy, golds, mosaics) and it comprises two sections: a lower church with an arched vault and a A higher church, the sanctuary, consecrated to the Virgin Mary (celebrated with a Pilgrimage on August 15).
The view from the top (154 m) which provides an amazing panoramic of the city, as well as the islands and the ocean naturally. Apparently in the 15th century, a ruling from Charles II of Naples included it in the way station list.
Not far from here is Abbaye Saint-Victor, a former abbey founded in the late Roman period. It is deeply mystical and an ancient site tied to early Christian and Magdalene traditions. The abbey’s sarcophagi are a jewel of early Christian art. It also has a crypt you can visit. Nearby is the Old Quarter and the old port adjacent to it: Vieux-Port.
People come from far and wide to eat bouillabaisse here, since Marseille is where this traditional Provençal fish soup originated. The word is originally a compound of the two Provençal verbs bouillir and baisser.
The incredible Marseille city pass is worth getting. It includes public transportation, a Notre-de-la-Garde tour, a panoramic bus tour, a boat crossing or entrance to Cosquer Méditerranée, admission to Château d’If, entrance to Mucem and Musée Regards de Provence, virtual 4D tour in a Mehari at the Maison Yellow Anise Museum and more. It also includes discounts and offers in stores and cultural venues as well.
As Michele and Charlene described of the city, it manages to feel ancient and alive all at once. The pass is a wonderful way to unlock the city’s layered history, vibrant street life and stunning seascapes.
The Vieux-Port exudes all things old. Think fishing boats bobbing in the harbor, waterfront cafes and salty air. Taking a ferry to nearby islands is a fun way to spend the afternoon. (roughly 3.5 hours)
We’d recommend Fort Saint-Jean and its architecture as well as walking around Old Town where there are plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants. Marseille has no shortage of cultural activities and museums as well, where you can take in even more history.
Another amazing sacred site in the city Cathédrale La Major, a beautiful Romanesque-Byzantine structure, also by the sea.
And let’s not forget the renowned Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations (MuCem), which is a world-class museum located at the entrance to the Old Port.
Dining
Bouillabaisse is the culinary prize here since this famous stew originated in Marseille. Although Old Town can be a bit pricier than other parts of the city, the ambiance is worth it. A few call-outs to taste bouillabaisse include Le Resto Provençal, L’Hippocampe, Chez Michel, La Nautique, Abaco and Chez Fonfon. Other culinary specialties include Pastis, an anise-flavored liquor, which you can find everywhere.
Our friends swear by Peron on 56 Cor Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy, especially for their bouillabaisse.
Peron for bouillabaisse in Marseille
Below are some of the desserts at Peron, equally delish.
Another great option is La Daurade, pictured below. It offers great old world ambiance, both inside and out. They are known for their traditional Provençal-style bouillabaisse soup, mussels and fish in a formal, old-world dining room or you can also dine outside. It is located on 8 Rue Fortia in Marseille and is known for their creative cocktails as well.
La Daurade in Marseille
We look forward to returning to Marseille when we have even more time to explore the wonders of this magnificent French city by the sea. Be sure to check out our France section for more great recommendations from our recent trip to Provence. For foodies, check out michelin-rated restaurants in Marseille when doing your travel planning.
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored over 90, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity. She is also the founder of the Magdalene Collection, a jewelry line dedicated to women’s unsung voices and stories, and the award-winning author of the bestselling book Magdalene’s Journey
She is founder of Blue Soul Media and co-founder of Blue Soul Earth as well as the producer and host of the award-winning Blue Soul CHATS podcast, that bridges science, technology and spirituality. Renee also founded Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.
