At the end of April, we traveled via TGV south from Paris to the Mediterranean town, Marseille. The second largest and oldest city in France, Marseille has experienced a dramatic rebirth from a rather banal port city to a vibrant, cultural mecca in line with any of Europe’s major cosmopolitan cities.
Room with a view of Vieux Port and Notre Dame de la Garde
I was curious to see Marseille again as it had been a very long time. Twenty years ago I wanted to faire un stage thus spent the summer as an intern at a French business after graduating from university. I honestly do not have many fond memories of my time there. I loved the region of Provence surrounding Marseille yet found the city to be dirty, uninspiring and relatively bland. After hearing so much fanfare about Marseille and what a magnificent city it has become, I decided to give it another whirl and I was not the slightest bit disappointed in what I found.
In Marseille, I found a pell mell of culture and electricity that other cities would die to have just a sliver of. In a nutshell, Marseille had come to life with a pizzazz and heartbeat that pulsates the city like a radiant shower of gold.
The lovely sailboats of the Vieux Port.
As soon as we arrived at our hotel along the famous Vieux Port, I was shocked at how much this city had changed. Its vibrancy and beauty were a delightful surprise as was the cultural mix of inhabitants coming from Africa, the Middle East and other parts of the world. Named as the European Capital of Culture for 2013, Marseille is bound to become one of the hottest, most sought after travel locations of the year and it is a reward that is definitely deserved.
Marseille: European Capital of Culture 2013
Gorgeous red-tiled rooftops of Marseille.
Our hotel, the Residence du Vieux Port was the perfect place to base ourselves for our stay in Marseille. Strategically located along the Vieux Port, we were walking distance to restaurants, nightlife and shopping along La Canebière, the historic street in the old quarter of Marseille leading to the Vieux Port. But the best part of all about our hotel was the view off the balcony.
The Vieux Port of Marseille is lined with restaurants offering plenty of delicious fare.
I thought these mirrors were pretty cool.
Some of the best moments and memories of our trip happened on the balcony off our hotel room drinking icy cold Cotes de Provence as the sun set behind the Notre Dame de la Garde casting hues of pinks, golds and oranges across the port. It was a room with a splendid view. One you’d see on a cover of Conde Nast. It was grand.
C’est magnifique!
Vieux Port at Sunset.
Having a cassis at one of Marseille’s lovely bars.
As the sun tucked away behind the Notre Dame de la Garde and all became engulfed in darkness, the boats became awash in blue lights and it was utterly gorgeous.
If you go…
Marseille is an easy hop, skip and a jump from Paris. You can either take a short flight or for a more scenic view, the TGV will get you there in less than four hours. Marseille is the perfect launching off pad for jaunts into lovely Provence, Cassis and all the grand cities alongside the Côte d’Azur.
To see my TripAdvisor review of the Residence du Vieux Port, click here.
Stay tuned….For visits into Cassis and the perched villages of Luberon in Provence.
Oh, Nicole, what an incredible view from your balcony! Now I have another place I want to visit! Thanks so much for sharing these amazing photos.
I’m trying to get back to blogging now that we are settled in Ecuador. We love our new home! Sorry to have missed so many of your posts recently! I’ve missed them!
Hugs,
Kathy
Hi Kathy! So good to hear from you! I am glad you are getting settled and look forward to hearing about all your adventures in Ecuador!
This looks like such an amazing place to visit, Nicole. Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos. 🙂
Yes it is beautiful! I love the South of France. It really is special.
More lovely images of one of France’s culturally-packed cities.
Thanks! It is a beautiful place. I love France! 🙂
What a gorgeous view from your balcony! It must have been tough to ever leave and explore the city. Thanks for a wonderful dose of armchair travel 🙂
You’re welcome! So glad you enjoyed. It was also very special as it was a trip with my mother and sister so we truly enjoyed our time together, drinking wine on that balcony! 🙂
Thank you for touring us to Marseille! Beautiful photos, esp. the boats in blue lights!
Thanks Amy! I was so amazed at how much a place can change in 20 years. Really truly incredible.
Oh, darn! Another gorgeous city! Thanks for sharing, Nicole. Now, where’s my beret? 🙂
He He…another place for you to go jo! 🙂
Beautiful gallery. The night shots are gorgeous !
Thank you!
Your pictures really capture the beauty of Marseille! I want to go back, it really is an amazing city and the Cotes de Provence is so wonderful!!
Me too! Mom and I had some cold Cote de Provence last night here but it wasn’t the same. Missing that good old view!
Thank you so much! These pictures are marvelous!
So glad you enjoyed! 🙂
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I wish it’s a view a can gaze at everyday. Beautiful!
Yes, it was spectacular! 🙂