Marseille’s Marché aux Poissons

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Anyone who has even been to Marseille knows about its beloved Marché aux Poissons (fish market). The oldest and second largest city in France, Marseille was founded in 600 BC by the Greeks and became one of the most important port towns along the Mediterranean Sea. Given its prime location and wonderful harbor came a long-held tradition of fishing. The Marché aux Poissons has been around for centuries and is the best place around for fish lovers to buy the freshest seafood in France.

Held daily along the Vieux Port lies the magical Marché aux Poissons, a vibrant, colorful market offering the fresh catch of the day along with a wide variety of regional fish. It makes a picturesque place for a stroll along the quai as you listen to the cries of the fishmongers and admire all the fisherman untangling their nets.

You can literally buy fish fresh off the boat or even alive. Once you make your selection, the fish is weighed and even cleaned if you like. You can buy anything from grouper, turbot, monkfish, squid, red mullet, and bream to anything else caught that day to go into Marseille’s infamous Bouillabaisse, a traditional fish stew.  Many local chefs come to the market each morning to buy their fish for the evening’s diners.

Once again, I was entranced by the ins and outs of the fish market and its culture. I captured many photos that show the color and way of life that is so traditional in Marseille. Here are some of my favorites.

There were rows and rows of fishmongers selling their daily catch. I was captivated by their brilliantly colored plastic gloves and boots. Selling fresh fish can be a messy and smelly job!

I don’t think that fish could get any fresher than this!

The fisherman’s boats were something I couldn’t resist capturing either. As the men worked away untangling their fishing nets, I snapped away and marveled at their weather-worn, leathery faces and windswept hair.

As with any place, there is always an exception to the rule. This woman sat alongside the fish stalls selling fresh produce.

I finished taking pictures just as the market was starting to close for the day. I salivated at the thought of eating a fresh catch of fish that night or perhaps even trying some Bouillabaisse. I certainly was not going to get fish any fresher than here.

If you go

Marseille’s Marché aux Poissons operates daily in the mornings starting at 8 am. At the Vieux Port. 

This post was written in response to the Weekly Photo Challenge: Fresh. To see more entries, click here.

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53 thoughts on “Marseille’s Marché aux Poissons”

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Me too! 🙂

      Reply ↓

  2. For me, this is the way a fish market should be – out in the open, with each fisherman selling their fresh catch for the day – your wonderful photos and words bring it alive!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! Yes, I agree. I love markets. So beautiful! 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      🙂

      Reply ↓

  4. you worked a long time with all of these beautiful images! there were several really special ones of the fishermen; i often photograph the nets and floats and lines as well… i keep saying that one day i’ll do a serious painting of all of those textures and forms, light/shadow, etc.

    ironically, the ad (in spanish) at the very end of your post has a cartoon image of a woman (shoulder to thighs) in jeans and squeezing her belly fat!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! I love how these photos turned out and especially the fishermen and their nets. There is something nostalgic about the old way of life. 🙂
      That is pretty funny about the ad! I will have to take a look as that is pretty ironic! 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      I saw that and commented as well! Love it!!!! I remember that fish market and I bought some delicious smoked salmon. I’ve got to make it back to Norway someday. Your photos have been gorgeous!!!!

      Reply ↓

  6. Great photos. Question- at the fish markets in Asia, often surrounding them are small restaurants where you can take your just purchased catch of the day and they will cook it for you. The Philippines especially has that. Does it exist in Marseilles?

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Hmmm….that is a good question. I am not sure but I imagine not. Everything was so expensive in Marseille that I would think most restaurants would rather have you pay a premium for the fish. That is really cool though. That is what I love so much about Asia! 🙂 Got to see more….it just takes time!

      Reply ↓
  7. Maria – California – I'm a Swedish girl with an obsession of horses, residing in California. In 2011 I took my passion for photography to the next step and started my own Equine Photography business: DRL Equine Photography. I try to stand out from the crowd by not only posting photos of horses, but sharing the magic underneath the surface. I love my life as an Equine Photographer! I get to travel, see amazing new places, enjoy nature, ride horses, meet people and make my own schedule (more or less). I’m located in Red Bluff, Northern California, but are willing to travel. Email me with your ideas and we’ll make them come true! mmarianorthcutt@gmail.com I want to share the magic in my life with you; in writing, and with my photographs. Every horse has a story to tell. We just need to listen. In my world the horse is a highly respected teacher. I love horses. I care. I have an obsessive passion. What about you? I want to get to know you! Love, Maria
    mmarianorthcutt on said:

    Very fresh indeed! I have no idea what I’m going to post in this week’s challenge. Better start going through those 7000++ unedited pics from the last month.. Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! Wow, that is a lot of photos! Where are they all taken?

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! That is exactly what I intended! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  9. mhdriver – USA – I became mhdriver because I had two dogs under twenty-seven pounds that thought our motor home was their's and I was just the driver. All photos are original and copyrighted and not to be used without written permission.jb
    mhdriver on said:

    Your photos gives a person a good view of what life is like there in Marseille’s Marché aux Poissons.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! I was so excited to capture the fish market. Marseille is a lovely town!

      Reply ↓
  10. Sunil – Hala I am from Wayanad, North Kerala in India. I’m from an agriculturalist family and we have plantations in Wayanad that consists of Coffee, Pepper, and other spices. My profession: Software Industry (Asst.Manager. Product Communication) After my graduation I moved between Mumbai, Doha, Dubai, and Bangalore taking up different jobs as a software support personnel and Product Communication specialist and finally landed up in Cochin. In between I ventured into a spiritual path and sank deep into it, and was lucky enough to have a sweet spiritual guru who guides me at times of distress. I taught yoga, meditation, pranayama and breathing techniques for a fairly long period, but gradually started keeping a low profile. It was not because I was enlightened, but due to family responsibilities and commitments. I have a family consisting of my wife, two kids and mom to support. Still I practice yoga and meditation but very irregular in my practices. I have been working at Cochin for almost 9 years and I am not sure how long will I stick to this place, because this is not exactly the place I want to be. I’m also a hospitality entrepreneur and own eco-friendly cottages (www.treasuretrovewayanad.com) in Wayanad. Wandering along the wildlife sanctuaries and spotting wild elephants is my favourite pastime. I enjoy travelling, trekking, photography, music and reading. I love to meet people and be connected with all of you around the globe.
    Sunil on said:

    Photos with a lot of life…nice

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Me too! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  12. friendlytm – San Francisco – A blogger, a traveler, a self-learner in technology, writing and appreciation of arts. Complete Profile http://speakingabouttravel2.wordpress.com/about-me/
    friendlytm on said:

    Wow! They are really fresh, fresh fresh! Very fresh post! Thanks. This reminds me of “Pike Place Fish Market “in Seattle. Let me see if I have got some fresh pictures!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! I remember Seattle’s market too! Lovely place! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  13. Anita @ Anita's Feast – Porto, Portugal – Cultural traveler Anita Breland chases tasty plates and memorable experiences, on a quest for the world's good food and the people who make it. She and her husband, photographer Tom Fakler, serve up the long-running blog Anita’s Feast and contribute to numerous international publications.
    Anita @ Anita's Feast on said:

    Love markets, love seafood…am eager to get back to the Mediterranean. Thanks for sharing your Marseilles experience!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Anita! 🙂 I’ve been meaning to ask you about the Wine and travel assn that you went to India with. I’ve liked them on facebook but noticed you can also become a member for something like $150 a year. Are you a member?

      Reply ↓

  14. Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge: Fresh | beeblu blog

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Debra! 🙂 I am really behind these days so just getting back to my comments!

      Reply ↓
  16. adithyaentertainment – bangalore – ADITHYA ENTERTAINMENT is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment. After establishing the Adithya Entertainment label in 2013, the company quickly became one of the most popular and well-respected makers of Entertainment Sector. By focusing on creating well-designed, highly enjoyable entertainment experiences, Adithya Entertainment has maintained an unparalleled reputation for quality since its inception..  ADITHYA ENTERTAINMENT is founded by Adithya V S and and Sportively Naveen Jadhav .and my friends Support and Blessings to inspiring to Start the Adithya Entertainment Company
    adithyaentertainment on said:

    Reblogged this on Adithya Entertainment.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks for the reblog!

      Reply ↓

  17. Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge: Fresh (Poppies) | What's (in) the picture?

  18. mrscarmichael – London – Mrs Carmichael is opinionated, quick to judge and occasionally impatient. She also changes her mind. She enjoys reading, the cinema, photography, travel, things that are designed well and synchronised swimming. Her dislikes include maths, weakness, a tardy nature and oaked chardonnay. Mrs Carmichael has a number of very good friends and a few people who don't like her as much as they should. She socialises with both groups regularly. Mrs Carmichael is on the look out for a new hobby.
    mrscarmichael on said:

    This is fantastic. I feel as if I’ve spent the day there with you. Love the light in the very first pic and the older woman with her pram of veg.
    You put my fish to shame. will link your on mine.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much! 🙂 Glad you enjoyed!

      Reply ↓

  19. Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge (Fresh) | being mrscarmichael

  20. adinparadise – I enjoy writing about anything and everything. It keeps me out of mischief. I love to travel and am fortunate enough to be able to do so quite frequently.
    adinparadise on said:

    The most wonderful fish market ever, Nicole. I love seafood too. 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      🙂 Wish we got more fresh fish here!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! 🙂

      Reply ↓

  22. A few years ago, I went to Marseilles with a boyfriend from the region. We didn’t go to the fish market, however. We spent most of the time visiting friends of his that he hadn’t seen in years.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks for the comment! Next time you must visit the fish market!

      Reply ↓

  23. Thanks so much for sharing your images and stories about Marseille. I’ve recently relocated to France from America, and your pictures are inspiring me to make a trip to the South!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Wonderful! Stay tuned and read my next series of my visit to Luberon, the Perched Villages in Provence! you will love it!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Amy! :0

      Reply ↓
  25. Naomi Baltuck – When not actually writing, I am researching the world with my long-suffering husband and our two kids, or outside editing my garden. My novel, The Keeper of the Crystal Spring (Viking Penguin), can be read in English, German, Spanish, and Italian. My storytelling anthology, Apples From Heaven, garnered four national awards, including the Anne Izard Storytellers’ Choice. I am currently working on a contemporary women’s novel.
    Naomi Baltuck on said:

    What a great catch!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks!

      Reply ↓
  26. annesture – Victoria BC – I am a psychodynamic therapist, have a bachelor degree in psychomotoric therapy and I am trained as a gourmet chef. Inspiring balanced living is my mission.
    annesturetucker on said:

    Fabulous photos – I am salivating too, just looking at these beautiful photos! Hope you enjoyed a big bowl of gorgeous Bouillabaisse 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much! I saw her and knew I had to get her on film!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! Glad you enjoyed! I have over 800 posts so dig in!

      Reply ↓

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