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Marseille - Port in a storm
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It's an earthy, blue-collar kind of place; an appealing
antidote to toffee-nosed
Cannes and
Monte Carlo along the coast. Although seldom a recipient of
civic beauty awards, some unmissable sights and cracking restaurants
(it's giving gastronomic heavyweights
Paris and
Lyon plenty of competition these days) make it worth a visit.
Vieux Port (the old port) is the city's beating heart, a
cheek-by-jowl riot of bars and restaurants that are perfect for a
spot of people-watching or pre-dinner Pastis. The same area boasts
Marseille's best galleries and theatres: Museum Cantini has an
extensive collection of modern art (Picasso, Giacometti, Matisse),
and La Criée National Théatre showcases everything from Shakespeare
to Japan's Yukio Mishima. The nearby Jardin du Pharo offers superb
elevated views of the hundreds of yachts moored in the port, and is
popular with picnicking families. Baguettes and fine wines are
optional.
Ten minutes south is La Corniche, from where the infamous Château
d'If is visible. This erstwhile island prison - now a crumbling
castle - was central to Alexander Dumas's The Count of Monte Cristo.
The one sight not to miss is the towering Calanques - 50 square
kilometres of fjord-like rocky inlets hugging the coastline just
beyond Marseille's eastern periphery. The complete walk takes a
whopping ten hours, but there are truncated trails for every level
of rambler. Either way, don't neglect what is one of Provence's
highlights.
The Greeks pitched up in France's oldest town 25 centuries ago,
followed by less benign visits from the Romans and, more recently,
the Nazis (who spitefully dynamited many important buildings).
Today's Marseille is a multicultural stew with a substantial north
African population. There may be an uneasy co-existence between the
immigrants and the indigenous French, but this ethnic influx has
generated a vibrant music scene.
The cultural mix has also spawned a fabulous array of eating
possibilities. Lemon Grass in Vieux Port does an imaginative take on
world cuisine, and the area around Cours Julien is a trove of cheap
ethnic restaurants. The city is also the spiritual home of
bouillabaisse - a gargantuan fish soup concoction for two that must
be ordered 24 hours in advance. Try it at Chez Michel for a truly
memorable meal. |
 New Hotel Select Gare St Charles 
Marseilles and its famous Canebiere. The New Hotel Select is only a minute away
from the Saint Charles train station and its TGV (French high-speed train), the
metro and Gambetta car park. This is the perfect location, a veritable nerve
centre for the businessperson, but also ideal for the tourist. The warm welcome,
the comfort of the spacious, air-conditioned and soundproofed bedrooms, an
interior garden, all this will help you forget those small tiresome big-city
fatigues.
>> click here for last minute offers
>> click here for year round hotel reservation
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Tour of the Month |
Unique Dinner Cruise
Tonight is a perfect introduction to the beautiful city of Amsterdam and its
charming illuminated canals. You'll cruise on board a luxury glass-domed
motor launch while savoring the delicious flavors conjured up with a five
course dinner. A feast for the eyes and a delight for the palate, book your
seat now!
Click here for more information and Booking
Details » |
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Hiking in the Calanque of Sugiton