{"id":93869,"date":"2024-01-18T17:44:15","date_gmt":"2024-01-18T06:44:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theproject.com.au\/myfrenchlife\/?p=93869"},"modified":"2024-01-22T12:16:18","modified_gmt":"2024-01-22T01:16:18","slug":"marseille-edgy-and-cool","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theproject.com.au\/myfrenchlife\/2024\/01\/18\/marseille-edgy-and-cool\/","title":{"rendered":"Marseille: From Edgy to Edgy and Cool"},"content":{"rendered":"

Have you heard; Marseille may have a new title? Did I miss something? Was I not paying attention when we should have been?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Not only is Marseille the oldest and second largest city in France but it is now considered by some to be a hip vacation destination. Located on the Mediterranean, the city has long offered historical, cultural, multi-cultural, and unique experiences, but it\u2019s the recent uptick in the \u2018coolness\u2019 factor that makes it now a must-see.<\/p>\n

Multiculturalism Adds to the Vibrancy\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The multicultural aspect of Marseille started long ago when it was founded by Greek sailors in 600 B.C. Since then, the city has been ruled by many different civilizations, including the Romans, Visigoths, and Moors, each one leaving a mark on the city\u2019s architecture, culture, and identity.<\/p>\n

A more recent increase in immigration earned Marseille a rough reputation, which the city has worked hard to change \u2013 to improve its image and make it safe for tourism. While violent crimes are rare in Marseille, you still need to be alert for the typical crimes in any major city, such as pick-pockets, purse snatchers, and scammers.<\/p>\n

Regardless of your destination, you should always be careful and research your location before going. In Marseille, Le Panier, Le Vieux Port, and La Corniche are the safest neighborhoods, whereas the neighborhoods with the highest crime rates are in the 13th<\/sup> to the 16th<\/sup> arrondissements in the northern parts of the city. \u00a0There is no doubt that Marseille remains an edgy city but simultaneously offers so much more.<\/p>\n

Foodies Will Be Delighted<\/h2>\n

One of the absolute joys of multiculturalism is the resulting varied, rich food experiences. Marseille\u2019s diverse population is made up mainly of people of French, Italian, North African, and Middle Eastern descent. This blend of cultures is most evident in Marseille\u2019s cuisine, making it a culinary mecca for the local or tourist foodie.<\/p>\n

For an unforgettable seafood dining experience, visit the three-star Michelin restaurant, Le Petit Nice<\/a>, or taste Proven\u00e7al cuisine at Alcyone<\/a>, another Michelin-star restaurant, in the Hotel Dieu<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Marseille:<\/p>\n

If you want to try something different, don\u2019t miss Marafiki Coin Tropical<\/a> in the Le Panier neighborhood, for traditional African cuisine. The Fork<\/a> lists it as one of the top five best African restaurants in Marseille.<\/p>\n

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If you\u2019re craving pizza, visit Bebelito Pizza<\/a> for a classic three cheese or, if you like a little spice, try \u2018the devil\u2019 with merguez<\/a>, chorizo<\/a>, and peppers. Guests say the service is good and the pizza is great!<\/p>\n

Before your trip, be sure to grab a copy of Taste the World in Marseille<\/a>, a guide to the city\u2019s food scene.<\/p>\n

Culture Rich Marseille<\/h2>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>If you prefer culture, you may enjoy Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde<\/a>, a 19th-century basilica overlooking Marseille. Locals call it \u2018The Good Mother<\/a>\u2019 and believe it watches over sailors, fishermen, and the people of Marseille.<\/p>\n

Constructed in 1853, the church sits on top of remains from a fort built in 1524 by Francis I. The fort, along with Ch\u00e2teau D\u2019If, was used to protect Marseille from attack. You can still see remnants of the fort today. If you\u2019re a fan of the book \u201cThe Count of Monte Cristo\u201d by Alexandre Dumas, you may recognize Ch\u00e2teau D\u2019If<\/a>. Be sure to schedule a tour of the infamous castle.<\/p>\n

\"Ch\u00e2teau<\/p>\n

History lovers can visit the Basilica\u2019s museum to learn more about Garde Hill and the city of Marseille, through its collection of 2,000 documents, photos, and objects.<\/p>\n

To learn about European and Mediterranean culture, visit the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations (MuCEM)<\/a>, France\u2019s \u201cnational museum preserving European and Mediterranean cultural heritage\u201d. Learn about these peoples through the museum\u2019s 500,000 objects\/artifacts and its access to 150,000 books and magazines on anthropology, archaeology, and folklore.<\/p>\n

Incidentally, the museum is a short ferry ride from Ch\u00e2teau D\u2019If, so you can visit both on the same day!<\/p>\n

If you like art, visit the Marseille Contemporary Art Museum<\/a>, or book a private tour of a gallery, such as Backside Gallery<\/a> or the Double V Gallery<\/a>, where you can interact with gallery owners and artists.<\/p>\n

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Nature Rich Marseille<\/h2>\n

Nature lovers will enjoy hiking on the limestone cliffs or swimming in the crystal-clear waters at Calanques National Park<\/a>, a short drive from the city center.<\/p>\n

\"Calanques<\/p>\n

Marseille offers some of the best cave diving. Visit Cosquer Cave<\/a> to see Stone Age paintings and carvings, or the tunnels in the Riou Islands<\/a> to see moray eels, crabs, and the occasional octopus.<\/p>\n

What Else to Do in Marseille<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s uncommon to be able to enjoy both a vibrant city and a beach in one location, but in Marseille, you have the benefit of both. There is something to do for everyone:<\/p>\n