Marseille lies on the southwest-eastern coast of France. A short drive from Paris, and within an hour from London, this historically-rich port town is one of the most interesting cities to explore. A lively town, packed with art galleries and museums, Marseille enjoys a strong economy and boasts some of the finest cafes in France. Its status as a port makes it the second-busiest port in France behind Paris. What’s more, is that despite being located so close to the English-speaking Atlantic Ocean, Marseille still has a very distinct European flavor, with great restaurants and local produce making it an ideal vacation spot.
Marseille enjoys a warm welcome from locals and visitors alike for its warm and welcoming culture. Travelling north from Paris, tourists can take a scenic train ride across the countryside towards the town center. The landscapes here are absolutely picturesque with low hills and forests. While here, why not try a walk down to the Seine River and view the spectacular view of Marseille from the banks of the river? For those who are interested in historical sights, there are numerous museums in Marseille to choose from, including a fine art museum, an Anne Bonny Museum, and the Autograph Institute. The second-largest city in France, Marseille enjoys good transport links to all major areas of the country, with trains running to all corners of the country, as well as international airports providing easy access to many other cities in France and beyond.
While the historic and cultural attractions of Marseille are highly recommended, the best thing to do while here is to get out and enjoy the local cuisine and shopping. Known for its earthy flavours and traditional local delicacies, marseille food attracts locals and tourists alike. Here you will find traditional dishes such as rabbit stew, fish and chips, and traditional cheese fondue. There are also plenty of other delicacies to be had, including fresh mussels, pastitsadaise poultry, andouille sausage. Of course, the city is also known for its excellent wines, with many leading winery companies based in Marseille.
Many tourists who visit Marseille end up spending a few nights in the region’s capital of Saint-Petersburg. Known for its lively nightlife and excellent dining options, the area is home to some of the best restaurants in France, where locals and visitors alike frequent hotspots such as Les Artistes, Le Burger Brasserie, La Cairenic Steakhouse, and Le Meunier. Tourists can also check out the Port de Lys, which is the oldest port in France. The Port has been voted the number one best attraction by Trip Advisor.
One of the things that will keep you coming back to Marseille year after year is the rich and wide array of amazing bars and clubs it has to offer. If pub crawling isn’t your thing, then the beaches are the place to be, with Marseille being one of the most popular destinations in France for beach lovers. You’ll find some of the best family-friendly beach resorts in Europe right in Marseille’s region, which means it’s possible to find an activity that fits well into your holiday schedule. For example, local families flock to the island of Corsica each summer to go on their annual beach vacation. Or if you’re looking for some down-to-earth entertainment, try visiting the local pubs for some nightlife action.
If bars and nightclubs aren’t your thing, but still want to experience some traditional Marseille cuisine, there are plenty of nice dining establishments in the city. Some locals compare the quality of food in Marseille to that of the southernmost part of France, and while the city does boast some of the country’s finest restaurants, the quality of local cuisine varies depending on the time of day. Tourists often report that while the cuisine is wonderful, the quality of the local chefs can sometimes leave a little to be desired. Regardless of whether you opt for authentic Marseille cuisine or high-end Parisian dining, you’ll probably enjoy every bite of it, as the locals are one of the friendliest and welcoming groups you could ever meet in the city.