In Marseille, there are many visits, between the MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations), the neoclassical style opera house, Saint-Victor Abbey and, of course, the "Bonne Mère" (Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Basilica), which watches over the city at 149 m high and remains the most visited monument in the city. But the Phocaean city is undoubtedly facing the sea. The Mediterranean and Marseille are closely linked. First of all thanks to the Old Port which brings the big blue into the city. But not only.... So, what could be better than renting a boat to discover Marseille?
The Old Port, the nerve centre of Marseille
To all lords, all honour, our water trip begins at the Old Port. Because it is around him that the whole city is organized. This entry into the city by the sea is an essential place of passage. A unique historical centre! And the Old Port is not just the quays, it is also and above all the water: the beauty of the movement of the masts of the boats cradled by the lapping of the sea, the maritime shuttles towards the islands of Friuli, the Château d'If, the Pointe Rouge, the Estaque and now the Goudes. Architecturally and historically speaking, the Old Port is also exciting. The Pharo Palace is a jewel built at the request of Napoleon III for Empress Eugenie. Opposite is Fort Saint-Jean. We can also see the buildings designed by Fernand Pouillon, witnesses of the ravages of the Second World War on the city, but also the Fort Saint-Nicolas, the Hôtel-Dieu, a former hospital that has become a sublime 5-star Intercontinental hotel, and the Place Estienne d'Orves, located on the former arsenals of Marseille, not to mention, a few steps away, within the Centre Bourse, the Marseille History Museum. Finally, how can we evoke the Old Port without mentioning its restaurants, bars, nightclubs and all the trendy places that surround it? Something to celebrate before going to sea..
The Friuli Islands
After having sailed around the Old Port and taken possession of his boat, what a pleasure to get away from the shore.... A good idea is to head for the coast and beaches of the Friuli islands. We discover the creeks of Morgeret and Saint-Estève but also the fort of Ratonneau, the port of Eoube without forgetting the former Caroline hospital which hosts many cultural events. Sandy beach and pebble beach give way to the pretty little coves of the island of Pomègues where it is pleasant to swim. The waters are even warmer and more transparent! On the beach of Saint-Estève, swimming is supervised for children and a snack bar is open in season. The marina in the heart of the small village is more than pleasant with its restaurants and small shops. On sunny days, many water sports are possible, from scuba diving to canoeing and swimming
Mythical creeks
The creeks are an almost obligatory passage when you come to the region, and all the more so in Cassis since the city is located in the heart of the world-famous Calanques National Park. The vulnerability of the listed site imposes strict regulations that often prohibit access in summer except on foot or by boat. The easiest way to visit, in summer and winter, is to take a boat trip. Once on board, the view of Cape Canaille, the highest cliff in Europe, is exceptional, as is the view of the various creeks, whose diaphanous cliffs are so well suited to the turquoise blue of the sea.
In Cassis, the Calanque d'En-Vau is one of the most emblematic, one of the most beautiful for the turquoise colour of its waters, its pebble beach, its trees hung on the cliffs and its idyllic postcard panoramas. The cove of Port-Miou is distinguished by its marina where magnificent sailboats line up, and by its length, because it sinks far into the land. We can still see the traces of its past; it was a quarry from which large blocks of white stone were extracted with dynamite, which made the beauty of the region's buildings so beautiful. Just as popular as the cove of Port-Miou located between the latter and that of En-Vau, the cove of Port-Pin is not very isolated in the cliffs, open on the coast and bordered by a pine forest - as its name suggests - separated into floors by small Provencal walls, terraces. The landscapes are therefore different from those of the high creeks, the palette of blues declined by the transparent water is fantastic and we have only one desire: to throw ourselves into the water from the bridge as quickly as possible. Finally, one of the jewels between Marseille and Cassis is undoubtedly the Cosquer cave. Located at Cape Morgiou, this site is unique in the world. This underwater cave houses several dozen works painted and engraved about 27,000 and 19,000 years ago.
Less known than those of Cassis, the calanques of Marseille are nevertheless more numerous and just as beautiful. Just after Pointe Rouge and Les Goudes, Marseilleveyre is the first cove of the national park. A small paradise for swimmers, hikers and climbers in front of the Riou archipelago. The Sormiou cove is one of the best known, most beautiful and broadest in the region. It owes its success to its vibrant turquoise waters and white sandy beach. It is visited by divers for its underwater beauty. Located between the creeks of Sormiou and Sugiton, the Calanque de Morgiou has considerable infrastructure: a bar-restaurant, a small fishing port and photogenic huts. Finally, the Sugiton cove is the last of the Puget massif from Marseille, and it is one of the most spectacular for the landscapes it offers, with large cliffs and large blocks collapsed into the sea.
Finally, on the side of La Ciotat, the creeks of Mugel and Figuerolles are a delight. The water is crystal clear, a little cold certainly, but you will take a real bath of youth. A great way to end your Marseille cruise!
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