Marseille, a Phocaean city so loved by some and so criticized by others, is a port city with a rich past, which never leaves anyone indifferent. It is the oldest city in France, the second oldest in terms of population, a large port where many peoples have settled throughout its history. Multicultural, the beautiful Provençal has a lot to offer Artistic, but also gastronomic, ecological and human, it is resolutely authentic, diverse and simple. And will be even better discovered when accompanied by someone local. This is what Airbnb Experience offersWith kayaking or sailing lessons in the creeks, food tours, visits to art galleries, etc... In short, original ways to discover the Phocaean city.
Marseille, the oldest city in France! Since its foundation by Greek sailors from Phocea to today, there are 26 centuries of history. 850,000 inhabitants in a city in constant evolution and movement. Marseille has transformed its urban face. The year 2013 marked a real turning point for Marseille which, thanks to its status as European Capital of Culture, has found a new lease of life and a new impetus. The renovation work in the Old Port and the rehabilitation of many neighbourhoods testify to this. Propelled in 2013 by the New York Times as the second most popular city to visit, and rewarded in London by the Urbanism Awards for the title of "European City of the Yearling 2014", Marseille is now recognized for its true value, as a trendy, modern and resolutely contemporary city, but one that also knows how to preserve its traditions. Marseille was also the European Capital of Sport in 2017. Museums, sports events, traditions, cultural events, hotel offers and gourmet restaurants, natural spaces, are constantly developing. Discover the city of 111 districts and a thousand faces, which can do anything but leave you indifferent!
Quality visits
The oriental and Mediterranean influence can be found in the Byzantine inspired architecture of some of the most important monuments such as the sumptuous Cathedral of the Major, and the famous Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, both works by the architect Henri-Jacques Espérandieu. In continuity with history, the MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations) was designed by architects Rudy Ricciotti and Roland Carta. Of course, you should not forget to stroll around the Old Port, to take a look at the Opera House, the neoclassical style, or the Abbey of Saint-Victor. Not to mention the "Good Mother" (the Basilica of Our Lady of the Guard), which watches over the city at 149 m high and remains the most visited monument in the city. On the other side, the Panier district, a historic district of the city, whose original popularity has been "wounded" by the influx of tourists and the success of the series Plus belle la vie. Still in the Basket, stands the majestic Old Charity, whose flamboyant Baroque style is the work of the great Marseille architect Pierre Puget. But Marseille is not just about its port. There are also magnificent parks and gardens, sometimes in the middle of the city, for the XXVIth Centenary or the Longchamp Palace
Typical restaurants
In Marseille, there is no shortage of restaurants. Neither do the great chefs! Lionel Levy at the Intercontinental Marseille Hôtel-Dieu; Alexandre Mazzia Restaurant AM; Gérald Passedat at Le Petit Nice et au Môle (MUCEM); Ludovic Turac at Une Table, in the South; Dominique Frérard at Les Trois Forts (Sofitel Vieux-Port); Guillaume Sourrieu at l'Epuisette ; Michel Portos at Malthazar... and many others ! A gastronomy rich in authentic or revisited local specialities. Know that in Marseille, there is something for everyone. The price range is indeed very wide depending on your choice. Indeed, of the Italian immigration, the Marseillais have taken some good habits with very many addresses of pizzerias which have a wood oven, at very affordable prices and often in a very typical Marseillaise atmosphere (Chez Noël, Le Péano, Chez Sauveur, La Vieille Pelle, La Bonne Mère, Chez Vincent, Chez Zé...). Other specialities are to be tested absolutely. While recipes are sometimes published in cooking magazines, preparation usually requires special know-how that is not transmitted on glossy paper but from generation to generation. Each Marseille family has its own recipe and preparation technique! Bouillabaisse is the typical dish that consists of a fish soup served with croutons and rust, a fish and potato dish. At the time, it was prepared with the fish that remained at the bottom of the fishermen's nets. Today it is prepared with noble fish. A poor man's dish turned into a rich man's dish! The feet and packages (or foot-packages) are small lamb belly squares rolled into packages, stuffed with lean pork and simmered for several hours with lamb feet in a sauce prepared with tomato, white wine, onion, garlic, parsley and olive oil. The garlic is also famous. It is a traditional Friday dish made of cod, mussels, eggs and boiled vegetables
Finally, the headless lark will delight you. These beef roulades prepared from thin escalopes topped with bacon, parsley and garlic. They simmer in a sauce made with tomato, red wine, onions and a bouquet garni for more than two hours before being served. Amateurs also appreciate the many fish soups prepared throughout the Phocaean city.
Shopping and gourmet basket
For fashion, in Marseille, there is a lot of choice. Several shopping centres are home to the major international brands: the Centre Bourse, which underwent a facelift in 2015 with a Lafayette Gourmet area to see! Also the Terraces du Port and the Village des Docks, magnificent and atypical to do absolutely! Of course, it is also possible to go shopping while strolling through the streets of the Phocaean city. To do this, go to rue Saint-Ferréol and rue Paradis as well as in all the perpendiculars that connect these two axes. And then it will also be necessary to concoct the inevitable gourmet basket. In particular with Pastis at the Maison du Pastis (Quai du Port). Another Marseille drink that can be enjoyed fresh: La Cagole. It is a beer (from a cabana) with a very "cagole" look brewed in the heart of the Phocaean city (L'Escale Marine, quai du Port). To be served with a few panisses, a speciality of Estaque, palets made with fried chickpea flour. A pure delight! On the sweet side, it is impossible to pass through Marseille without making a detour to the Four des Navettes. Since 1781, the Imbert family has been present in this small shop on rue Sainte and prepares this delicious biscuit finely scented with orange blossom. Another gourmet product, the chichi de l'Estaque (sugar doughnut)
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Useful. To immerse yourself in the local atmosphere with locals, nothing beats organizing your activities with Airbnb Experience.
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