Marseille, France

Marseille, France

Notre Dame de la Garde

 

 

Today I spent a relaxing and enriching day and in the south of France in Marseille, France's oldest and second largest city. (Also, the namesake of the French national anthem). Its bustling port is the third largest in Europe where 60% of its freight is petroleum.

I had only passed through Marseilles in the past while I was en route to Venice so I was looking forward to getting acquainted with the city.

After taking the ship's bus from the port into the city, I decided to take a self-guided walking tour of Marseille.

My first stop was to the tourist information office so I could pick up a good city map.  Next, I strolled up-and-down like Canabiere, the shop-lined main drag of Marseille, and its nearby streets.  I did some window shopping and sundry shopping at the Monoprix. Next I visited the nearby Arab markets which are like a fragrant little Medina filled with exotic sights, sounds, and smells.

My next stop was to head to the old port where I walked along the corniche.  There, I saw the fish market, families of pelicans, lovers walking hand-in-hand, and wonderful views of the Notre Dame de la Garde (church) perched high over the city.

 

 To the north of the old port is the Old town known as the Panier District with its quiet squares, stepped streets, and 18^th century houses. I strolled through the tangled maze of tiny cobblestone streets climbing higher and higher passing the City Hall, windmill Square, and ultimately I visited La Charite museum, formerly a poorhouse in the 1700s.  I felt I was strolling in the real Marseille here, away from the tourists and hustle and bustle of the modern parts of town.   Also, I got great exercise climbing up and down the streets, getting lost here and there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the way back down from the old town, I enjoyed views from lookout areas and views of the imposing Cathedrale de la Nouvelle Major, an1800s cathedral with wall mosaics throughout.

 

 

 

 

I enjoyed taking a leisurely stroll on the way back along the Old port back into town. I saw some wonderful entertainers and lively characters along the way.

 

How Do They Do It?

 

I even went shopping in H&M and bought a blouse with Eiffel Towers all over and a pair of stretch pants with an Eiffel Tower motif.

 

 

At the end of the day, I returned to the pick-up location for the bus heading back to our ship.

It was truly a lovely day.