As France's oldest and second-biggest city, Marseille is definitely not one of the storybook villages we have been spending all our time in lately. Without its cruise port, it wouldn't even make it on the tourist trail. At one point this month, I made the statement that there would be no love lost if we didn't go. So imagine my surprise that with each step we took, I was enjoying the city more and more! It is a city bursting with its own rough-around-the-edges charm.
Marseille's Vieux Port
Fort Saint-Nicholas is one of two forts that guard the entrance to the port
Our breakfast along the Old Port
The small Marche aux Poissons (fish market) is held daily on the Quai des Belges on the Old Port.
Everything on this table was still moving
Doesn't get any fresher!
I thought we would cook up some fresh fish for dinner but Greg didn't want to.
Next to the fish market is highly reflective pavilion, reminding me of Chicago's Cloud Gate
We walked around the Old Port and then climbed the hill up to the city's highest point - Notre Dame de la Garde.
Walking up the long staircase leading up to the basilica
Notre Dame de la Garde, dominating the view over the bay, is the symbol of Marseille
The 33-foot statue of the Madonna towers over the basilica and city of Marseille
The basilica's wraparound terraces offer beautiful panoramic views, including this view looking out to Chateau d'If and surrounding Frioul Islands
Saint Veronica wiping the face of Jesus (statue in front of the basilica)
Greg is an awesome photographer! But not a very good counter.
Back down at sea level, we explored the immediate area of the port, where it feels like a melting pot of varying ethnic backgrounds.
The goods of the stores spilled out onto the narrow side streets
Greg and Kate like the juicy plums, but can't find them at our daily market
We couldn't resist the merry-go-round!
Lunch along a side street just off the port
"It looks like the inside of a frog."--Kate
"Can I have some?"--Chris
Greg enjoyed his plate of muscles. Kate not so much.
Chris doesn't like when they come with the head still on
In the city where bouillabaisse was born, we wanted to try some for lunch. Rather than spend 50 euros each, we found a cafe with its cheaper (not as good) version.
