Marseille, France Port Reviews
Marseille - On Your Own Shore Excursion
By Tom Ogg
 

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Vieux Port with Notre-Dame de la Garde Overlooking it

Overview:

Known as the gateway to Provence, Marseille is France's second largest city. While Provence is one of France's most beautiful areas, Marseille does just not enjoy the same kind of reputation as France's other ports along the French Riviera. I think that this is partially the case because of the commercial nature of the port itself. It is the largest commercial port in France and the port facility itself is simply not that attractive. Marseille enjoys a balmy climate and the currency used in France is the euro.

Cruise Port Location and Information:

Docked at the Outter Harbor

Most large ships dock in the commercial harbor on the outer docks. While reasonably close to Vieuz Port as the crow plies, on must traverse the entire port before starting the trek back to Marseille.

Docked at the Outer Pier

Most cruise lines will provide a transfer from the port into the foot of Vieux Port.

Docked in the Inner Harbor

Smaller ships can gain entrance into the inner harbor and dock within easy walking distance to Vieux Port. The pier is actually quite close to the Fort St. Jean and one can traverse the parking area to the ocean's edge and walk around the ocean side of Ft. St. Jean into the main harbor of Marseille. It is a beautiful walk and changes the entire perception of Marseille itself.

Exploring on Your Own:

The Marseille HoHo Bus

Marseille is easily explored on your own. As are the surrounding areas in Provence. Be sure to read the "On Your Own" reviews for the Provence villages of Aix en Provence, Arles and Avignon  While I have climbed up to the Notre Dame, I would not recommend it unless you are in great shape. It is steep, crowded with cars and a lot further than it looks. Both the HoHo bus and the tourist train will take you up to see the church.

The Marseille Sightseeing Train

If the church is not of interest to you, then exploring all of Marseille is easily done on foot. Visit the local tourist office right at the foot of La Canebiere Street by Vieux Port for a ton of local information. They can offer walking tour maps of Marseille and you will even find that the city streets are marked for the tours. It is quite easy to enjoy Marseille on your own.

Shopping Tips:

Shopping in Marseille is not exceptional in any way. Most of the shopping is around Vieux Port within a block or two of the harbor itself. Look for La Canebiere Street at the foot of the Vieux Port and head inland a few blocks. You will find some designer boutiques on this street and the side streets of Rue St. Ferreol, Rue de Roma and Rue Paradis. The best shopping will be had making a trip to Aix en Provence, Arles or Avignon.

Port Highlights:

Vieux Port, City and Notre-Dame de la Garde

Of course, everyone starts at Vieux Port. This is the heartbeat of Marseille and the place to enjoy Marseille's shopping, dining, sightseeing and culture.

Fort St. Jean and the Marseille Commercial Harbor

From the top of Fort St. Nicholas you can see across Vieux Port to see Fort St. Jean standing guard on the other shore and the commercial harbor beyond. With Notre-Dame de la Garde looking out for ships far out at sea and sounding the alarm that an invasion might be immanent, it is easy to see how Marseille has been defended successfully for centuries. It is also easy to see the proximity of the inner harbor, as compared to the outer harbor to Vieux Port.

Marseille's Vieux Port Taken from Fort St. Nicholas

The old section of Marseille is known as the Panier is also very interesting to explore. Its narrow pedestrian streets are unique and captivating. While it is not easy to find, the HoHo bus will take you by its entrance.

The Vieux Port Fish Market

Every morning the fishing boats enter the inner harbor and dock at the very foot of Vieux Port. They set up their tables and sell their catch.

Fish Market Eels.

Seeing the fish that is sold in the fish market reminds me of how good we have it in San Diego. We would not eat, sardines, mackerel, eels or anchovies. To see that these fish are the daily diet of folks living in Marseilles is interesting.

Notre-Dame de la Garde

Every one that visits Marseilles seems to visit Notre-Dame de la Garde. This wonderful church was built as a look-out against invasions in the 15th century. While the harbor was protected by two forts, one on each side, it was the intelligence provided by the church that enabled the forts to be ready when an invasion occurred.

Notre-Dame de la Garde Up Close and Personal

If you are staying in Marseille for your visit, you should definitely visit the Notre-Dame de la Garde and inspect its rich history.

Marseille's Public Beach

You can easily walk to the public beach in Marseille. Simply walk around Vieux Port to Fort St. Nicholas and keep on walking past the commercial area. When the road turns a corner, you will be presented with a beautiful beach to enjoy.

One of the Marseille's Beach Club Restaurants

The coast beyond the public beach is lined with private beach club restaurants that you can enjoy for a small fee. These will allow you to relax in a chaise lounge in the sun, swim from a swim platform and enjoy French cuisine and wine all day. If you happen to be in Marseille on a warm day and want to get some sun, I would suggest heading to one of the beach clubs the first thing in the morning.

The Marseille War Memorial

Almost seeming out of place, this memorial sits on the corniche in an ocean front environment. It is moving and a serious reminder of World War II.

Marseille Merry-Go-Round

Marseille surprises you at every turn. Just when you think you have seen it all and understand the port, you run into a bunch of locals having a wonderful time riding an old merry go round. It is so wholesome to see, yet so seemingly out of place.

Vieux Port Panorama

You could easily spend an entire day exploring the Vieux Port's sights, sounds, aromas and character and it is well worth your effort to do so. Marseille gives one a perspective into the past of a city that pre-dates Jesus Christ.

Off the Beaten Path:

Please see the reviews below for Aix en Provence, Arles and Avignon.

Dining and Drinking Suggestions:

Vieux Port Restaurants

Yes, on the Fort St. Jean side of Vieux Port are dozens of restaurants that serve local cuisine. Bouillabaisse was created in Marseille and you should enjoy the original recipe in one of the establishments that specialize in creating it. Simply Google "Marseile Bouillabaisse Restaurants" for dozens of selections that you can ponder before your visit. No matter where you experience it, authentic Bouillabaisse is a wonderful tradition in Marseille.

Must Do List:

Yes, I would say that a visit to Aix en Provence and Vieux Port is something that you do not want to miss. See the Aix en Provence "On Your Own" review that follows for exactly how to do it.

On Your Own Reviews
(How to Venture On Your Own with Detailed Information)

Aix en Provence On-Your-Own By Tom Ogg: Have you been to Marseille before or simply would rather go to Aix en Provence to enjoy Provence at its finest? Here is a On-Your-Own guide of exactly how to do it.

Arles On-Your-Own By Tom Ogg: Want to penetrate even further into Provence? Taking a train to Arles from Marseille is inexpensive, easy and fast. Here is exactly how to do it.

Avignon On-Your-Own By Tom Ogg: Avignon is the crown jewel of Provence and worthy of the trip to get there. Avignon is easily visited on your own for the day. Here is how to do it.

Reader ePortReviews
(Please Click the Review you'd like to read)

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