Experience in Marseille, France by Liz

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What is it like to live in Marseille? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

It's really nice, the weather is incredible as it's sunny 90% of the time (but when it's raining, it's raining hard! ), and people are easily smiling. However, the city is known to be a bit dirty, but it has been getting better now that the city is so touristic. Pay attention to your bag if you have one: keep the zipper visible and don't speak too loud in another language. Pickpockets are the same hassle for every touristic city... But unless you carry some really expensive clothes and accessories, you should be fine.

What is the student lifestyle like in Marseille?

It can be described as cool, Marseille people are the opposite as the ones in Paris that are always in a hurry. It's easy to talk to people and you'll make friends by going to any pub or bar. My favourite is the Little Temple Bar though, you can play pool and people are usually very welcoming.

How much does it cost to live in Marseille?

It's not really expensive, the transports would be the only downside I'd see, but usually students get discounts.

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Is it difficult to find accommodation in Marseille? Is there any advice you can give?

Not really, if you start looking soon enough it's pretty much enough to get a nice place to live. For a studio alone in the city center, count around 500€ (furnished) for example.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Marseilles' food is based on seafood, fish and clams, so if you don't like it you might as well check some vegetarian places. A lot of new restaurants are flourishing everywhere, those around Places aux Huiles are usually really worth the try and not that expensive.

What places would you recommend visiting in Marseille?

The MuceM, Notre Dame de la Garde, the parc Borély (to bike tour) and Longchamp (for picnics), the Chateau d'If and Frioul (worth the walk, plus you get to take the boat), the Vieux Port and the beach. Just walking by the beach around Pointe Rouge is enough.

Is it good to eat out in Marseille? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes, the food is very good.

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• For the specialties (high prices but worth it if you eat it once), go to Toinou (raw fresh seafood) or Fonfon (bouillabaisse).
• I also love La Table Ronde or La Crêpe au Carré for crêpes, and Yamato or Shabu Shabu for Japanese.
• For excellent Irish food, there's only one place: the O'Brady's.
• Best bakeries? Minoofi Bakery (the red velvet is divine), Columbus (for the muffins) and La Chocolatière du Panier (store) for absolutely good chocolates.

Is the nightlife good in Marseille? Where is good to go?

The nightlife is not very lively, but if you're a student there are plenty student parties you can go to and meet loads of people that you can make friends with. Just join some Facebook groups and it's alright!

What advice would you give future students heading to Marseille?

Live in the city center, even if your university is in Luminy. It's better to take some transports than having that much hassle to go to a party at night, and also there's much more to do.

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