Visiting Marseille

There are many links from Aix-en-Provence to Marseille, both from the station by train as well as by bus from "gare Routière". In any case, both modes of transport leave you at the Saint-Charles station, located in the centre, from which you can easily reach the harbour on foot.

Marseille is bigger than Aix and looks out onto the sea. Walking along the harbour is certainly a must, as well as visiting the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde (photo), which towers over the city and thus offers the most beautiful panoramic view.

I also very much liked the Estaque; a distinctive district with a small peaceful port.

Estaque's Small Port

As well as strolling around the city, I would also recommend making a culinary stop to try the famous bouillabaisse, a typical fish soup from Marseille, the chichi frégis (see picture below), sweet doughnut-like snacks from the Estaque district, and finally the panisse, a doughnut made with chickpea flour.

By continuing along Estaque you arrive in another district of Marseille, named Les Riaux, which is very similar due to its peacefulness. Despite being very close to the city centre and the appearance of numerous boats in the harbour, the sea is splendid, uncontaminated and of a turquoise-blue shade. And that's without even mentioning the magnificent view of Marseille's opposite shore: if you look carefully you can even glimpse the cathedral.

Les Riaux: Panoramic of the Small Port

As Marseille is the largest city of Southern France, it also offers a lot to nightlife-lovers - there are numerous clubs, bars and restaurants where you can spend an evening dedicated to fun and enjoyment with friends. For example, I went to Bazar, a charming club that had an ice bar inside (very small, where there's just enough time to have a cocktail before you freeze, even though they give you coats and gloves before entering).

Ice bar - Bazar