Last week we had a great day in Marseille, the city has improved so much over the last few years and is worthy of at least one day if not two.
Naturally being by the sea the harbour is a highlight, surrounded by restaurants where you can taste the world famous Bouillabaisse, a fish stew. The name comes from “bouille”(to boil) and “baisse”(low) because it should cook at a low temperature.
This soup is a ‘peasant’ dish, made with the left over unsold fish, but today a sought after and potentially expensive dish. Choose your restaurant carefully!
Amongst the many things to do is to visit the MuCem, a new art centre and museum with restaurants (of course) pictured below, as we took a boat trip to the Frioul Archipelago comprising of four islands, Pomegues, Ratonneau, If and Tiboulen, with pretty inlets, small beaches and being ideal for short walks. It is renowned for its Flora, fauna, rocky inlets, beaches and sandy creeks – perfect to spend the day.
On the isle of Ratonneau is the Chapel du Port where there are wonderful views.
On Chateau D’If, below, is the castle & former prison, dating to the 16th-century , also the setting for The Count of Monte Cristo.
As you return to Marseille port you will see the Pharo promontory dating to circa 1852 which became school of medicine in 1904.
One of many Marseille highlights – France’s second largest city.