Marseille, France’s oldest city and its second largest, was crowned the European Capital of Culture for 2013. Originally settled by Greeks over 2,500 years ago, this urban melting pot yields a mélange of art, architecture, sea, sun and sumptuous cuisine reflective of this rich history. With the recent additions of multiple new museums such as Musée Cantini and the Musée des Beaux-Arts as well as art complexes from starchitects like Zaha Hadid and Kengo Kum, the city’s renaissance is not to be missed.
Nestled in glorious Provence right along the Mediterranean Sea, Marseille blends urban adventure with resort-style allure. Enjoy a number of exhibits and events celebrating Marseille’s unique culture and burgeoning design projects. Newly linked to ancient Fort St. Jean, MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations) is the first official national museum outside of Paris. Encased with concrete lacework, mashrabiya, and seemingly changing color throughout the day, this Rudy Ricciotti modern masterpiece perfectly conveys the city’s creativity. One of the 20th century’s most influential buildings can also be found in Marseille: L’Unite d’Habitation, by Le Corbusier, a pioneer in modern architecture and one of the most influential architects in history. Completed in 1952, this building was his first foray into multi-residence living, which he defined as a “vertical garden city.”
Stroll the charming shops and bustling markets of Marseille’s Vieux Port, where fresh catches being loaded off of the fishing boats in this historic waterfront herald the city’s famed fish stew, bouillabaisse. In the distance, just off the coast, get a glimpse of Château d’If, memorialized in author Alexandre Dumas’ Count of Montecristo and a must for all Dumas fans. Or head up to the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, an early architectural gem built on Marseille’s highest point that affords a grand vista.
Nature lovers can take a boat ride from Vieux Port to Calanques, where limestone hills, cocooned in gleaming white, rise dramatically from the sea. Bring a chilled bottle of rosé and an anchovy pizza to an outlook in the Malmousque area for an authentic local-style pique-nique with an amazing backdrop.
WHERE TO STAY: The best hotel in the city is also the newest and the first true five-star establishment. The InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu is centrally located in Le Panier, the oldest district, with sweeping views of the city. The hotel occupies a repurposed 18th-century palace featuring 194 rooms and suites decorated in a contemporary style. The property’s spacious Spa by Clarins promises relaxation, while dark coffee and buttery croissants on the hotel’s panoramic terrace in the morning give an invigorating start to your day.
BEYOND MARSEILLE: Provence has been attracting visitors for centuries with a mix of glorious food, rich culture and unspoiled beauty. A couple highlights are Avignon and Aix-En-Provence. Avignon, 35 minutes from Marseille by high-speed train, was the capital of the Catholic faith during a portion of the Middle Ages and the city is still surrounded by ancient ramparts protecting the six-centuries-old Gothic Papal Palace. Aix-en-Provence was founded as a Roman stronghold and is now a picturesque university town. Hike Mont Saint-Victoire to behold the often-painted view of Paul Cézanne, father of modern painting and visit his atelier just outside of town.
PROVENCE HIGHLIGHT: If you visit Provence in the summer, do not miss the lavender festivals, held in July and August. The wonder of undulating fields of purple wafting the heavenly sent of lavender must be savored. Many of the festivals feature a host of lavender products from soaps to candies, essential oils and sachets. Import some of the magical essence and perfume your life.
Several France tours visit Provence. One of the most popular trips is to begin in Paris and then take a high speed train to visit Provence. Another wonderful way to travel the region is to take a river cruise. Uniworld for example has an 8 day trip called Burgundy and Provence where you fly into Marseille and visit Avignon, Viviers, Tournon, Chalon sur Saone and Lyon. You will need to add a couple of extra nights at the beginning of the trip to enjoy Marseille.
