Postcards to Rick Steves |
BACKGROUND
Alas, all good things must come to an end, and our final destination is Marseille, a port town along the Mediterranean coast. Full of history and diversity, Marseille is attempting to shed its former gritty reputation. While gritty for sure, there is still a lot to appreciate, from a new wide pedestrian zone through the Old Town to the cathedral that crowns the city from atop a hill.
Hilde has just a few minutes to unload us at our harborside hotel, Mercure Grand Hotel Beauvau, but we said our goodbyes during a rest stop earlier that day. Our hotel is the most modern and lavish, but the location can't be beat, right across from the harbor, near restaurants, and walking distance to the main boulevard La Canebiere. TOUR HIGHLIGHT: After time for check-in and lunch, we group for a walking tour with local guide Pascal, whose fun and witty personality makes the next few hours entertaining and informative. Pascal knows her history and how to swat away pickpockets too! |
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Marseille is one of the largest cities in France, but all the good sights are within walking distance or an easy bus ride away. A large segment of Marseille's population comes from North Africa, so you will see Arab influences throughout the city. Immigration is a touchy subject in France.
The Vieux (Old) Port is where you'll find all the boats docked; the promenade around the waterfront is pleasant to stroll. There is a fish market each morning. The port is lined with restaurants, and further north is capped by the stunning architecture of some museums and guarded by old Fort St. Jean. Boulevard La Canebiere runs from the harbor through the heart of town. It is full of shops, including Arab markets and restaurants. My favorite part of the tour was strolling through the Old Town, Le Panier District. Going past City Hall and up the hill, we come across a quiet street full of local artists who make their homes and livings in their storefronts. |
I feel very welcomed here, and not just because I am a tourist. The artists display their work in their studios. The cute little cafes seat about ten at most, with a couple small tables just outside. The musicians sell their music.
Our next stop is the Charity Museum, once a poorhouse and now a series of art galleries surrounding a church and courtyard. The finale, and highlight, of our walk is a stop at the Cathedrale de la Nouvelle Major. You won't appreciate the size of this church until you're gawking up at it! From here, we have free time to visit the nearby museums or take the little train up to Notre Dame, 500 feet above the harbor. TOUR HIGHLIGHT: We regroup tonight for our farewell dinner. I can't believe how fast the two weeks have flown by, but am thankful for all the friends I've made and the experiences I've taken away. Daniela leaves us with this quote from Marcel Proust: "The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes." |
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