Marseille, France – A Far Cry From A Typical Side Of French Culture!

Every time when we set our journey, we want to leave each country with a different edge (I mean not the stereotype) of mind and impression in our head.  And, we are eager to see what's next ... 

Our previous journey in France (Paris, Toulouse, St Biarritz) was awe-inspiring.  We learned the linguistic, appreciate the culture, marvel at the beauty of the geography and of course understanding the gastronomy.  So, what and where else can France offer us as an adventurous country to visit?

Marseille!  Yes!  We forgot that Marseille is merely the place in France that could evolve in a heartbeat!   We forgot that Marseille is the oldest city in France.  So, since it is old definitely it has loads to divulge, so much to offer.  Albeit as a commercial port city and has always had a poor and ‘mischievous’ image, Marseille’s ethnic diversity is truly an inspiration.

Indeed!  Marseille stands nowhere as elegant, as chic, as swanky as Paris, St Tropez or Cannes, but this place takes pleasure in being different and always perceives itself as some time apart from the rest of France.  If you are considering Louis Vuitton, Chanel or Dior, yes! You are in a wrong city, my friend.  Oh come on!

So! What to expect?

Of course I was expecting to bump into Zinadine Zidane while strolling at the marina, dude! Ha-ha!   But, seriously, I imagined nothing as I did not know much yet and what to anticipate from this bubbly city.

And as we experience Marseille, so will you … Now, let’s hit the excursion!

From Nice, France the train journey took us to
Antibes, Cannes, Toulon with the beach and countryside
view before we finally reached Gare de Marseille, St Charles station.

In history, the economy of Marseille was controlled by it
position as a port ...

... and now oodles of restaurants, offices and hotels
array the waterfront ...

... and the highlight is of course this private marina.

Vieux Port (Old Port) is the main harbor and marina of the city.
One of the significant arrival place for millions since.
Marseille is ranked 86th in the world for business tourism.

Marseille is the capital of Provence-Alps Cote d'Azur region, one of the most visited cities in France.  And, as the largest commercial port and the largest city on the Mediterranean Coast, it is understandable that sailing is one of a major sports here, other than football (also remember Eric Cantona, Samir Nasri? ..:)). This year, 2013, the city has been designated as the European Capital of Culture.

Fascinated! We come to concur that the huge immigrant population is actually a strong support or backbone for Marseille!  They are from Italy, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia.  Both of us have come to appreciate the traits of Arab culture in this southeast coast of France.   Marseille is France’s second largest city and the population is about one quarter Muslims.  Nonetheless, there are sections that are entirely Muslims.

For most tourists, not only could they enjoy the pulsating Mediterranean French civilization, concurrently they could as well comprehend the Arab culture.

'Marche des Capucins' or 'Marche des Noailles' (Market at Noaillies)
located in the narrow street displays intrigue and lively food market.

Arab food ...

The best paella that we have ever tasted!
Ahhh! Regret sharing! He-he!  Oh well, it's 
a huge portion, though!

... herbs and spices ...

... Quran recitation, lifestyle, music and existence of Arabs are
extremely 'alive' here.

And of course ...

A lively daily 'Marche aux poissons' (Fish Market),
located at Quai des Belges of Vieux Port
remains to be essential in Marseille. 

Marseille has also been the birthplace of many
French writers, poets and this city have been valuable in its arts.

On top of that ...

Marseille can be proud of its stunning sights and scenes ....

... that has its own interpretations of history since 600 BC.

Marseille always has a tradition in welcoming and respecting foreigners from different nationalities.  I guess that makes this city a regional center for culture and attraction.  Social problems?  Of course, it has in every big city on this planet, peeps!  Just do not let the politicians and (again) media fabricate on whatever transpired, especially on religions or ethnic sentiments.  Well, that does not only happen in Marseille, right? 

I cherished this place as I believed:

Marseille is a port that lives in history.

Marseille has too much to tell when you empathize the city.

Marseille is a city that has its own unique culture and is honored for its diversity.

The truth is:

Marseille edifies its inhabitants to come to realize and settle whether to be contented or hopeless in life.  Then to see what is there to appreciate ...

... because in Marseille ...
inspiration is wonderful when it happens.

Wonderfully, today we have seen the other part of France.  The other part of life that as immigrants, even though there is a thin line between hopes and dreams - even if you have to lose, you have to have the commitment on how to fight!  Then the life will be tremendously fulfilling and of course, its worth the living....

Marseille never sleeps.  Marseille is full of life.

Tout le meilleur, Marseille.  Merci!

All the best, Marseille.  Thank you!