Marseille, gateway to the French Riviera- Travel #23

Dear Steemit friends, Gemma here, let me take you on a journey to Marseille, gateway to the French Riviera. Marseille is actually the second largest city in France and is home to France's most important port. It sits on the Mediterranean coast line at the mouth of the Rhone river. It is also known fondly as the European capital of culture, hosting many world events such as the FIFA World Cup in 1998. Known to the ancient Greeks and Romans as Massalia, Marseille was the most important trading centre in the region and the main commercial port of the French Republic. Marseille is now France's largest city on the Mediterranean coast and the largest port for commerce, freight and cruise ships. It is a beautifully timeless city adorned with ancient buildings, stunning architecture and rolling gardens. In fact, Marseille is home to Europe's largest suburban park, Calanques National Park. Marseille's ideal location means it enjoys about 330 days of sunshine making it a very popular destination for yacht owners. I mean why not, there is a large marina right in the heart of the city centre. All you have to do is dock your yacht and walk a few steps to locals shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and boutiques. This is where the French Riviera comes alive.

To find me look for my Chihuahua's face

Marseille

As I mentioned above you could sail your luxury private yacht straight into the marina right into the heart of Marseille. Now wouldn't that be the life. I actually did sail into Marseille however, I had to share my luxury yacht with about 4,000 other people. I am talking about a magnificent cruise ship called the Carnival Vista. Carnival's flag ship at the time. Some people who have never cruised before are sceptical about cruise ships. Let me put your mind at ease. You get to travel in 5 star luxury, be waited on hand and foot, get to watch live stage performances that are Broadway and West End worthy all included in the one price. Not to mention the endless supply of delicious chef made meals also included. All you have to do is unpack once, no airport transfers, no lugging bags across town and no stress. Carnival or any cruise line you choose to sail with look after everything for you, what more could you want. Now you may think that with 4,000 people on board that it would be crowded, you couldn't be more wrong, these luxury liners are huge and there is more than enough space for everyone. They even have an abundance of activities on board to enjoy like trivia, mini golf or the sky ride. Some of you may be worried about sea sickness, these ships are so big, you will hardly feel any movement at all. When checking for European itineraries, make sure Marseille is a port of call.

If cruising really is not your thing, you can fly into Marseille. Marseille Provence Airport is an international airport located approximately 27 kilometres or 17 miles northwest of Marseille. Even though Marseille is the second largest city in France, it is the 5th busiest French airport of course behind all the Parisian airports. Marseille Provence Airport serves as the headquarters for Air France. It offers services from multiple destinations across Europe and the United Kingdom with connections through Paris to the rest of the world.

If sea legs and sky legs do not suit you then you can always take a train from Paris. Paris and Marseille are connected by a high speed bullet train system, making it easy to travel between the two cities. TGV trains in Paris depart every hour and the journey takes just over 3 hours. What a beautiful option for enjoying some of the famous French countryside.

The beautiful Carnival Vista

Carnival Vista docked

Skyride

Marseille was originally founded in 600 BC as the Greek colony of Massalia and populated by sailors from Phocaea. The city allied with the Roman Republic during the Second Punic War. Marseille retained its independence and commercial empire throughout the western Mediterranean even as the Roman empire expanded into Western Europe and North Africa. However, the city lost its independence following the Roman Siege of the city in 49 BC. This was during Caesar's Civil War, in which Marseille sided with the exiled faction at war with Julius Caesar.

In any city in Europe, you can admire the stunning architecture and designs of the buildings. It is within the stone carvings of a building that tell the story of a place. Even in the finest detail, it was designed to convey a message that scholars of today can only take a guess at its meaning. I find history incredibly fascinating and the hard work that went into creating such masterpieces mesmerizing. It is a shame that the modern buildings of today tell no real story. I can only hope these magnificent buildings will be around for centuries more, giving their own take on history.

Archway downtown

City centre

Saying hello to a local pooch

The centre of Marseille is very lively, bustling with people, market stalls line the marina and even carnival games. One of the most prominent landmarks in downtown Marseille is the Ferris wheel. It stands right in the centre of town offering stunning views of the low set city and of the breath-taking Notre-Dame de la Garde. It is this Ferris wheel that really sets the mood of the town. You can get your popcorn, sweets and even fairy floss and really feel like you are at the fun fair. The vibe in town is relaxed and fun.

I travelled to Marseille with my mum and my brothers. My younger brother Scott is wheelchair bound. Does this make travelling hard? No, it doesn't, it just requires a little planning ahead. Travelling via cruise liner is the least stressful and most comfortable way for him to travel. Before heading to Europe we were actually a little concerned about him getting around being that these towns are so old. He has had no trouble so far and has enjoyed everything that everyone else has. He is a huge inspiration to me and should be to you also. He has never let his wheelchair hinder him in his travel ventures and he has literally rolled his way around the world. If he can do it so can you.

Mum, Wayne and Scott

Mum, Scott and I

Ferris Wheel

The stunning view over the Marina

Family time

Families that travel together stay together

Downtown Marseille has a very different vibe to it than anywhere else I have ever visited. It is the second biggest city in all of France and it feels as though you are enjoying a day at the fair ground. It runs and operates as a city but everyone is so relaxed. It is completely opposite to Paris. The French have a global reputation for being rude but that title is not deserved here. Along the marina local venders set up stalls selling local produce, everything from fresh baked bread to handmade sweets and chocolates to knock off merchandise. You can almost find anything here and it is definitely a hot spot for souvenir shopping.

Trying yummy local sweets

We could not resist and bought a whole bag

Knock off Merchandise..... hmm I think they got the 49ERS colours slightly wrong

Getting around in Marseille is very easy, personally I love to walk. I believe this is the best way to experience a place but of course some people may have limitations with distance and fatigue. A local tourist tram is available at a small cost that will allow you to hop on and off at points of interest. It is a very similar tram system as offered in Bari, Italy. The French locals enjoy keeping active by travelling by bicycle, the city offers over 1000 bicycles for hire across 130 stations. I know that personally I am not great on a bicycle for long periods of time and I cannot go uphill. So if you are similar to me, not to worry there are 2 subway lines, 3 tram lines, 88 bus lines and over 10,000 parking spaces spread across 15 parking lots.

Tourist Tram

Public Transport system

Downtown

Beautiful church right in the city centre

Whether or not you are religious or follow a faith. Almost every city's foundations were built upon some sort of religion. The main religion or faith observed in Marseille is Catholic. Many pilgrims from across the globe travel to Marseille to get a hold of its very valuable Holy water. I have even received some Holy water from Marseille sent to me from my religious aunty. Notre-Dame de la Garde is a famous Catholic basilica in Marseille and is the city's best-known symbol. It is home to a popular Assumption Day pilgrimage and is the most visited site in Marseille. It was built on the foundations of an ancient fort at the highest natural point in Marseille. It stands proudly above the city with its whopping 149 metre limestone outcropping on the south side of the Old Port of Marseille or the modern day marina. A long time ago, fishermen would come here to have their boats blessed. To this day you can still see many boat models hanging up in the church. The perched location makes for the most spectacular views over the city and is a very romantic place to take a loved one for a glass of red wine at sunset, with blessings from the church of course. The view of Marseille from here is a sea of terracotta roofs and blooming gardens.

To get to Notre Dame De La Garde, there are several buses from the city centre or you can brave the uphill walk that takes about 40 minutes. Apart from being a marvel to look at the most beautiful feature of this church is the gold statue of Madonna with child. They are the official guardians of the city. For centuries since its construction in 1893 which took 40 years to build, this church has remained the symbol of Marseille for all, catholic and non-Catholics alike. It is a sacred place for the French people. Through every war and every siege on the city, the beautiful Gaudian statue was the first thing sailors saw on arrival into port. It sure was the last thing they saw as well when they finally lost in battle giving Marseille its freedom.

Notre-Dame de la Garde

Mum standing outside the chamber of commerce

The interesting fact about this particular chamber of commerce here in Marseille as almost every city in the world houses one is that it was the first chamber of commerce to ever exist. It was founded in 1599. The next official one would not come about until 65 years later in Bruges, then part of the Spanish Netherlands.

Traditional Merry-Go-Round

You would not be in Europe if you didn't see a gelato shop on every corner

Even old cities have modern buildings

Right next to old ones

While exploring the gorgeous city of Marseille, we found backstreets lined with cafes and boutiques. There really is nothing like that traditional French setting. These backstreets scream of Belle's hometown from Beauty and the Beast. It is in these unmarked backstreets of a city that you find the true local authenticity of a place away from the tourist hotspots. Travelling to new places and discovering its heart is truly something special, of course we all seek different things when we travel but for me, I find so much beauty in raw authenticity.

After a wonderful time exploring the beautiful French provincial capital of Marseille and as the sun starts to set, we decided to sit by the old port. Eating some sandwiches we bought from a local bakery admiring the reflections of light off the sea. What a truly unique city that has something to suit everyone. You may be exploring the entire French Riviera and decide to start in Marseille or travelling down from Paris for a weekend in the sun. You may even decide to make Marseille a destination all in itself, however you choose to explore this amazing city, I hope you take the time to really take in all this city has to offer.

The old port

I hope you have enjoyed my blog on Marseille, gateway to the French Riviera, France, thank you for reading and I look forward to sharing more adventures with you, until next time, Au revoir , Vegoutt Everybody!

Sailing away to our next adventure