Marseille – a starting point to the Provence

I have been visiting Marseille several times during my life as it is the best location to start exploring Provence and the South of France. Some quick facts about this city: it is the second-largest city in France is located on the Mediterranean coast and is the most important industrial region of France. Like all ancient cities, it has numerous cultural, architectural and historical heritage of the country.

A unique, intriguing place in Marseille is the Old Port, which is already more than 26 centuries old. This place is considered the heart of the French city. Walking along the promenade, you will certainly feel the old spirit of Marseille. From the port begins the main street of the city – La Canbier, and if you move south from it, you can get to the spacious Place Cours Julien, which is completely strewn with cafes, restaurants, and gazebos for relaxation.

Notre Dame de la Garde – One of the best View to City

The highest point of the city is a hill with the basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde standing on it – a symbol of Marseille. The city has a myriad of attractions, visiting which you will get an unforgettable pleasure. I highly recommend visiting a beautiful architectural monument – Loshan Palace. Now the palace is an impressive architectural complex, surrounded by a lush garden. On the territory of the garden, you can see beautiful old fountains and sculptures; in summer it is decorated with interesting landscape compositions. If you are ready to climb the hill, it is worth is!

The Count of Monte Cristo

One of the days we had a day trip to the unique historical place which is not far beyond Marseilles, the legendary “Chateau d’If” – a castle that was described by Alexander Dumas in his adventure novel The Count of Monte Cristo. This castle was built in the 16th century and was originally used for defensive purposes, and in 1580 it was converted into a prison. He stayed in this status for almost 300 years, now many amazing legends are associated with a gloomy fortress. It is believed that many ghosts live in its walls – the restless souls of former prisoners. At the end of the 19th century, the prison was closed, and 10 years after this, the fortress became available for visits. Be sure to visit here, get a lot of ambiguous emotions.

Calanca Seaside

Marvel of Marseilles is considered to be bow-cans – rocky bays. This area was so amazing for people, so the government created a National Park. The turquoise sea, wild beaches, narrow bays, mountains, and gorges are picturesque views of the surroundings. Calanca occupies the coast from Marseille to the neighboring town of Cassis. Another natural asset of the city is the Friul Archipelago. These are four islands that are located in the Gulf of Marseille. The islands fascinate with their pristine nature: cliffs, sand streams, the play of light and water, wide beaches.

Markets with a tasty Food

Marseille is hard to imagine without markets – they reflect the flavor of the Mediterranean port town. One of the first in the city in the early morning is the Marché des Quai du Belges fish market. On it, local fishermen offer fresh fish and other seafood, some of them may seem to you real exotic. There are cafes on the territory of the market where they will skillfully prepare fish dishes. A hectic life reigns on the Capucins. This is a grocery market where you can buy fresh vegetables, fruits, cheeses, and meat.

Local dishes are part of the atmosphere of Marseille. The most famous dish that can be tasted in Marseille is the seafood soup “Buyabes”. At least three varieties of fish are used to make this soup. Local restaurants prepare soup with sea eel, mullet, hake, monkfish and other common types of fish, while in upscale restaurants in Marseille you can also try more original versions of it with crab and mussels.

Fans of fish dishes can also try various types of fried and stewed fish with traditional aioli sauce, which is prepared exclusively in this region. There are dozens of first-class bakeries in Marseille, many of which are historical. The most common type of bread is “focaccia” – flatbread with a crispy crust, which is prepared in a real wood-burning oven.

A trip to Provence

If you visit Marseille from late June to early August, then you just need to look at the flowering of lavender fields in Provence. To explore the lavender fields, you should definitely rent a car – so you can move around among the most picturesque landscapes and stop at the most attractive places.

Provaans … Perhaps the most French and most romantic region in France. Sky, sun, sea, and endless lavender fields.

Here I want to enjoy life to the fullest, to taste all the beauties of nature, to absorb the sun’s rays and to drown from the freshness of a cool rose. Provence is filled with aromas like no other region of France: lavender, rosemary, thyme fill the warmed air and intoxicate your head.

In a few places you can still find similar beauty, carefully collected by nature in one place. Provence is completely unique. It does nothing to charm you. It generously allows you to fall in love with yourself at first sight and forever.

While traveling in Provence, you can see many Chateau. These are very beautiful old castles with splendidly preserved authentic decoration, furniture and antique dishes. How romantic and charming your Provence wedding can be in a beautiful castle surrounded by ponds, parks or in a castle on a rock with a fabulous view! Here, hospitable locals will give you the best French wines, gourmet dishes, give you a bright holiday, which you will always remember.