The Most Unique Experiences You Can Have in Marseille
Marseille is a great place to have some unique experiences that you might not find anywhere else. Here’s our list of things that are a little off the beaten track.
Experience The Blue Hour
There is a reason that painters have been coming to Provence for centuries; there is a very different light that you find here, that you don’t find anywhere else. When the sun rises and when it goes to bed, you’ll notice what Cézanne, Van Gogh and all the other great residents of the region noticed, The Blue Hour. It can be magical, particularly with a glass of wine in your hand and a sea view.
Eat Bouillabaisse, the Local Soup Delicacy
Bouillabaisse is a fish soup that comes specifically from Marseille and the surrounding coastline. Fishermen used to make soup with the rockfish they caught that they couldn’t sell in the market. They added Provençal herbs and simmered it over a period of a few hours. Nowadays, it’s a cultural delicacy – order it in advance (sometimes 48 hours) at the best restaurants, expect to pay at least €40 per head and most restaurants only take orders for more than 2 people. Read our guide on where to eat the best bouillabaisse here.
Hike Through One of France's Natural Wonders
Have an Authentic Hammam Experience
Cabin
Visit a City in a City
Attend a Cultural Event in a Tobacco Factory
Scale a Bridge from the Old World to the New
Bridge, Building, Museum
See Yourself Upside Down
Market
Experience African-French Cuisine
Provence is loved for its Mediterranean cuisine but Marseille also offers some wonderful North African cuisine with a French twist. Head to the couscous restaurants by Noailles metro station or by the main St Charles train station. The food here is quick and cheap at many of the sit-down restaurants. For something a little more upmarket, head to the Cours Julien area, where you’ll find some interesting and varied types of African restaurants. The area is edgy but lively and fun.