Marseille is far from your average city, blending both stunning attractions with a sophisticated, authentic atmosphere. It’s welcoming, packed with things to see and do and fantastic places to eat, but it’s also a proud place which clings to traditions. Get to grips with Marseille and you’ll embrace its unique character – not to mention its happy proximity to glorious Riviera beaches and Provencal beauty beyond.
Mouth-watering specialities
In many ways, the city’s famed dish of bouillabaisse is a symbol of Marseille.A spicy, aromatic and fragrant mix that is always more than the sum of its parts, start your visit at the popular port area, where two thousand years of history is written into the stone. There are dozens of restaurants, shops and cafes, as well as places to charter boats for offshore day trips.
From here, you can saunter through the labyrinthine streets of Le Panier, the city’s oldest quarter, with its pastel houses and sun-trap squares. The stunning Cathedrale de la Major is the major architectural draw here, but you’ll also find many unsung corners to photograph, admire and fall in love with.
Roaming the Riviera
With car hire at Marseille Airport, you’re only a couple of hours’ drive from the likes of Cannes and Nice, where the fashionable relax by day and the energetic party when the sun sets over the horizon. St. Tropez is particularly popular with visitors in summer, with numerous yachts bobbing in the sea, but head there in low season and you’ll have more of the town to yourself.
Undoubtedly, there’s culture and history to be found here – the Eglise de St-Tropez is a picturesque church in an area of cobbled serenity – but the real action is at the port. The sun glitters on the sea, the restaurants do a roaring trade and, as the day comes to an end, the beach parties begin. Make sure you park up and stay a night, so you can really immerse yourself in the glamorous Riviera lifestyle.
Amazing Avignon
Drive north of the airport on the A7 and head to Avignon, located just an hour away and one of the finest cities in France. Popes reigned from here during the 14th century, relocating from Rome at a time of papal upheaval. While waiting to return to Italy, they had time to build the truly stunning Palais des Papes with its ornate frescoes and thick walls – it was as much fortress as palace, and remains a staggering sight.
There’s much more to see here too, from the colourful Les Halles market to the remains of the 12th century bridge Pont St. Benezet. For the best view of Avignon, stroll through the Rocher des Doms park, which runs next to the Rhone and gives perfect vistas of the town.
Before leaving, be sure to make time for a brace of museums packed with artistic gems. Musee Angladon can claim pieces by Van Gogh, Cezanne and Picasso, while Musee du Petit Palais houses Botticelli’s tremendous Madonna with Child. If you’re on a day trip here, you’ll definitely be making plans to come back.
Car hire at Marseille Airport opens up the best that southern France has to offer. Book online now, and an unforgettable adventure awaits.