of the city. Fishermen still use the Old Port and can be seen selling their catch, auction-style, throughout the area.
La Panier is one of the oldest remaining areas in Marseille. Visitors who take a stroll in this neighborhood are treated to an atmospheric glimpse into Old World Marseille. The high concentration of locally-owned stores means that this is also practical destination for window-shoppers.
Notre Dame: This historic church sits on a hill overlooking the city. It is a prominent part of the Marseille skyline. Those who undertake the uphill hike to reach the church are rewarded with amazing views of the urban landscapes and the Mediterranean Sea. In a city that is not heavy on skyscrapers, Notre Dame is arguably the best scenic overlook.
Marseille is a seaside town, but many of its central beaches leave something to be desired. Changes in currents and wind directions can draw polluted water into the city’s sandy stretches, making for an unpleasant swimming experience. That said, the seaside scene at out-of-the-way beaches is very attractive. Plage de la Pointe Rouge (Red Point Beach) features a collection of basic seafood shacks and a seaside swimming pool, while Les Goudes, a somewhat isolated fishing village in metro Marseille, boasts a no-frills beach that is decidedly non-touristy and reasonably clean.
Arc De Triomphe: Officially called Porte d’Aix (and sometimes referred to as Porte Royale), this historic structure is impressive to look at, and interesting to visit, especially if you are aware of its colorful history. The Arc was conceived to honor the French role in ending the American Revolution in the 1780s, but it was not completed until nearly 60 years later, when it was said to simply signify victory in a broader sense. Insets depict the military successes of France before and during the era of Napoleon Bonaparte.
France’s Ministry of Culture calls Borley one of the Notable Gardens of France. Its grounds boast impeccably manicured lawns, a lake, fountains, statues, and even a children’s playground. It is possible to take a boat on the park’s tree-fringed waterway. Flowers are also among the resident flora and an adjacent botanical garden is an added attraction for horticulture enthusiasts.
If you are in search of postcard-like settings, one of the best places to look is in Vallon des Auffes, a small port that sits beside the city’s coastal roadway. The narrow, Old World lanes transport visitors back to a bygone era. The port itself is filled with brightly colored fishing vessels. This pleasant place is rather quiet and un-touristy, making it a perfect spot for getting a taste of real life in this region of coastal France.
The stark limestone canyons just outside of Marseille are a headlining sight, not only for visitors to France’s second city, but also for people visiting destinations all up and down the French Mediterranean coastline. Boat tours are available, but it is easy to enjoy the Calanques for free by hiking along the fjords and cliffs.
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