Tag Archives | France

Beyond the Tourist Attractions in France

Visit the Paris of the locals for a new perspective.

By LAUREN BECK

From the United Kingdom, France is such an easy destination to reach. Many get a plane or a cheap ferry over the English Channel when they start off their backpacking adventures across Europe. Once you arrive in France you have plenty of things to choose from, which way will your route take you? If you plan to visit France and then move onto other countries, why not discover the more traditional sides to France, which are often missed by tourists.

Of course, many of us will visit Paris first with good reason. Paris is an excellent cultural destination with food, art, history and fashion that will please everyony; however, there are still many overlooked places in Paris you can visit. For the art lovers, after visiting the Louvre there is more art to see at Musée Marmottan-Monet. Some of Monet’s most important art is housed in this museum tucked away behind a park in West Paris clear of the hustle and bustle of the city. The painting Impression, Sunrise, one of Monet’s most famous pieces which was stolen in 1985 and found by police in 1990, can be admired at the museum.

Normandy is often visited by tourists thanks to its historical significance, but beyond this there is a traditional, rural Normandy with hidden depths and a beautiful countryside. The quiet beaches cover 370 miles of coast line and are much quieter than the tourist beaches, perfect if you wish to relax or get artistic yourself with some photography. Normandy is responsible for producing some of France’s most famous cheeses such as Pont L’Eveque, Boursin and Camembert, and once you have tasted the finest authentic cheese minutes from where it has been made there will be no going back to cheap supermarket blocks.

Pristine Gourmet.

When it comes to drinks France is more often than not associated with fine wines and vineyards, less so with cider and other apple-based drinks such as apple brandy. The orchards of Normandy are a major producer of French cider. Along with the cheese, you can see where and how cider and other apple-based treats are made by following the ‘Cider Route’. Follow the sign posts starting from Cambremer, which will take approximately two days depending on how often and how long you wish to stop on the way.

For a true sense of France’s culture, spend a few days in the more rural areas, take in the architecture and quiet beaches, and try some authentic fresh, French food from the many village and farmers markets.

Lauren Beck loves all things French and blogs at http://www.ferryfrance.org.uk/

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3

Paris’ Hidden Treasures

By Erica Johansson on in Europe

Before you visit the capital of France, book one of the many Paris apartments for your holiday.

By NISHA BASHIR

So you would like to go somewhere different and experience new sights and new experiences. Why not try Pari! You wouldn’t have thought it, but it has so much more to offer than the usual beauties. So, let’s have a deeper look into the heart of Paris to see its hidden treasures.

Wallace Fountains

Even though these fountains are known worldwide, not many people consider them as a must-see sight when in Paris. These public drinking fountains were designed by Charles-Auguste Lebourg and named after Richard Wallace who financed the fountain. He was a man devoted to his love of Paris.

During the siege, Wallace founded a hospital where he welcomed the injured and distributed supplies, so he was seen as a great man, and the fountain is a true representation of Wallace. It represents Wallace’s helping hand and also his passion to make Paris beautiful. After understanding the meaning behind this fountain, it’s definitely something worth seeing.

Saint-Jacques Tower

If you love gothic style buildings this is truly a great building to see. La Tour Saint-Jacques is a 16th-century gothic-style tower and this is all that remains from the church église Saint-Jacques de la Boucherie. The church was originally built when King Francis I was King and it welcomed pilgrims who set out on the road that led to Tours. The beautiful decoration top and the stunning stained glass is a good representation of the kind of money patrons had and it’s also a great symbol of what was once there.

Saint-Paul – Saint-Louis

This is one of the oldest examples of Jesuit architecture in Paris. You will see great classical features such as the Corinthian pillars and beautiful heavy ornamentation. And the church is known for its 195 foot dome. For the sheer beauty of the building this is a great attraction to see in France.

Parc Monceau

If you’re looking to see something unique and romantic in Paris, why not visit the Parc Monceau. This park is actually quite different from other parks in France, due to its English style, informal layout and curved walk ways as well as randomly placed statues around the park that would make you believe you were visiting England.

So, there you go, some great off-the-beaten track places to visit in Paris. This is how you get to see the real Pari!

Nisha Bashir works as the editor for Holiday365 and has represented the business for the last two years. Holiday365 offers some great deals in the UK, why not visit the website to see what they have to offer http://www.holiday365.co.uk.

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4

5 Reasons the North of France is Better Than the South…

By Erica Johansson on in Europe

Sunset in Arromanches.

The North of France may not immediately spring to mind when you’re dreaming of exotic travel destinations, but plenty of people spend their holidays there. Its rival in the South may boast the most glamorous resorts and famous beaches, but the North does offer a few clear advantages.

1. It’s More Accessible

For British travelers, the North of France is easily accessible even without booking a flight – just an easy Eurostar or ferry ride away. If you’re looking for a short break abroad but don’t want to eat up too much of your holiday time getting there, northern France offers an ideal solution.

2. It’s Home to the Capital

One of the most romantic cities in the world, Paris needs little introduction. Full of iconic monuments, chic bistros, world-class museums and galleries, and beautiful boutique shops, Paris is an inspirational destination. And you’re even spoilt for choice when it comes to Paris hotels, whether you’re looking for urban chic, historic charm or a romantic hideaway.

3. It’s Packed with History

For history buffs, Northern France has a fascinating and turbulent past, having been on the path of a series of invaders throughout the centuries. The bloodiest battles of all were those that took place in World War I, particularly the Battle of the Somme, and even today you can still visit battle grounds, trenches and mass graves dotted about the countryside.

4. It Inspires Artists

The landscape of Brittany has inspired many famous artists over the years, and still attracts painters and photographers today, all hoping to capture the magic of the area’s dramatic coastline. One of the most photographed stretches is the unusual, pink-tinged Côte de Granit Rose, between Plestin-les-Greves and Louannec.

5. Unique Geology

The North of France also boasts some impressive geological formations, some of which are in sensational colours. Highlights include the beautiful Côte d’Opale coastline in Pas-de-Calais, which faces the similarly white cliffs of Dover on the British coastline; the chalk cliffs of the Alabaster Coast at Etretat in Normandy; and Brittany’s dramatic Côte d’Emeraude, Côte de Granit Rose, and Crozon Peninsula.

And Five Reasons Why the North Isn’t Better Than the South of France…

1. Climate

The south definitely wins when it comes to climate, offering generally warmer and sunnier holiday weather.

2. Beaches

While the north has its fair share of beautiful beaches, it’s in the south you can enjoy a proper beach holiday atmosphere with the balmy Mediterranean climate and chic outdoor restaurants of the French Riviera.

3. Mountains

In Southwestern France, the young, high mountains of the Midi-Pyrenees near the border with Spain are popular with mountain climbers and nature lovers, while over in Southeastern France the Alps offer stunning ski resorts, charming mountain villages and spectacular scenery.

4. Skiing

This leads us on naturally to another of the South’s big selling points: the fantastic skiing in areas such as Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and the Hautes-Alpes – surrounded by incredible scenery.

5. Villages

Rural France is scattered with beautiful little villages, but in Provence, the Vaucluse region is home to some of the most picturesque of all, including Fontaine de Vaucluse, Roussillon, Gordes, Menerbes and Lourmarin

Tour De France: The Best Sporting Event To Travel To?

By Erica Johansson on in Activities & Outdoors

If you enjoy cycling as much as traveling, why not go for a vacation experience you will never forget?

Those who bet on sports typically think of the North American sporting events as the best ones worth traveling to. Be it a college football game at a raucous stadium like The Swamp in Florida, the NFL’s ultimate Super Bowl contest or an NBA game Madison Square Garden, there is plenty of options.

cyclists Tour De France: The Best Sporting Event To Travel To?

Tour de France cyclists racing through Triaixe.

But for those who are more into the traveling part than the sports part, one of the best events to visit is the Tour de France. After all, any excuse to visit a country with a rich history of wine and food culture can only bring good things.

The Tour de France is an annual bicycle race held in France as well as some of the nearby countries. It covers more than 3600 kilometers and lasts just over three weeks. It’s definitely not the best spectacle sport but watching the peloton - the name for the big crowd of cyclists flocked together – whiz by you is one of the most unique sights you will ever see.

The best part of the race to watch is the final stage, which since 1975, has been held on Champs Elysees. The breathtaking avenue is cleared of traffic to allow the cyclists to finish the race down one of the most famous streets in the entire world.

Combined with your own mini tour of France – a vacation filled with experiences across the dazzling country – seeing the Tour de France is truly one of the best options out there as far as sports and traveling.

Mr & Mrs Smith’s Travel and Hotel Guide Books

By Erica Johansson on in Books & Guides

As boutique and luxury hotel specialists, Mr & Mrs Smith offers the best hand-picked boutique and luxury hotels for romantic escapes. When I discovered Mr & Mrs Smith in 2007, I couldn’t help but ask myself: “Why didn’t I think of this?! Such a brilliant idea!” In early 2009, I had the pleasure of sharing an interview with co-founder and CTO Tamara Heber-Percy, who offered appreciated insight into the world of the company.

And in mid 2009, thanks to a giveaway by Jen Laceda, I won a copy of the original Mr & Mrs Smith guide to hotels in the UK and Ireland, which I found myself reading for hours on end. Although published in 2003, the guide didn’t feel outdated the least bit and made me smile, sigh and daydream as I read the reviews and admired the visuals. I was pleasantly surprised by the review of Rick’s (not a hotel, a cocktail bar with ten contemporary rooms) in the heart of Edinburgh, the same goes for the section on how to play strip poker. The guide also includes chapters on how to throw a frisbee and how to fly a kite – skills that may come in handy in the British countryside or in one of London’s many parks. The terrific insider reviews were followed by a smart diary-style calendar of events in the UK and Ireland, recommended pack list, useful numbers, and witty bios of the anonymous reviewers as well as the Mr & Mrs Smith team. If you haven’t had the chance to read the guide yet you can pick up your own copy at UK/Ireland Hotel Collection. Do also check out UK/Ireland Volume 2.

In 2010, much to my delight, I received review copies of two new hotel guides in Smith’s series of stunning books, Australia/New Zealand and France, courtesy of Mr & Mrs Smith.

Australia/New Zealand by the Melbourne team covers the sexiest stays down under, 33 in total, from a gourmet getaway in sassy Sydney to a coastal hideaway on New Zealand’s South Island.

Cleverly organized, the guide categorizes hotels after rates, size and style, followed by regional guides with engaging intros, recommended reads, local specialities, what’s worth getting out of bed for along with splendid shopping tips and diaries of events.

Apart from personal accounts from local tastemakers, the exceptional reviews include style and setting statements, “Need to know” (rooms, rates, check-out, facilities etc), “In the know” (favorite rooms, hotel bar and restaurant, room service, dress code) as well as suggestions on local eating and drinking. In other words, everything you need to know to make the most out of a stay. Since the hotels were reviewed anonymously with no special treatment, you know what to expect and will likely not experience any unwelcome surprises.

Among the different places, all excellently portrayed, Lord Howe Island’s beach house Capella Lodge and The Louise, a hillside vineyard retreat in Barossa Valley, especially triggered my desire for luxurious hotel breaks.

At the end, exclusive extras for BlackSmith members, such as chocolates and a bottle of local bubbly, a one-hour massage treatment, or a round of golf, plus useful numbers and website adresses, provide more incentive to book that next trip.

Mr & Mrs Smith’s guide to France brings the wow-factor up a notch with the mindblowingly beautiful Château de Saint Paterne by the Loire and equally sincere reviews of 30 other carefully selected properties, from Paris to Provence, as well as new insider destination guides and amusing sections on how to eat cheese, taste wine, look Parisian, and be a flâneur.

Gorgeous photography and compelling descriptions capture the essence of every place and a colorful layout (every region and review has a distinct look) make it a joy to read. How about a luxury guesthouse close to Grasse, a beach hotel along Côte d’Azur, a castle in the countryside of Poitou-Charentes, or a mountain chalet near Chamonix?

As usual, writers offer does and donts with tips on arts, culture, activities, beaches and day trips. Bios of the hand-picked reviewers and Mr & Mrs Smith’s team wrap up the guide. A plus for the handy ‘on track’-piece on train travel throughout the country.

Every Smith guide includes a free BlackSmith membership card, giving access to special offers and members-only privileges.

If you’re a style-conscious traveler who values attention to detail and a hotel that can be a destination in itself, I bet you would love any guide in Smith’s coffee-table collection. They can be purchased at Smith Travel & Hotel Guide Books.

Getting Around Paris

By Erica Johansson on in Europe, On Location

By REBECCA KELLY

Being the capital and largest city in France, travelling around Paris may seem slightly daunting if you are a first-time visitor. The Paris transport system however is one of the most efficient in the world and finding your way between attractions, hotels and shops is an easy process.

Having arrived at the city and dropped off your luggage, the bright lights of Paris will allure you to explore the city immediately. Here’s the best ways to do so:

Metro System

Undergrounds are not a favourite choice with non-city lovers however the Paris metro system is renowned for being organised and reliable. This simple and economic system is made up of 14 lines, 380 stations, and more than 130 miles of track and is open from 5.00am to 12:30am.

To travel on the Metro, tickets can be bought from any of the stations, tourist offices and some tobacconists.

Buses

A bonus of travelling around Paris on a bus is you can do some sightseeing on your journey whilst absorbing the city’s atmosphere. The bus network operates between 6.30am to 8.30pm with some routes continuing until 12.30am.

All of the bus routes are numbered and maps are easily available. The same ticket can be used for both the metro and for buses.

RER Trains

There are six major rail stations in Paris where trains can be caught to Paris’ suburbs and outwards to other European cities. There are five train lines A through to E that run from 5.30am to 12.30am.

The same metro and bus tickets can be used to ride the trains until the train reaches the outskirts of Paris, supplementary fares are then charged.

Taxis

Unlike other larger cities, it is easier to find a taxi rank than it is to hail a car in the street. The lighting on a taxi roof indicates whether it is busy or not; white is available, orange is not. Travelling by taxi in Paris is a fairly inexpensive way of getting around, make sure however that the meter is operating correctly to avoid having to haggle with the driver to agree a fare.

Boat

A memorable experience of travelling from A to B in Paris is to do so by Batobus on the River Seine. This runs between the Quau de l’Hotel de Ville and the Eiffel Tower and is open between April and October.

Various companies around Paris offer river cruises, however these are much more a sightseeing activity as opposed to getting around the city.

Most major hotels in Paris are located within walking distance of some form of public transport to ensure you are in easy reach of all the top attractions this wonderful city has to offer.

Rebecca Kelly works for Simonseeks.com, the world’s first website to offer comprehensive, up-to-date information and independent advice for travellers across a range of destinations such as the top-rated hotels in Paris and the best restaurants in New York.

Cote d’Azur – Life of Luxury

By Erica Johansson on in Europe

The coast of Nice © Lauren Salvitti

By IAIN MILLER

The Cote d’Azur, more commonly known in English as the French Riviera makes up the south eastern corner of France’s coastline. While this beautiful stretch of coast became one of the original resort regions in the world, it has always been a destination for travellers from other countries. The ancient Greeks came here to sell their wares to the local people and in the 1700s aristocrats from Britain used the Cote d’Azur as their favourite holiday area. In the 19th century the Russians made it into their summer retreat from St. Petersburg. The 20th century saw famous artists and writers frequently visit, as well as wealthy families from America and elsewhere in Europe. Some now refer to the Cote d’Azur as the “playground of the rich and famous”.

The Cote d’Azur sits on the Mediterranean Sea with the Alps in the background. The name comes from the beautiful azure color of the sea. The entire coastline can be travelled in 3 hours from St. Tropez to the Italian border. Some of the most glamorous beaches in the world are along this stretch of coastline. They tend to be narrow stretches of beach made up more of rock and pebbles than sand bordered by busy streets or highways.

St. Tropez – The best beaches of St Tropez villas cover a 3 mile stretch that can be accessed easily by foot from town. Many people prefer the sandy expanses of beach farther from town called Les Salin and Plage de Pampelonne.

St. Maxime – The beaches here are on a waterfront that is crammed with tall buildings, apartments, luxury villas and hotels. But it is considered to be a very affordable beach resort ideal for families.

Cannes – Most of the beaches of Cannes belong to hotels and restaurants where visitors can rent lounges and umbrellas. There are also public beaches and facilities that rent sailboats. Find bargain hotels in Cannes and throughout France with Twenga.

Antibes – This area boasts 48 beaches that include small inlets and rocky steeply sloped beaches located at the base of cliffs.

Nice – These are probably the most well known and popular beaches of the Cote d’Azur. Some run along a public promenade and others are luxurious private beaches that offer restaurants and bars as well as equipment rental for a variety of water sports.

There are a number of wonderful reasons to visit the Cote d’Azur besides the beaches themselves.

Eastern Riviera Sites:

Monte Carlo in Monaco may be most famous for its casinos, but it also offers lush tropical gardens, the well known Formula One Monte Carlo Grand Prix, and the Monte Carlo Opera.

The entire stretch of the Cote d’Azur is full of excellent art museums like the Musee Picasso in Antibes, the Fondation Maeght in St. Paul, and Musee Matisse in Nice.

Nice is known as the “Queen of the Riviera” and is well worth the visit to see its palaces, museums, mansions and extravagant hotels. A path along the sea called Sentier Tirepoil offers spectacular views.

Western Riviera Sites:

Moustiers St. Marie is an old village that sits at the base of a rocky cliff. A stream runs directly through the middle of the village, dividing it into two halves with a rocky canyon dotted with small waterfalls.

The Verdon Gorge is a canyon that may the most beautiful one in all of Europe. Formed by River Verdon, it is 700 meters deep. The area is popular to those who like to hike and rock climb as well as kayak.

No matter your destinations in the Cote d’Azur or the time of year that you travel, you can count on the Mediterranean climate to be perfect for your visit. The summer days are hot and dry and the winters are quite mild.

Iain Miller is a finance and travel blogger with an unhealthy interest in poker and dreams of making it big in Vegas. He works in marketing promoting luxury holidays for Elegant Resorts.

Where the Wine is Divine: Top 10 Grape Destinations

By Erica Johansson on in Food & Drink

TripAdvisor®, the largest travel community in the world, recently announced the top ten wine destinations in the world. Bordeaux, Napa Valley and Tuscany secured the top three spots, followed by Champagne-Ardenne and Australia’s Barossa Valley.

“In addition to supplying some of the finest wines to the world, these destinations offer visitors outstanding hotels, restaurants and wine tours,” said Michele Perry, vice president of global communications for TripAdvisor.

1. Bordeaux, France

An incredible wine-tasting experience awaits visitors to France’s Bordeaux region, one of the world’s most sough-after wine destinations. Its vineyards produce everything from table wines to the costliest bottles in the world.

2. Napa Valley, California

Each year, millions of wine enthusiasts travel to Napa Valley to enjoy sensational wine and stunning scenery. With an ideal Mediterranean climate, the valley is home to nearly 400 wineries that offer a variety of grapes, from Zinfandel to Cabernet Sauvignon.

3. Tuscany, Italy

A magical location to taste the local “vino”, the Tuscany province of Italy combines natural and historic beauty with unique vineyards and cuisine. Renowned for its reds like Montalcino and Chianti, Tuscany is one of the most renowned wine destinations and a true delight for the senses.

4. Champagne-Ardenne, France

With carefully tended vineyards in the midst of a striking landscape, the Champagne region is famous for the much-loved sparkling white wine that shares its name.

5. Barossa Valley, Australia

Highly praised for its beautiful surroundings and robust varieties of red wine including Shiraz, Barossa Valley in Southern Australia is a terrific destination for both sightseers and wine connoisseurs.

6. La Rioja, Spain

Because of the delicious vanilla flavors and the oak aging, Spain’s most well-known wine region offers especially characteristic wines. Acknowledged for its exceptional reds, La Rioja is divided into three areas: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Baja.

7. Sonoma Valley, California

Featuring picturesque towns, gorgeous surroundings and well-attended vineyards, the Sonoma Valley was nicknamed the “Valley of the Moon” by once Sonoma local and celebrated writer Jack London.

8. Valle Central, Chile

The Curicó’s chardonnays and the Maipo Valley’s cabernets attract wine lovers from both near and far away. Set among the Andes Mountains and Pacific Ocean just outside the capital Santiago, the Valle Central is an internationally acclaimed wine destination.

9. Stellenbosch, South Africa

With more than 100 wine cellars to visit, Stellenbosch belongs to the Cape Winelands region and is home to one of South Africa’s most popular wine routes.

10. Marlborough, New Zealand

Recognized for its adorable Sauvignon Blancs, Marlborough is widely seen as New Zealand’s birthplace of winemaking.

Saint Tropez, Where Stilettos and Tans Are Always in Vogue!

By Erica Johansson on in Europe

By CHERYL MARIE CORDEIRO

Saint Tropez, located at the French Riviera along the Côte d’Azur, is everything that the press has written about. It is all vogue, celebrity and famous with big yachts lined up at the harbour front, beautiful people in beautiful clothes. In a 100 meter stretch of road I couldn’t help but spot three Louis Vuitton bags, two Louis Vuitton sandals, a Balenciaga bag and a D&G outfit. Within three minutes two Lamborghinis, one Porche convertible and one racing red Ferrari drove past! The atmosphere was dizzying as it was electric! Even if Saint Tropez is not as hot as it has been, the ultra rich have their fantastic villas all along the coast. Partying is an ongoing 24/7 affair here as well as everywhere along the coast of Provence.

st tropez Saint Tropez, Where Stilettos and Tans Are Always in Vogue!

My husband, JE and myself in a typical small and winding street of Saint Tropez, walking towards the harbour front.

It was August and high summer when I arrived at Saint Tropez. The many narrow streets and alleys that lead up to the harbour front were crowded. Since it is nigh impossible to find a hotel room even remotely near water along the French Riviera at short notice during high season, I recommend booking well in advance if you plan to arrive from land.

st tropez harbor Saint Tropez, Where Stilettos and Tans Are Always in Vogue!

A scene at St. Tropez's harbour front in August.

The way to visit Saint Tropez is otherwise to arrive and travel along the French Riviera by boat, and with boat I mean any of those private yachts with which the central harbor of Saint Tropez is filled. As for eating out, Saint Tropez suffers from the same problem as any all too crowded and all too popular places eventually fall victim to, over pricing and indifference. No doubt good quality cuisine could be found at many places, not the least the better hotels and some of the venues that offer excellent views of the old port and coastline. But for all but the very rich, this is not the place for pleasant surprises and that special personal touch that makes Italy and France so popular among those interested in culinary delights. A few steps from the quay will lead you to the calmer Place des Lices and and the charming Place aux Herbes. Rue Georges Clemenceau from the quay and inwards is popular for its range of cuisine. One of the better is La Table du Marché.

st tropez shopping Saint Tropez, Where Stilettos and Tans Are Always in Vogue!

A cute straw hat from Bla Bla.

Nobody goes to Saint Tropez for bargain hunting so I wasn’t too surprised when I bounced into Bla Bla’s, located near Place des Lices, a few doors down from Emilio Pucci’s, and found a real cute woven straw hat at €120.

st tropez1 Saint Tropez, Where Stilettos and Tans Are Always in Vogue!

An opportune shot of a charming street in St. Tropez, with the horizon of both sea and sky laying yonder.

Ignoring the rush of the crowd, one is seductively and irresistibly coaxed by Saint Tropez’s historical surroundings to discover the genuine heartbeat of the village. For me, the true charm of Saint Tropez lies in its humble proximities, its narrow, slow winding alleys, its cobbled streets and terracotta buildings that reflects its essence as a small fishing borough. The place boasts 17 historical or listed sites, monuments and listed natural sites and when there, be sure to observe the facades of the houses along the harbour front, the Citadelle and its churches, the gardens of houses belonging to its inhabitants, windows, doors, doorframes, wells and how scooters are the main mode of transport for this village.

Cheryl Marie Cordeiro is the author of http://www.cmariec.com/blog

A Mediterranean Sojourn in Marseille

By Erica Johansson on in Europe

Set between the hills and the Mediterranean Sea, Marseille offers the better of two distinct worlds. The sea, lined with 14 marinas and more than 20 beaches, attracts divers, sea kayakers and sailors all year round whilst the mountain area entices nature lovers of all ages. You can see them admiring the Calanques massif’s white limestone cliffs that plunge into the clear Mediterranean Sea. Divers prefer to appreciate the Calanques from underwater.

The interesting mixture of people and cultures creates a cosmopolitan feel to Marseille. Although its previous reputation for crime resulted in fewer tourists over a period, things have changed and the city is now a sought-after location on Provence’s gorgeous coastline. Marseille is divided into sixteen arrondissements twirling out from the Vieux Port in the center of the city. La Canebire, the broad avenue which begins from the Vieux Port, is bordered by Quartier Belsunce’s small streets to the north and shopping streets to the south.

Buy a City Pass valid for one or two days to get as much as possible of your visit. I recommend the site of the original Greek settlement in the old town Le Panier, Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde on the hill of La Garde, the Chateau d’If situated on the ancient prison island If and the big Borely Park. Sport interested? Check out the events at Marseille’s stadium seating 60,000 people.

When in Marseille, don’t forget to savor the regions delicious specialties. Apparently the city has the planets best bouillabaisse, but as a vegetarian I wouldn’t know. If you like sweets, don’t miss the navettes – a biscuit flavored with orange blossom – for dessert.

How to Get There

Marseille is accessible from motorways A7, A50, A52 or A55. TGV high-speed train from Paris to the Marseille St-Charles station takes three hours. Marignane MRS, France’s second largest airport, serves daily flights from French and international destination. Tourists can also enter the city from cruise ships since Marseille has France’s biggest commercial port.