Have you heard the name of Marseille? I think you have. The city of Marseille is very famous worldwide. In today’s blog I will share my experience in Marseille with a question: Is Marseille safe for solo travellers? Let’s explore the answer with my journey. Â
The moment one lands in a city which is a potpourri of history, culture and vibrancy, it feels good. That is how I felt the moment I touched down in the beautiful coastal French city of Marseille.
The first thing that hit me after I alighted from the train was the refreshing salty breeze that came with the sounds of ships and people. Before my trip to Marseille I read some books about “travel advice Marseille France. It turned out that Marseilles is much more than a place one visits. And whatsoever that feeling is, I was all in it!
First Impressions of Marseille
As I made my way towards the Seine river, my joy began to manifest itself the more I began to displace from my base of understanding: sparkling antiquities, beautiful places and broad avenues, condimented by the sounds of shouting people and some street musicians, all this had made great whole, the city of Marseille.
The very first impression was that it was fascinating how confidently Marseille reconciles ancient and modern. How much is fitted the history and poverty, and how reveres all against the backdrop of soft blue sea.
Everyone can be swept off their feet because every angle seems to be dominated by stunning murals on the walls and a beautiful deep blue sea which seems to be peeking behind traditional French styled buildings.
History of Marseille, France in a Nutshell
There are so many facts about Marseille, It is not the only reason it is regarded as the oldest city in France but also the most respectfully oldest of all as it dates back to over 2600 years, when its founding spiraled after a group of Greek sailors landed in it around 600 BC.
Its coast along the Mediterranean has enabled this city to be a diverse and bustling center that nourished different civilizations, including Romans and North African merchants.
As all the other individual cultures came together within this city, developing history about Marseille, France began to spread in every area where Mediterranean Africans and Europeans settled. It is this deep sense of history in the Complex Layers of Marseille that makes it very interesting and elegant at the same.
It was like being in the hallowed halls of some distant ship, book in one hand and barefoot, turning the contents at each corner revealing a different chapter of the story, mesmerized even further. All these brief history of Marseille France encourage me to find out the city more in deatils.
Geography and Population
Marseille, located in the southeastern part of France, is the regional capital of Provence Alpes Cote d Azur. It occupies a very strategic place on the Mediterranean and all the people who have been there cannot fail to admire the deep blue seas, as well as, a rather rugged structure of the limestones.
This is the second most populous city in France after Paris, due to a total head count of about 900,000 residents. However, unlike Paris, the busy capital city of France, it is sterile and devoid of the fast-paced life – maritime instead in the case of Marseille.
Is It Safe to Travel Alone to Marseille?
The question which comes up for discussion. This too was a question I thought to myself: is Marseille safe for solo travellers ? If I have to admit it, Marseille does have a reputation.
But don’t let that put you off. Like any other big city, there are some areas that tend to be more violent than others, but it’s very safe if you know how to protect yourself. For instance, I ventured out during the day and late into the night, wandering about neighborhoods such as Le Panier and the rather hip Cours Julien without any problems.
The trick is to stay alert, try not to roam the streets in the darkness, and do not place your valuables in a backpack – basic travel advice in Marseille for almost every city.
The people of Marseille are rather pleasant; they are even courteous and nice enough to offer help in some way or another to deliver instructions or good places to visit even though someone’s French language skills are not that good. So, dear solo tourists, you can surely be at ease since it’s time to explore Marseille!
Lifestyle in Marseille: A Cultural Mix Where Anything Goes
It is essential to emphasize the peculiarities of Marseille which make it stand out, namely the multicultural character of the people. Everything counts, even from the early fish market at the Old Port to the energetic street art of the artsy Cours Julien neighborhood.
Marseille’s lifestyle is an interesting affair of Mediterranean warmth and French elegance. People are easygoing and do not hurry, which makes them take their sweet time for lunch, dinner and even indulge on weekends visit the beach or sail around the azure waters of Calanques.
The sense of support for the different aspects of life – the culture within Marseille – is something that I enjoyed the most. One can observe the presence of an Arab market across the road from war reminiscent French coffee shops, or in one sentence hear Arabic, Italian and Provençal French. This diversity permeates every aspect of life, most especially food, which brings me to the next, and perhaps best, of my trip.
If anybody asks, what is Marseille famous for, the first answer to them will be bouillabaisse. There are the best bouillabaisse restaurant in Marseille. Everyone can relate to it – local gastronomy dominated mainly in fruit and vegetables finds its top expression in one single dish.
Bouillabaisse fish stew is a child of French cuisine and it is particularly linked to Provence. In Marseille, one restaurant is considered to serve the best bouillabaisse of all clients ! As the name suggests, it is Chez Fonfon and many people will vouch for freshly cooked soup with chunks of fish in it.
It left me rather hungry, so for the food enthusiasts in the audience, I think you ought to give it a try and thank yourself later. But bouillabaisse is not the only star. A chickpea flour and water dough that is flavored with herbs and seasonings gives way to panisse, wedge-shaped fritters with a crunchy exterior encased in a soufflé like moistness within, and navettes – a sweet edible staff of candles for the festival of Candlemass.
And one simply cannot visit this city and leave without a hot pipe of a croissant or pain au chocolat from one or the several number of petite bakeries all over the city.
Local Culture: Gems That Locals Realise
In Marseille, I enjoyed finding hidden gems that are mostly left undiscovered by the general tourist population of the city. In Le Panier, the oldest quarter of town, I managed to locate La Vieille Charité*, a magnificent former almshouse and current cultural center which has been dated back in the 17th century. Strolling around its serene cloisters I could only imagine how it felt like to head back to that era installing those cloisters.
Also, part of the experience was the Cours Julien place – an eccentric, arty part of the city dominated by rich street art, cute little shops coupled with serene cafes.
I spent the afternoon considering the guests at **La Cantinetta **restaurant and especially on its terrace that was full of life and offered nice views showing the blooming of the northern sun over flowers.
This is why cities like Marseille are always captivating, wherever one turns one always finds something worth exploring in the city.
Great Places to Visit in Marseille
Likewise, every tourist who wishes to visit Marseille would invariably like to see some great places, monuments and sights to watch for which they have come. The Notre Dame de la Garde, which is probably the most well known sight in the city situated on top of a hill is worth the climb bur for sprawling views from the top.
I got there shortly before sunset, so when admiring the city in front of me, I had never seen it covered in such bright colours.
The Old Port (Vieux-Port) is the center of Marseille with considerable movement, fishing boats and restaurants along the water. I remember the great pleasure of ice cream in hand walking the shore as the sun set.
Delving into Marseilles’ past, I visited the Château d’If, the notorious prison fortress featured in Alexandre Dumas’s The Count of Monte Cristo.
The island was a nice change of scenery, and being in the very cell that held the daring Edmond Dantès was for any book lover an exhilarating experience.
Best Hotels and Restaurants in Marseille
Marseille never fails to cater for the needs of every kind of traveler looking for the most suitable accommodation in the city. On the other hand, the Vertigo Vieux-Port is a clean quality hostel in Marseille for solo female travelers which is perfect for adventurous women who want to explore the city on their own.
For those in need of little more than a hostel, the InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu has stunning views over the Old Port and great service from an elegant luxury hotel.
For a relaxing vacation by the beach, you can enjoy the beautiful views of the sea and luxury at Sofitel Marseille Vieux-Port or stay at the NH Collection Marseille which is a relatively new hotel located in the bustling area of La Joliette.
In terms of food, there is no better place for Marseille as it has a wide range of dishes. Chez Fonfon and Le Petit Nice Passedat, on the other hand, are perfect for those who eat fish.
There are many such alternating best restaurants in Old Port Marseille, from where you cannot turn back with empty hands without having fresh oysters and rapid-fire grilled fish.
And yes, if you are looking for some Mexican cuisine, I even found a cool Mexican spot called La Cantinetta, with some of the best tacos I have ever had outside Mexico!
Practical Tips for Traveling in Marseille
Is Marseille expensive to travel? Not really, as Marseille is relatively cheaper than the other French cities. It is easy to eat out on a budget if you know the right places to go, as there are many bistros that serve filling food.
You will have the expensive mouth-watering panisse at the back of the French tourists at the market or at any other place where you are not.
Transportation Overview of Marseille:
It was very easy to get around the city of Marseille. Getting around the city is a piece of cake thanks to the available public transport such as buses, trams as well as the metro.
I found traveling fairly comfortable as there was no requirement for me to hire a vehicle, although hiring a scooter and getting onto the coastal roads is for the more daring.
Why should you visit?
Marseille emerges as a surprise and appeals to all one’s senses bringing in history, culture and the sea all in equal measure. From the delicious food one could find there, the warm people there to the splendid views and the arts there – all made Marseille very unforgettable.
Whether you are traveling all alone, are a food lover or simple someone who wants to enjoy some good weather, Marseille is equipped with all the necessary things that are required.
I’m telling you to do not forget your suitcase and appetite because the impression of real love on the charming
city that stands on the coast is about to embrace you soon. You can take it from me, Marseille is a place well worth all the time you spend wandering around.
