Marseille, France

I am finally back after 3 surgeries & almost a year of recovery, I am so ready to travel and share the world with you. I have some amazing trips for 2023 and can’t wait to get out and take pictures, learn the culture and hopefully get you motivated enough to go out on your own.

Marseille, also known as Marseilles, is the second most populated city in France. It is the 7th largest port in Europe and the largest in France. Located on the Gulf de Lyon, this city is a blend of African and French culture.

The city was founded around 600 BC by Greek settlers, it is also the oldest and continuously inhabited settlements in France. This beautiful port has been a trading port since ancient times. It experienced a huge commercial boom during not only the colonial times, but also during the 19th century.

Today as we pulled into port, I counted 9 large cruise ships either pulling into port or already docked, so I knew I wanted to get away from the crowds as soon as possible.

Fortunately, I had booked an electric bike trip and it did not disappoint. Highly recommend this to see parts of the city and enjoy being away from the crowds.

The guide picked us up right at the dock as we disembarked. I purchased this excursion through Viator, which is what I always do when I am traveling. First of all it is half the price of an excursion on the ship. The bikes were electric and it saved me.

First stop was straight up to Basilica Notre-Dame de la Garde, know to the locals as Bonne-mere

The building of the basilica began in 1853 and lasted over 40 years. Stunning views of the city and well worth making your way up the steep hill. They do offer a tourist train is you do not want to walk or bike.

Another worthwhile stop is the Cathedral De La Major which is a monument on the waterfront which dates back to the 19th century.

This building blends both Romanesque and Byzantine styles together and it spans 462 feet.

From the city we made our way out to the Parc National Des Calanques. Lucky for us, one day a month the town closes the main street closest to the water, so no cars. The locals block off the roads and the police stay vigilant so only pedestrians, bikers, skaters, & families can enjoy the stroll from downtown along the water all the way to the Parc. Unbelievable beauty and it was fun to ride in and around the locals enjoying a day of sunshine.

We were lucky enough to have one of the most spectacular days that they had in a very long time. One of the fun things to do on this bike ride is to go through some of the small fishing villages such as Vallon des Auffes, a tranquil fishing haven.

Bright and colorful.

Moving on from here we stopped at a wonderful pizza place and ordered 3 pizzas to go. Now the question was how to carry them since we still had some miles to go but when you are hungry, you will figure out a way.

The bike ride was beautiful and as we got closer to Parc National Des Calanques which has incredible diversity and beauty, We all were struck by the hidden gem outside of Marseille.

Find a beach, have some lunch and feel free to cool off in the sparkling Mediterranean sea or take a hike. Another way to explore the park is by boat or Catamaran tours. One warning though, watch out for tiny jelly fish, one of the bikers with us got stung horribly so the rest of us stayed on shore.

As we leave the port of Marseille, I hope you have a feeling of the beauty but also what it is so famous for… Marseille is famous all over the world for its Bouillabaisse, a famous fish soup.

Unit we ride again…