Around Europe in Twenty Days- Marseilles- The Capital of Culture

(A bird'ds eye view of Marseilles)

It was a bright sunny morning in Barcelona when the bags were packed and we were ready to go. A short ride by metro brought us once again to the familiar Barcelona Sants railway station which was humming with activity. The colorful station lives up to the exuberant spirit of the city and there is never a dull moment. The first leg of the journey till Cerbere was through the countryside of Spain with sprawling fields on either side. Small rivulets and gorges are a delight to watch.

By afternoon we boarded yet another train that would take us to Montpeilier in France. The landscape changed rapidly as we passed by some beautiful towns by the Mediterranean shores. A yet another change of regional train at Montpelier for the final destination Marseilles Saint Charles added to the excitement. I had never changed so many trains in a journey before! Marseilles is a brimming port and the second largest city of France. The twinkling lights of the ships berthed in the Mediterranean brought back the memories of the day when the train passed over the Thevra bridge in Kochi( in India) when I was to join the Naval Academy. By the time we checked in the hotel it was already 9.30 PM and it had been a long day.

( A tram in Vieux Port)

The first attraction that drew us like an opposite pole of the magnet was Vieux Port(the Old Port). It has remained as a focal point of the city since times immemorial. The portside bars, small restaurants and rows of sail boats with the smell of fish from the nearby morning fish market add to the old world charm. Incidentally, Marseilles is also known the world over for seafood and notably- bouillabaisse- a seafood and fish soup. A ride a across the channel is very enjoyable.

(The alluring domes inside the Notre Dame chuch)

Perched atop the old harbor is the catholic church- Notre Dame de la Guarde with a gold statue of Madonna and a child.

( Madonna and child at Notre Dame church)

The frescoes and glass paintings and the gold painted walls in the domes are as breathtaking as the panoramic views of the deep blue sea and the sprawling towns visible from the terrace.

( At Arc d Troimphe at Marseilles)

A much overlooked monument almost a replica of the famous Arc d Troimphe at Champs Elysee at Paris is the Porte-d-Aix monument marking the old entry point to the city on the road from Aix-en- Provence.

( A decorated wall inside a metro station in Marseilles)

A small and conspicuous market Noailles just near the old port caters to the requirements of fresh produce and fruits, spices and vegetables to cater to local needs. The citrus fruits likes oranges are definitely worth trying.

( The Prado beach)

An afternoon on the Prado seaside beach is most recommended to admire the sparkling blue sea and a walk on the silver sand beach almost within the city. The crepe sellers and juice vendors do a brisk business here. The well-toned bodies lay sprawled on the miles of the beach, basking in the sun. There are some more alluring beaches though a bit far likes The Clanaques.

( A beautiful old building at La Panier)

La Panier or the ‘Old City’ is an excellent area for strolling for an hour or two and shopping for the local handicrafts, perusing the works of local artists and art galleries.

( The narrow streets of La Panier)

The cobbled streets and the narrow alleyways and a few historic building spared by the Nazis during the second World War are impressive. A separate post is needed to delve into the beauty of this place and the stories waiting to be told of the old remains of flour mills, old houses, cafes and hotels that lay ensconced in La Panier.

( The setting sun over Vallon des Affues)

The sun was slowly setting in the west and it would be a shame to miss the beauty of Vallon des Auffes, a small fishing village almost 2.5 km away from the old town. The grand view of this hamlet can be had from the road that goes along the coast when driving along. The stone arched buildings and residences of the locals add to the beauty of the place.

Since Marseilles is a big city, it is next to impossible see a lot in less than two days but the snapshot of the city left a lasting impression. A night’s rest was necessary to undertake a journey to the new country Italy and admire the Italian Rivera of Genoa the next day. The story will follow.....