Marseille - its got a vibe

Vieux de Port - Old Port Marseille!

Blog by K - images by C

Marseille - it's a city with so many similarities to Paris yet also so many differences. Most stark is the people. In Paris, you can tell the Parisians a mile away, and the rest of us….tourists at worst, travellers at best, among immigrants, and ex-pats; all are left feeling a little "less than". In Marseille, the melting pot of cultures, being a historical trade port city from BC times, means the diversity is more prominent and the judgement a little less so. Of course, that diversity reflects in socioeconomic divides as well, and let me be honest, there are parts of Marseille best not visited past 6pm. It makes for great street art, though.

Street art and graffiti

That being said, the architecture and history of this ancient maritime town make it so unique. The fact that we have not visited this town after many trips to France says a little something about Marseilles' reputation but the special way the interaction of provencal charm, Parisian (or French) style architectural grandeur and Mediterranean spirit combines into a fabulous mix which has rocketed it up in the list of amazing and favourite places in this world. If you were to combine the relaxed party vibe of Barcelona, the edgy personality of Berlin, and the multicultural melting pot that is Melbourne with the grandness of Paris, and then overlay a long maritime fishing and battle-ready spirit, you might be getting close to describing the essence of Marseille. It's got a vibe for sure.