Marseille, France: A Short Trip for Food, Coastline, and Culture

View of the Notre-Dame de la Garde from the Intercontinental Hotel’s rooftop restaurant

We were able to add Marseille to a recent trip to France, taking the train down from Paris after a few delicious days dining in Le Marais. I expected Marseille to offer beautiful seaside views, but I didn’t expect the food to rival Paris. Meeting up with a dear friend from college who now lives there gave us the best kind of introduction: restaurants that met our foodie expectations and came with the stamp of approval from a discerning local. With its dramatic cliffs, sparkling coastline, ancient-meets-modern architecture, and excellent places to eat and stay, Marseille quickly became one of the most memorable stops of the trip.

Where to stay

Les Bords de Mer was a spectacular boutique hotel with sweeping views of the Mediterranean, an amazing Michelin recommended restaurant, rooftop pool, and a relaxing subterranean spa.

For a larger hotel in the city center, the Intercontinental offers sweeping city views and a great rooftop bar Les Fenestres.

Places to eat

Start with brunch at the Bords de Mer buffet.

Have lunch at Grenat for a spectacular multi-course meal where every item we ordered was fresh, unique, delicious, and a steal - the fixed price lunch is surprisingly affordable given the quality of the food and beauty of the ambience.

Drive along the coast out to Les Goudes and dine at La Marine Les Goudes.

Try Otto for a neighborhood restaurant with a great patio.

Things to do

Take the Marseille Walking Tour to see a variety of sights in two hours before exploring on your own.

Visit the Mucem (the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations).

Walk the 2nd Arrondissement for shopping and street art that will give Medellin’s Communa 13 neighborhood a run for its money..

Visit the Palais Longchamp, between two museums (the museums of beaux arts and natural history) and see city views from the landing at the top of the steps.

Visit the Palais du Pharo and explore the grounds and view of the marina and city.

Go to the beach! There are several along the JFK including the Plage des Catalans near Les Bords de Mer and the Place du Prophete (pictured below) on the way to Les Gourdes.