Marseille

If you are visiting the city from Paris and do not feel like tuning into the true essence of Marseille yet, your journey can start from Endoume. Nestled close to the shore, it has all the nearby French capital has to offer but is bluer and framed by the sea breeze. Among the 111 districts, Endoume stands out for its picturesque character, the small fishing port, some magnificent creeks, and its many roads leading to the Bonne Mére, the main cathedral, located atop a hill.

Considering you have reached Marseille from outside France instead, what’s more cliche but more needed than a nice croissant or pain au chocolat? Head straight to T65, a cosy boulangerie only using organic flours, or La Tisserie (right around the corner) to kick start your day with a good coffee brew. While the first serves croissants, and you can smell the freshly baked buttery creations from a distance, the second does great coffee. Sit in the shade or grab deux croissant and a coffee to-go and stride around the neighbourhood.

Endoume is a great area to stay in and chit-chat al fresco or on the terraces of cute little places. With fresh ingredients daily, La Reléve is a proper immersion into an art deco charm. Good for lunch or to nibble on some light bites, they do not serve dinner, but you can find great appetisers. The fun is not over yet; the place recently extended to a boutique hotel: Le Chambres de la Relève, with only four vibrant rooms. Each room is drenched in a different hue evoking a theme: Provençal, Rococo, tropical and Mediterranean, aiming to create an offbeat atmosphere. If the big pro is being only a few steps away from breakfast in the morning -  and we promise that the smell will drag you in before you even know it - as a con, the bar stays open until 11 pm, so make sure to stay in only if you do not mind a late-night buzz.

Every city has its place to be, and Rue Saint has become Marseille’s very own. A good ensemble of history and art, it hosts the most ancient boulangerie of the city: Four des Navette’s, a fairytale place founded in 1781. Besides the hundreds of spots for the foodies and the thousands of bars for the cocktail-frenzy, the area is good for shopping and endless roaming in search of some daydreaming moment. If you feel like adding a Marseille twist to your holiday outfit, stop by Sessùn Alma. Sessùn is a local renowned fashion brand, whose concept store - Sessùn Alma - sits within an old soap-making factory in the city. With earthy tones, walls, saffron-tinted floors, and artisan features, alongside clothing, you can find a lot of books and curious homeware. If the beauty of the space is captivating and you end up spending more time than planned, you can always stop by for lunch there.

Walking distance from Endoume, bask in the sun along the charming path between La Corniche and Malamosque and give yourself some grace with a fresh dip in crystal clear water. La Corniche is known to be one of Marseille’s most iconic coastal roads. A breathtaking boulevard where you will find yourself swinging by some lovely beaches - all very inviting. This road is crowded, so an extra bit of attention is good to keep in mind. If bathing and swimming are not your priority, Les Amis du Vallon des Auffes makes the right spot for people and boat-watching. If you are a sporty person, a short bike path runs along La Corniche, and when your body calls for a well-deserved glass of crisp white wine, look for La Traverse. While the space is primarily a contemporary art gallery with a cosmopolitan atmosphere, it also hosts a pop-up wine bar during the summer. Operated by Ivresse, the bar offers a selection of natural wines and tasty lunch options. Open 11-7pm, it provides visitors with an opportunity to soak up in the beauty of both the exhibited art and the beautiful surroundings.

Although it is still part of Endoume, to some extent, the area is considered a neighbourhood in its own right. Once you reach Malmousque, be ready to feel the vibe at its finest.

The area delivers some exceptional food, but you might consider planning a picnic by the beach at close reach. Moutchou Epicerie is a cute place that makes fresh food daily. Considering it gets overcrowded during summer, we suggest arriving early. Later, to treat yourself for dinner, a so-called classic is l’Eau a la Bouche and the name says it all. L’eau a la Bouche is the French for mouth-watering, they serve pizza, and to us, nothing beats a tasty slice for a takeaway to the rocky beach while watching the sun setting over the Mediterranean sea. Make sure to reserve even when taking food away. There are plenty of options to sleep in by the sea! Look for Le Rhul, which is right by the water and is truly iconic or Le Petit Nice Passedat a beloved boutique hotel.

The heart of the city is the Vieux Port, namely the old port. Legend has it that Marseille was born here. Nowadays, it is a landmark; bars stream local football matches, and everyone gathers to cheer the game. Between the daily bustle of the fish market and the busy roads by night, there are plenty of things to see, discover and taste. The port is home to many local attractions such as Fort Saint-Jean, the Church of Saint Ferréol les Augustins, the Cathedral of the Major and many more. The Vieux Port is great for exploring little streets and getting lost. Be sure to visit Maison Empereur, a historic store with a vast selection of hardware, kitchenware, and traditional tools, exuding a charming, old-time atmosphere.

For breakfast we suggest stopping by Petrin Couchette, a coffee place that prepares fresh bread daily, sweet treats such as cakes (with & without gluten) and homemade sandwiches, brioches, filled focaccia and many other creations as they wish.Whereas, for lunch, look for A Moro, a lovely bistrot with a traditional Italian outlook. Indeed, the name stems from a blend of the Italian word for love amore and the name Benjamin Moro. The allure is that of a tiny osteria but with a cool flare and a terrace to take all the stress away. The menu promises to serve some antidepressants, all on the wine list, of course! During long strolls, stop by the Epicerie l’Ideal. L’Epicerie is the French word for grocery, and besides being a nice gourmet shopping spot for local and artisanal items, it is a nice catch for your takeaway lunch and a starting point for every window shopping moment.

Le Panier is Marseille’s oldest district, and to make the most of it, the best way is to get lost. An open-air museum with walls covered in paint and graffiti art, we suggest a few gems to set the mood of your stroll.

Restaurant Ripaille, for its charming contemporary atmosphere that stands at odds with its surroundings. Another favourite spot to visit in Le Panier is Entre Terre & Mer. You’ll be having dinner in the small streets, where they serve delicious fruit de Mer plates. Reservations are required. Afterwards, you can go for a drink around the corner at Le Vin sur la Main, a very tiny restaurant/wine bar where you can also buy wines to take home. In the same area, between Le Vieux Port and Le Panier, is Nguyen-Hoang. It’s a wonderful Vietnamese place to have lunch, but make sure to bring cash!

The cliffs of the Calanque, nestled between Marseille and Cassis, hide extraordinary flora and resemble an underwater garden brimming with octopuses, anemones, urchins, and sea breams. Each Calanque is beautiful in its way, and you will be amazed by the landscape. From Marseille, there are plenty of options to reach the natural park. Either way, sneakers or hiking shoes are needed, and we suggest carrying something to snack on.

If you bike or drive, you will stumble on Les Gouges, a small fishermen’s village on the outskirts of the city, with huts and restaurants, a blink of an eye away from dreamy places such as Cap Croisette. Here you can find Tuba Club, a restaurant hotel by the sea with shimmering interiors, a beautiful rocky sunbed spot by the sea and an unmissable rooftop. Summer is their highest season, so book ahead of time. Not everything is gold and glittering. We always appreciate simpler ways of doing things. Next to Tuba Club is 20 000 Lieues, where you can enjoy some cheap pizza and beer while watching the sunset. Stairs lead you to a small beach to swim and bask in the sun all day. Walking distance apart is another hidden gem you can find en route to the nearby restaurant La Baie des Siges. You will immediately feel in Greece, and the turquoise water and a diving club will back up this fascinating feeling. The place has a calm and relaxed atmosphere, and is best enjoyed in the calmness of a small group of friends, with a partner, or on a solo sea date.

Another low-key spot in the Calanque is the restaurant Chez le Belge, and although a little effort is needed, you will be greatly rewarded by the results. Wear good shoes, and the same story goes as per the rest of the National Park: bring some food and extra water for the hike.

Journeying towards the Calanque area, or on your way back to the city, you shall stop at the Cité Radieuse (Radiant City), designed by Le Corbusier, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-see attraction. This housing block incorporates innovative use of light, perspective, and colour and reflects Le Corbusier's vision of providing residents with daily comfort and well-being. A visit will undoubtedly leave you bewitched.