MARSEILLE

2013 European Capital of Culture, Marseille is a city where you can choose your level of involvement. It is a melting pot of people from France, Italy, Spain and North African countries which creates a unique diverse culture and heartbeat for the city.

The landscape of Marseille is one to fall in love with, the city is set on hills that give you amazing vantage points throughout. In addition, Marseille’s coastal location provides many beaches to explore along with the Calanques from Marseille to Cassis that are not to be missed.

STAY

Mama Shelter-Marseille, 64 rue de la Loubiere
Much like the Paris location, this is a brighter version when comparing these two. The light pink paint in the rooms appear to add space and make the rooms feel more angelic at the Marseille location. Located near Cours Julien-a cool area for exploring by day and night which means close proximity to restaurants and bars. Highlight of this location is the outdoor space that is such a “Starke” (pun intended) contrast to the surrounding walls. Bright neon stripes, and floating flower pots surround the pool of giant chess pieces. The patio also hosts an outdoor Bar dedicated to Pastis, the local cocktail of choice. Make sure that you try one before you leave Marseille.
Metro: Baille, Notre Dame du Mont Cours Julien

EAT

Chez Toinou, 3 cours Saint-Louis
Per the Mama guide, this is an institution in Marseille. Located a short walk from the Vieux Port, this is the place to indulge in shellfish at a reasonable price. Oysters, Shrimp, Crab, Welks and the list goes on. Order a raw sampler platter to share and the house rose wine for a delicious meal.
Metro: Noailles, Vieux Port

Les Pies des la Plat, 2 rue Pastoret
Small restaurant located in Cours Julien. Get there early before the place fills up and the waiters write “Complete” on the door. Order the Formule for an appetizer, entrée and desert ~35 Euro. Menu changes daily and is written on a chalkboard that is passed to each table. The menu is in French, however the team that works there can help to translate to English.
Metro: Notre Dame du Mont Cours Julien

Le Glacier du Roi, 4 place Lenche
Claimed to be the best gelato in Marseille, it has a perfect location just west of the Port. Grab a few scoops and sit in the plaza for a perfect view of Notre Dame de la Garde.
Metro: Vieux Port

(Doner Kebab Spot), rue de Lodi
Unfortunately, I did not catch the name of this place or the exact address, however it is on Rue de Lodi on your way to the Metro from Mama Shelter Marseille. There is a Doner spit at the front of the store. It is a walk-up spot, but the place is a local favorite and a stop that we hit up twice in the 3 days we were in town. They also serve burgers, however just go for the traditional Doner kebab.
Metro: Notre Dame du Mont Cours Julien

Restaurant @ Friche la Belle de Mai, 41 rue Jobin
This converted tobacco factory and location of the Panorama is an all in one spot where you could literally hang out all day. Skatepark, Contemporary Art, Street Art compliments of JR and more. This is a dream workspace in addition to hosting a restaurant serving up great food. Not hungry? Grab an ice cold beer and just hang out and take in the space. Make sure to check out their schedule ahead of time for live performances.
Metro: Cinq Avenues Longchamp or Bus 49 from the city center

DRINK
La Part des Anges, 33 rue Sainte
Great Wine Bar/Wine Store. Buy a bottle to take with you and the price is as listed. Buy a bottle to stay and sit and you pay double. Grab a bottle and good company and make a night of it.
Metro: Vieux Port

La Chope D’or, 32 Quai du Port
Simple Bar on the Port. If the Caravelle is full (located directly above) then grab a drink at this place and watch the boats come in and out of the port as the sun sets with a view of Notre Dame la Garde in the background.
Metro: Vieux Port

Le Pointu, 18 cours Honore d’Estienne d’Orves
Cool café, great for day or night drinks with friends. Great people watching during the day and nightlife once the sun goes down.
Metro: Vieux Port

Friche la Belle de Mai
See Restaurant above

EXPLORE

Calanques Boat Tour, Quai de Belges
Hop on either a 2 or 3 hours tour departing from Vieux Port. Purchase tickets at the booth located directly across from La Samaritaine. Grab food and drinks ahead of time to take with you on the ride. Beer and Wine are perfectly fine to bring along and you will make everyone jealous that you were so well prepared.
Metro: Vieux Port

Vieux Port
The Old Port, the pulse of the city and a must see-it is hard to not see if visiting Marseille.
Metro: Vieux Port

Notre Dame de la Garde, rue Fort de Sanctuaire
The shining armor of the city, viewable from any location, however if you are up for the challenge, climb the stairs to see this landmark up close.
Metro: Bus 60 from Vieux Port or take the 1K hike

Villa Mediterranee, quai de la Tourette
This is a new addition to the museum scene to celebrate Marseille being named the 2013 European Cultural Capital that highlights Mediterranean life.
Metro: Bus 49

Plage des Catalans, rue des Catalans
Small local beach, walking distance from Vieux Port, take a picnic or order food and drinks from the food stand located on the beach.
Metro: Vieux Port

Ombriere Vieux-Port, quai de Belges
Mirror in the sky. Have fun taking a selfie in this one.
Metro: Vieux Port

Palais Longchamp, 18 boulevard Montricher
Amazing historic site with a park on the opposite side of the massive fountain. There are 2 museums located onsite: Musee des Beaux-Arts and the Natural History Museum. From the top, you have views of ND de la Garde and the Saint Vincent de Paul spires.
Metro: Cinq Avenues Longchamp

SHOP
Oogie, 55 cours Julien
Concept store located in Cours Julien. Mix of vintage and new clothing and accessories and includes a café/restaurant.
Metro: Notre Dame du Mont Cours Julien

Savonnerie Marseillaise de la Licorne, 34 cours Julien
When in Marseille, buy soap. The store is full of options and the scents make it hard to buy just one. Perfect for souvenirs. Several locations, one in Vieux Port and the other in Cours Julien. To avoid carrying around soap all day, buy yours in Cours Julien which is closest to the hotel.
Metro: Notre Dame du Mont Cours Julien

TIPS
From Friche Belle de Mai, take the 49 bus to get back down to the city center/port area. This is the most direct route.

From Mama Shelter to the Vieux Port, it is only a 15 minute walk