Salut From Marseille, France!
Welcome to Marseille, the oldest city in France and the second largest after Paris. Founded around 600 BC by Greek settlers, this historic port city has long been a major trade hub and remains an essential part of France’s maritime industry. Today, it is known for its diverse culture, stunning coastline, and delicious cuisine.
Watching the 2018 World Cup in Marseille
An Unforgettable Experience
World Cup at a local bar
Our timing couldn’t have been better—we arrived in France not only for Bastille Day but also for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final: France vs. Croatia.
After a four-hour train ride from Paris to Marseille, we used the onboard WiFi to watch as much of the match as possible. As soon as we arrived, we quickly made our way to our Airbnb before heading out to catch the rest of the game.
A small hiccup? Our host was unreachable—because he was watching the match, of course! After finally checking in, we rushed out to find a lively spot to watch history in the making.
We stumbled upon a restaurant-bar along the waterfront with indoor and outdoor seating and plenty of TVs. The owner quickly ushered us inside, and we found ourselves surrounded by passionate football fans, beers in hand, all eyes glued to the screen.
We ordered a pizza and a fresh salad (because balance, right?). The energy was electric—one moment, fans were shouting in frustration; the next, they were cheering, clinking glasses, and hugging strangers.
I’ve never been a die-hard football fan, but this experience changed my perspective. It felt like what an international visitor must experience watching the Super Bowl in the U.S.—absolutely thrilling! When France won, the celebration was unreal. Drinks flowed freely, and we instantly became best friends with everyone around us
The Celebration Continues
After the match, we tried to leave, but the staff insisted we stay for another round. More beers arrived at our table—some that we didn’t even order. It wasn’t pressure; it was hospitality at its finest.
As we walked back to our Airbnb, we found the entire city had turned into a massive street party. People danced in the streets, waved French flags, and even stood on car rooftops, celebrating deep into the night. Marseille was alive.
The Celebration Continues
After the match, we tried to leave, but the staff insisted we stay for another round. More beers arrived at our table—some that we didn’t even order. It wasn’t pressure; it was hospitality at its finest.
As we walked back to our Airbnb, we found that the entire city had turned into a massive street party. People danced in the streets, waved French flags, and even stood on car rooftops, celebrating deep into the night. Marseille was alive with joy, and the energy was contagious.
The next morning, the city was still buzzing with excitement. Locals were warm and welcoming—was this just the World Cup high, or was this the spirit of Marseille? I may never know.
Discovering Marseille: A City of History and Beauty
A City with a View
The Marseille Saint-Charles train station sits atop a hill, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city. One landmark immediately stood out: Notre-Dame de la Garde, also known as “Bonne Mère.” This iconic basilica overlooks Marseille, and though we had planned to visit, unexpected weather changes forced us to reschedule for our next trip.
A Port City with a Rich Culinary Scene
As France’s largest port, Marseille boasts an incredible 300 days of sunshine per year. Its coastal location makes it a seafood lover’s paradise, particularly famous for bouillabaisse, a rich and flavorful Provençal fish stew. Fun fact: This was one of the first dishes I learned to make in culinary school!
Plage du Prado Nord: A Beach Lover’s Paradise
We stayed in a cozy studio apartment with a balcony overlooking Plage du Prado Nord, a stunning beach with golden sands and calm waters. Off in the distance sat Île d’If, home to the legendary Château d’If—made famous by The Count of Monte Cristo. Seeing it in person was a dream come true for my travel companion, a huge fan of the novel.
Though we didn’t have time to visit the island on this trip, it’s now at the top of our list for next time.
Caught in a Mediterranean Storm
While enjoying the beach, we found ourselves in the middle of an epic thunderstorm. Instead of running indoors, we decided to get a quick workout before the storm hit (yes, really!). It was one of those unexpected travel moments that made the experience even more special.
Local Cafes
We ran for cover to the first place we saw, which just so happens to be our favorite cafe here. We stopped here at least 3 times during our short stay. I had one of my top 3 espresso drinks here. I had the best mocha of my life. It was definitely their hot chocolate that was so special. I never did try it without caffeine though. They had picture perfect pastries in their display, and that is exactly what drew us in on the first day here.
The Unique Charm of Marseille
Marseille is a melting pot of cultures with rich diversity. Unlike the polished feel of Paris, Marseille embraces its contrasts, where historic and modern, rich and poor, all coexist.
Before arriving, we had read about higher crime rates in certain areas. While we did notice some questionable activity (including a minor drug deal at the train station), we never felt unsafe. Everyone we met was friendly and welcoming, and the city left a lasting impression.
Marseille is raw, real, and unforgettable—and I can’t wait to return.
Up next.. Annemasse, France!
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