Wonderful Marseille!

Last weekend we took advantage of the warm autumn sunshine and spent 24 hours in France's  second biggest city Marseille.

The Saturday evening was taken up with the 'Fiesta des Suds' an informal music festival in the former docks, where you can wander from venue to venue in between which are numerous food stands (including champagne and oysters), everything  to satisfy a Frenchman's stomach! 

On Sunday morning we became tourists taking the train which at 7€ is great value.

Before setting off though we enjoyed  Petit dejeuner - breakfast- in this famous old establishment on the Vieux Port

The train takes you on an excellent tour through various parts of the city and then along the coast, past some rather splendid houses,

And this stunning war memorial

And finally to one of the best places in Marseille - the Notre Dame de la  Garde.

Standing proudly at the top of the City and dating to 1214 it a a stunning building with a wonderful interior and breath taking views over the city.

At the top of the Notre Dame is the Virgin Mary erected in 1870.

And the views are magnificent, here towards the docks and over the Vieux Port.

Looking South towards the Ile du Frioul where you can take lunch in the Harbour restaurants.

And in land, it really is a huge City.

Inside the interior is beautiful and very colourful.

The detail is incredible.

Any guesses on the date?

Model boats hang from the ceiling representing those lost at sea. Many wives of Fishermen and sailors come here seeking the blessing of Mary.

And so from here we head back, past one or two fabulous buildings, to the Vieux Port!

Where the fish market is in full swing.

Over looking the Harbour - the Hotel de Ville.

A quick beer before lunch....

The Vieux Port

And finally taking the new tram back to our hotel.

Marseille is just 90 minutes drive from home, it is bustling, diverse and exciting and well worth a visit!