Marseille & Aix-en-Provence: Culture, History & Art of Living Review

Planning a trip to the south of France? Then you are probably wondering if you ought to explore Marseille and Aix-en-Provence. Actually, these two cities are close, and yet each one gives you a completely unique peek into French culture, history, and, yes, the sought-after art of simply existing. I am going to share insights so you can make the very most of any potential adventure!

Marseille: A Meeting Point of Cultures

Marseille, often described as France’s second city, very much has a character that’s different from that of Paris. So, picture it: a vibrant, gritty port that’s been a point of arrival for lots of different cultures for a very, very long while. From the Greeks way back when to North African immigrants more recently, Marseille is truly a mix, that is to say a blend of traditions and histories. This blend is really very much evident in its food, architecture, and the overall atmosphere.

Very early one morning, strolling through the Vieux Port (Old Port), is like seeing the soul of Marseille come alive. The fish market, that is a lively display of the day’s catch, shows a local life. You can nearly find vendors selling fresh seafood that certainly came straight from the Mediterranean. Just watch out; maybe some cheeky seagulls will try and snatch a snack! Around the harbor, old buildings seem to tell stories, that whisper tales of traders, sailors, and also adventurers of eras past.

And you should check out the MuCEM (Musée des Civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée). You will see that it’s not only a very striking piece of contemporary architecture, but also an investigation of the different cultures that helped shape the region. The views from the top, anyway, are kind of amazing, providing an overview of the city and the sea that is really breathtaking.

Aix-en-Provence: Refined Elegance and Artistic Heritage

Not too far from Marseille, Aix-en-Provence provides almost a sharp contrast. Commonly called the “City of a Thousand Fountains,” Aix is known for its beauty, its somewhat calmer pace, and, too, its connections to the artist Paul Cézanne. The main street, the Cours Mirabeau, gives you a feel for the sophistication that’s very much part of Aix’s character, as it is lined with trees, fancy cafes, and buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Take your time strolling around the maze-like streets of the Old Town (Vieil Aix). Little squares are often there, each with a fountain at its core, and you could discover charming boutiques and bakeries around almost every single corner. The Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, actually a mix of different architectural styles because of its long history, deserves a peek as well.

For art lovers, or basically anyone who likes a good walk, a trip to Cézanne’s studio is quite important. Set on the outskirts, you can, in a way, see into the artist’s personal place and understand his methods. Looking over his tools, equipment, and some personal items, it becomes very, very easy to imagine him at that time creating some fantastic pieces that show his attachment to the surrounding landscape.

Food Adventures: Tastes of Provence

No tour of this region could ever be considered complete unless you tried some local dishes. In Marseille, you almost certainly must try bouillabaisse, that’s a super-flavorful fish stew. Though there are many variations, really only those versions made with fish caught off the local shores can claim to be really true. Find a restaurant on the Old Port and prepare for a feast that actually demonstrates the sea’s best.

Then in Aix, visit one of the many markets to purchase local goods like calissons (they are candy made of almonds and candied melon), olive oil, and tapenades. Have an easy lunch outside a café and basically just watch the passersby; that is one of the nice things you can do in Aix. Also, exploring the local cuisine truly gives you perspective of the Provençal art of living. Take things gradually, appreciate top ingredients, and definitely share great food together with people you may care about.

Culture and Lifestyle: Soaking in the Provençal Way

Provence is not just about places to see; more or less it is very much about a pace and approach to life. People that hang out in the cafes for an extended period of time, farmers’ markets, and an affection for discussions, kind of displays a society that appreciates connections, community, and really being present. The people around Aix-en-Provence appear, very often, more easygoing.

Get involved with an afternoon of pétanque, a lawn game. Or, spend time walking in the lavender fields outside Aix-en-Provence. These little things can absolutely get you deeper in to local daily life. Likewise, you should take a drive around the countryside, and maybe you’ll come across sleepy towns, small vineyards, and stunning views. It might cause you to just stop the vehicle randomly, take a few pictures, and actually enjoy the moment.

Planning Your Trip: Tips and Tricks

Getting between Marseille and Aix-en-Provence is actually easy, just a quick bus or train ride. Marseille has an international airport (actually the Marseille Provence Airport), therefore it makes getting there quite convenient, whereas Aix is fairly accessible coming from Marseille, Avignon or other major cities in the area. A couple days spent in each city provides an ample timeframe to discover each destination without really hurrying too much.

Think about planning your visits in the shoulder months like April-May or September-October. Basically, you can see milder climate, a lower number of visitors, and lower prices, that really means seeing more for your budget. Anyway, look into accommodations ranging from budget-friendly places to resorts and boutique hotels.