The bohemian and multicultural Marseille that inspired my wanderlust

The train enters the station and slows right down. The excitement steps up one more notch. We look at one another and grab our bags. The train finally stops, the doors open. We hum that hot air. Memories of my childhood flood back in. We are here; welcome to the bohemian and multicultural Marseille.[spacer height=”10px”]

We walk out of the station and embrace the terrace overlooking the panorama of the city and life spreading below. This is my friend’s first encounter with Marseille. She is beaming. I have not set foot here in years. I am overwhelmed. We hear the endearing “marseillais” accent and we smile.[spacer height=”20px”]

The beauty of strolling around and getting lost in a huge melting-pot

We fully immerse ourselves in popular landmarks before the frenzy. The grandiose La Canebière leading to Le Vieux Port open our wanderlust appetite. We are craving for more. Exploring the side streets to the city’s guardian angel “La Bonne Mère”, we get the reward: living the local’s passion for a game of football as we wander this popular area of the city; we are mesmerized by a group of old men shouting and sweating. Their hands and faces are expressive. True supporters to their burgeoning teams. We are smitten. We stop at a tiny café to enjoy street life. Real people. Real life. Blissful.[spacer height=”20px”]

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The city has in recent years been going through a facelift. Most importantly though, what remains unchanged are the warm humanity and that feeling of being in a big village; Bohemian and multicultural Marseille is still.[spacer height=”20px”]

Independent and delicious

We breathe in daily life and watch the ballet of fishmongers with their fish-filled paper cones hailing customers. We dive mouth first into culinary ecstasy. Aioli, anchoïade, navettes, the list goes on. We join the queue of locals at Noailles’ marketplace for out of this world slices of pizza and algerian kesra; We watch middle eastern men passionate exchanges whilst drinking tea. The culture of the bohemian and multicultural Marseille felt is captivating. [spacer height=”20px”]

The paint is peeling off here and there. Clothes are hanging out to dry. Local rap music is heard. We go hunting for gems of street art in the soulfoul and charismatic Le Panier and Cours Julien neighbourhoods. As the sun sets down, the hustle temporarily calms down before the ballet of the night kicks in. The lights changes, the atmosphere is peaceful. Magic. [spacer height=”20px”]

Stepping into the other oldest part of the city, Vallon des Auffes is like stepping in a bygone era. Life seems to move at a pace where time is not of the essence. Small fishing boats moored in the harbour, locals minding their business and lazy cats meandering in and out. This is my favourite part of the city.[spacer height=”20px”]

Besides walking and eating our heart out, we escape the city by hitting the Calanques

The air is warm and dry and tastes of freshly baked salty bread. An oasis of ice blue and turquoise water, white-ish sand and pebbles, limestone karsts and maquis. We are in a secluded area of Sormiou. I am feeling like a kid in a shop full of cheese (I prefer cheese over cake). Excitement. We breathe in and dive straight in.[spacer height=”20px”]

[spacer height=”10px”]I could not have expected a more exquisite reconnexion for me and discovery for my pals. These moments truly captured our hearts and our souls, moments made special by its people. Natural interaction.[spacer height=”20px”]

xoxo let’s share our inspiration.

M.[spacer height=”20px”] [SLGF id=552]