Marseille & Château d'If
City Tours · Provence
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© 2017
For a long time, Marseille was the "black sheep" of the coast. But today, the oldest city in France presents itself as a dynamic, bustling metropolis with character and a history spanning over 2,600 years.
Especially since 2013, when Marseille was the European Capital of Culture, the city has radiated an unmistakable optimism. While places like Cannes or St. Tropez focus on pure glamour, Marseille preserves its raw charm. We found it hard to locate the "gritty" corners reminiscent of old French Connection movies—Marseille has become clean, safe, and incredibly vibrant.
Musée d'Histoire & Regards de Provence
The Marseille History Museum, just a stone's throw from the harbor, is a must. Behind a modern glass facade, the city's maritime DNA comes to life. Equally impressive is the Musée Regards de Provence, housed in a former sanitary station, presenting regional art within an architecturally unique setting.
Château de La Buzine
In the 11th arrondissement lies the Château de La Buzine. Marcel Pagnol bought it in 1941 with the dream of creating a "Hollywood Provençal." Today, the renovated castle is a lively cultural site that blends tradition and modernity in stone, celebrating history and cinema within a vast park.
Château d'If: In the Footsteps of Monte Cristo
Of course, a visit to the fortress island where Alexandre Dumas had his "Count of Monte Cristo" languish is essential. While the cells still looked dark and authentic in 2011, we found them to be almost "neatly" renovated during our more recent visit. A bit of a shame for the goosebumps factor, but the view from the island back to the shining old town remains unbeatable.
Editor's conclusion
Marseille is more than just a port city—it is a deeply emotional experience. Visit Château d'If for the legend and MuCEM for the modern architecture. Marseille will surprise you with its honest nature.
