CME Cruises Visiting Provence (Marseille), France

Marseille is not a polished museum piece; it is France’s oldest and second-largest city, a vibrant, working port with a palpable energy and a history stretching back 2,600 years. Its character is a compelling mix of grit and grandeur, offering a genuine slice of Mediterranean life. The natural starting point is the Vieux Port (Old Port), a bustling U-shaped harbor where fishing boats bob alongside yachts. Here, the daily fish market is a spectacle of local life, and the surrounding quays are lined with cafés perfect for observing the city in motion. For the definitive view, make the journey up to the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. This Romano-Byzantine basilica, affectionately called "La Bonne Mère" (The Good Mother), offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramas of the city, the sea, and the surrounding islands. We recommend taking the tourist train or a taxi for the steep ascent to conserve time and energy. Back at sea level, lose yourself in Le Panier, the city's oldest quarter. Its maze of narrow, winding streets, ochre-colored buildings, and artisan workshops feels a world away from the grand 19th-century boulevards elsewhere. Marseille also serves as the essential gateway to the broader Provence region. A popular day excursion leads to the elegant city of Aix-en-Provence, the refined counterpoint to Marseille's urban dynamism, known for its fountains, markets, and ties to the artist Cézanne. Alternatively, for a stunning natural escape, head to the charming fishing village of Cassis, the launching point for boat tours into the Calanques National Park—a series of dramatic limestone fjords with brilliant turquoise water. Whether you immerse yourself in the city's layered history or venture into the Provençal countryside, Marseille offers a rich and authentic experience.