When you take this route, you'll have the opportunity to visit spots of locals' everyday life and get a glimpse of what it is like to live in Marseille. Come early at the harbor to see fishermen departing into the sea, do some shopping at a local market, enjoy a cup of coffee in the café around the corner. You will have a lot of fun on this tour.
1) University of the Mediterranean
For your next stop you can choose the University of Mediterranean. Originally called Université d'Aix-en-Provence, this institution was founded in 1409, which makes it one of the oldest and richest in educational traditions in France.
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2) Le Cafe Parisien
This popular and reasonably priced restaurant and bar is conveniently located in the center of Marseille. It provides an inside seating area and a terrace. The place is open from 4 A.M. to 10 P.M., therefore it attracts a very diverse clientele, from early morning shift workers to intellectuals and club goers, where some come to have breakfast, others to mingle at night over a drink and good music.
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3) Paroisse Saint Cannat
This local church was founded by the Dominicans in the 16th century and it stands today in the very center of the city. The main architectural design of the building is late Baroque. Take a peek inside to admire the richly decorated interior.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Robert Valette
4) Marché aux Poissons
Capture the essence of Marseille at the early morning fish market that opens here daily. Fishermen’s wives sell high-quality fresh fish in the Vieux-Port. It is all weighed, gutted and scaled on the spot. This market reflects the spirit of Provence. It is the right place to come for a true cultural experience.
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5) Place aux Huiles
Place aux Huiles is famous for its great assortment of olive oil. You can see, taste and buy any kind of olive oil with or without special herbs and aromatic plants. The different oils can be tasted on a little piece of bread. When you have made your choice, the oil is poured into a bottle for you.
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6) Marché Puget Estrangin
Marché Puget Estrangin is a lively food market situated on the Cours Pierre Puget. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays the place also serves as a fairground. And a colorful flower market is held here every Monday as well.
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7) Cafés Debout
Cafés Debout is located behind the Opéra house. It may be small in size, but it offers good quality products. It's a real pleasure to come and taste a cup of tea or coffee of your choice, while nibbling a square of rich dark chocolate. The walls are decorated with souvenirs and shelf upon shelf of ornate coffee pots. You'll enjoy both the food and the design of the place.
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8) O'Stop
O'Stop is located in an area of Marseille known for its "American" flavor. It is the best place for those who've been busy painting Marseille red all night. O'Stop takes full advantage of its antiquated round-the-clock permit. The café seats no more than 12 people. Expect to meet an eclectic mix of cops, crew of the opera and teenagers with red eyes, all engrossed in their fish, meat and poultry plats.
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9) Puyricard
This store features a variety of traditional pastries and sweets. The treats available here include delicious chocolates stuffed with almond paste, fruit confits, caramels, dragees, soft fruit pastilles, and marrons glacés. You might want to try the famous Marseillotte - a delightful biscuit prepared after a traditional local recipe.
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10) Marché de la Plaine
This is quite a market! Tables of fruits and vegetables are aligned as far as the eye can see. The stall holders are forever announcing their latest promotions. If you're lucky, you can find exquisite brands of perfumes at throw-away prices. The people of Marseille come here to hunt for bargains. The market is open every week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and tornatore