Why Marseille?
Marseille, a Mediterranean city at core
Marseille is the "oldest city in France" and indeed one of the oldest in western Europe. The city was founded as Massalia in around 600 BC, and soon developed into an important port in the ancient Greek world. For the Greeks, and later for the Romans, it was a major point of transition and trade between the civilisations of the Mediterranean, and those of Gaul and northwest Europe.
And that, essentially, has been Marseille's role ever since. Located near the mouth of the Rhone - the greatest natural corridor between the Mediterranean and the lands to the north, it has long been one of the most important, when not the most important, port in France - a role that explains its importance and its size, as France's second largest urban area, to this day.
CAFÉS
My favorite cafés in Marseille
Le David
A lively all-day café with an outdoor terrace that serves everything you could want from breakfast and brunch to evening cocktails and meals.
Address:
99 Promenade Georges Pompidou, 13008 Marseille, France
What I like about it
This is one of the best brunch spots in Marseille but if you go at any time of day there will be something delicious on the menu!
Dalloyau
A chic cafe with a great view and variety of breakfast and brunch options.
Address:
Centre Commercial Les Terrasses Du Port - 9 Quai du Lazaret, 13002 Marseille, France
What I like about it
Not always easy to get a seat but it's such a cozy little place with a great view on the terrace, the food is always as beautiful as it is tasty.
Cafe Beau Rivage
This warm cozy cafe will take you from breakfast through to dinner with excellent coffee and locally-sourced wines.
Address:
13 Quai de Rive Neuve, 13007 Marseille, France
What I like about it
One of many cafe on the Vieux Port but always a charming atmosphere and nice staff.