Marseille
FRANCE
FRANCE
Since our first visit in 2022, Marseille has become one of those cities that you always want to go back to. It seems to have it all: a vibrant urban life, and a coast that will instantly transport you to something that seems far more remote and more resembling to an island holiday. Whilst living outside of Aix, we visited regularly whenever we wanted to swap the solitude vineyard sceneries with something that felt a bit more extroverted. Marseille matched that energy, and reminded us of the Copenhagen life we were used to, just slightly more laissez-faire in its approach. People from different generations will be out and about on a sunday afternoon going for lunch and sharing a bottle of red, they will even bring their babies, and nothing about these sceneries gives off a feeling of being planned months in advance - a nothern trait we have detected when it comes to socializing. In general, being in Marseille conveys a very affirming observation of people who seem to be genuinly joyful and indulgent to life. And with good reason; a new wine bar or restaurant seems to have opened every time we’re there, and they’re often well worth another visit. When the city gets hot (beware of July and August, we recommend going off season) many will succomb to the Sacré Coeur-escque terrain of the city and enjoy their food and beverages “à emporter” along the many Calanques or tighter bathing spots nearer the city center. The list is indeed long, but here are some of the places we’ll definitely want to come back to the next time around.
Photography & Assembled Words Biensûr
Unité d’habition or Cité Radiuese (1945-1952), was a post World War 1 redevelopment project lead by the swiss architect, Le Corbusier. Radical for its time, the brutalistic bulding were to host 330 housing units and communal spaces, as Corbusier imagined a “vertical city”, bridging the gap between the individual and the collective. The site is listed by UNESCO as World Heritage, recognizing Le Corbusiers contributions to the modern movement.
The common areas are open to the puplic, and a guided tour which includes acces to a private residential is also available.
If you fully want to emerge yourself in the architectual wonder, Jogging offers an appartment available for rent.
In the most southern part of Marseille’s 8th arrondissement, you’ll find a small fisherman’s neighbourhood, Les Goudes. The tip of Cap Croisette offers the most beautilful swims in the ocean, with a view of Île Maïre. Here you will have the options of resting on a sandy beach or go cliff diving . When you feel like taking a break from the swimming, go to Tuba Club for a Pastis and small refreshments at Bikini, their little sister restaurant.
3. Hammam at La Bastides des Bains.
Eating
1. A Bib Gourmand restaurant that offers modern cuisine with excellent local produce and a wine menu with an emphasis on naturals. 2. Livingston might be, hands down, our favorite place to go for dinner in Marseille, and also probably the place we have visited most frequently. The atmosphere is very unpretentious like the rest of the neighbourhood, which makes the menu seem even more superior. The team behind is the same as from La Mercerie, so expect some superb wine on the list as well. 3. Jogging Marseille doesn’t only offer curated garments and objects, but also serves as the perfect lunch spot in their courtyard with a cute open kitchen.
Drinking
1. A classic since 1944 to the locals of the Endourme neighbourhood. The evening atmosphere always offers impeccably good vibes. 2. If you find yourself in the Samatan neighbourhood, Fama Supérette is a small, local grocery store that offers several delicacies. Enjoy the afternoon weather on their terrace with wine and small plates of refreshments. 3. Right next to Saint-Victor Abbey with a view over Vieux Port, Café de L’Abbaye, a very well visited spot, offers the best evening aperitifs.
Shopping
1. The Jogging concept store offers a hollistic lifestyle shopping expience of fashion, design and food. It’s well curated and we love that the culinary presence plays such a big part. 2. The french fashion brand known for their bohemian connotations, experiments with a multiple space of design objects made by craftsmen and artists, as well as a café. 3. Visiting Maison Empereur when in Marseille is inevitable. The family owned hardware store has been operating since 1827, and offers just about anything you could think of for yourself and your home. Prepare to spend a good amount of hours while there.