The French Riviera Has a Wild Sister – And She’s Way More Fun This Region Is Wilder, More Authentic – and Breathtakingly Beautiful.

Calanques: Turquoise Daydreams

When you think of southern France, images of celebrities in St. Tropez, designer bikinis in Cannes, and overpriced fish soup in Nice probably come to mind. But what if I told you there’s a place in southern France that offers just as much sun, sea, and charm – only wilder, more real, and way more relaxed? Welcome to Marseille, my personal summer surprise.

I have to admit, Marseille was never at the top of my bucket list. Too big, too rough, too unpolished – or so I thought. What a mistake! Because that’s exactly what makes Marseille so special: it has edges, grit, and soul. And if you let yourself drift a little, you’ll discover places that truly take your breath away – in the best way.

Vieux-Port & Notre-Dame de la Garde: Marseille’s Proud Silhouette

👉 A classic starting point: Stroll the Vieux-Port where sailboats sway in the breeze and Notre-Dame de la Garde watches over the city from above.

📸 Photo tip: Shoot from Quai du Port for that iconic marina view with the basilica in the distance – especially magical in the morning light

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Marseille: Where Real Life Pulses

My starting point: the Vieux-Port, the old harbor of Marseille. Fishing boats bob next to yachts, seagulls scream overhead, and the air is filled with the scent of salt, bouillabaisse, and a hint of adventure. You sip your morning coffee with a sea view, watching the city slowly wake up – and suddenly you’re immersed in a unique rhythm of life.

Marseille doesn’t try to impress you. It doesn’t flirt. It simply is. And that’s the charm. Between winding old streets and vibrant street art, between spice markets and Mediterranean heat, I felt both lost and completely at home.

A must: a walk through Le Panier, the oldest part of town. Old, crooked, charming. This is where the original Marseille lives. Every corner reveals a new café, colorful shutters, and doors that seem to whisper stories. Sometimes you just stop – not because you have to, but because it’s just that lovely.

A quaint shopfront in a charming French street showcases a store called "Nature et Tendances," offering handmade creations, southern delicacies, and gifts. A man sits outside enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

Restaurant "La Terrasse du Panier", Le Panier👉 Welcome to the most authentic alley in Marseille! Here, fish is served with charm – and good mood is included for free.

Street Art Rue Caisserie / Rue Baussenque👉 Marseille loves color – and shows its face. This wall in the heart of Le Panier is more than just art: it is a statement.

Graffiti with "Vive Le Panier"👉 Cracks, color, history – and a lot of soul. Le Panier is raw, colorful, and proud of its rough edges.

Just a few steps further begins Le Panier, the oldest district of the city. Hidden between the crumbling facades are small boutiques, artists' studios, and cafés like the charming "Nature et Tendances" – perfect for an espresso on a folding chair. 📸 Photo tip: The typical shutters and signage in the warm afternoon light – pure Marseille.

A modern architectural marvel with reflective glass facades, showcasing an exhibit at the MuCEM in Marseille, France.

If you love modern architecture, you can't miss the MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations). The perforated facade and the light reflections on the glass front give the harbor a futuristic flair – an exciting contrast to the old town. 📸 Photo tip: In the late afternoon, the facade shines particularly brightly – ideal for geometric reflections.

Les Goudes: Picture-Perfect With a Rough Charm

A few kilometers outside the city lies Les Goudes, and it feels like stepping into another universe. The road winds along the coast through rugged cliffs and hidden coves until you arrive in what must be the chillest fishing village in southern France.

In Les Goudes, there are no polished facades, just salt-stained houses. No beach clubs, but bouillabaisse at the harbor restaurant – flip-flops welcome. Divers, locals, and a few in-the-know travelers gather here, all aware that Les Goudes is a true hidden gem.

I arrived during golden hour – and oh, that light! The sun dipped behind the cliffs, the sea turned to liquid gold, and the little harbor looked like a painting. I couldn’t stop taking photos, yet all I wanted was to sit, sip rosé, and breathe in the stillness.

Local Secret: The Beaches of Les Goudes👉 Think Marseille has no beaches? Think again. The hidden coves of Les Goudes offer turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs – minus the crowds.📸 Photo tip: Retro umbrellas, swimmers, and rocky backdrops make this a nostalgic summer dream shot.

At the farthest edge of the city lies Les Goudes – a little world of its own. Here, it feels like time has hit the pause button. Picture tiny houses, fishing boats, bright red mopeds parked in front of seafood joints, and the sparkling sea: it’s like a postcard from the '70s, but it’s still buzzing with life today. 📸 Photo tip: The harbor, the boats, the vibrant red walls – colors that shout: South of France!

Bouillabaisse & Seafood With a View👉 My tip: Dine at Le Nautica des Goudes. Sea views, golden light, and the freshest catch – you’ll feel like you’re in a French film.📸 Photo tip: Yes, even seafood can be photogenic – especially when paired with rustic table settings and late-day light.

My restaurant tip: Le Nautica des Goudes. Here, you sit with a view of the water, eat freshly caught fish or fried squid, and suddenly feel like a movie character. 📸 Photo tip: Food can also be wonderfully staged – especially in this setting!

Les Goudes at Dusk👉 When the sun dips and the windows start to glow orange, Les Goudes feels like a movie set – only real. Perfect spot for a sundowner.

Calanques: Turquoise Daydreams

And then came the moment I’d most been looking forward to: a hike (well, more of a walk) to one of the Calanques. For those unfamiliar, Calanques are rugged, fjord-like coves with turquoise water and white limestone cliffs – like something out of a dream.

Whether it was Calanque de Sormiou, En-Vau, or Morgiou – honestly, the names blur, but the images in my head remain crystal clear.

Standing on a rock, gazing down at the impossibly blue water, wind in my face – I knew: this is one of those magical places where the world pauses for a moment.

Calanques: Wild Paradise by the City👉 White cliffs, crystal-clear water, and silence... the Calanques are southern France’s best-kept secret. This one... Calanque de Sormiou – breathtaking and surprisingly accessible.📸 Photo tip: Climb the ridge for a panoramic shot straight into turquoise dreams.

Tip: Go early! Not just to avoid the heat, but because the morning light is absolutely magical. And if hiking isn’t your thing, boats from Marseille or Cassis also reach the Calanques – but I adored the short walk through fragrant scrubland.

Maybe you’ve already seen Marseille in a film – without realizing it. This city is a true movie star! Not polished like Paris, but full of contrast, with a raw sensuality that’s perfect for crime stories, big emotions, and rough-around-the-edges characters.

Gérard Depardieu shot the gritty Netflix series "Marseille" here, playing a power-hungry mayor – set against dramatic harbor views and political intrigue. Jean Reno also filmed in Marseille – his cool, aloof vibe fits the backdrop perfectly. And if you know Luc Besson’s cult classic "Taxi" (yes, the one with the insane car chases), you’ll remember the steep streets that show Marseille in full-throttle action.

And there are dozens of French films portraying Marseille exactly as it is: a mix of grit, flair, and sun-drenched southern attitude that always smells a bit like adventure.

Marseille Cathedral “La Major”👉 Like a fairytale Movie fortress from another continent – Marseille’s cathedral fuses Romanesque grandeur with exotic flair.

Cassis: The Colorful Detour👉 Just 45 minutes from Marseille, Cassis welcomes you with pastel houses and a harbor straight from a painting. Perfect for a glass of rosé and some harbor people-watching.📸 Photo tip: Boats and facades glow beautifully in the early morning or just before sunset.

Travel Tips for Your Marseille Trip

• Best time to go: September! The sea is still warm, the crowds are gone, and the light turns golden.

• Where to stay: I stayed in a boutique hotel near the harbor – stylish, central, and affordable.

• Getting around: Public transport is good, but a rental car helps if you want to explore Les Goudes and the Calanques on your own terms.

• Top photo spots: Vieux-Port at sunrise, Les Goudes at sunset, and any cliff with a Calanque view.

• Foodie tip: Try the bouillabaisse – but go where the locals eat it. And definitely sample a fresh Socca!

Conclusion: Marseille – Wild, Honest, Beautiful

This region is like a great Classic French movie: sometimes loud, sometimes quiet, always stylish – and never mainstream. If you're craving a real southern France experience, with rugged charm and poetic corners, pack your camera and go.

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