Marseille, France - Mixing Old World and Modern

In one breathtaking view your eyes will settle on a highly modern museum and an ancient fort, this truly is the essence of everything Marseille. The only real way to fully explore this city is on foot, which makes it an active traveler’s dream town with perfect temperatures and something to see around every corner.

Let's dive in to each of the amazing places in this single photo take from Le Palais du Pharo!

The runner in me was happy to find that I short 5 mile run would take me past all of these major sites around the port, while feeling completely safe and utterly entranced.

In the distance is the Marseille Sainte Marie Majeur Cathedral, built originally in the 1850’s to attract new inhabitants who were passing by this port town on ship. I ran past this nearly every day and was simply in awe of the size and the beauty.Walk a few blocks closer to the water and you’ll be standing in front of the MuCem Museum {Museum of Civilizations of Europe and Mediterranean. This modern architectural piece in the heart of an old city was no accident. When Marseille was awarded the 2013 European Capital of Culture Award they wanted to show off the city as a place for innovation and the future, not just the past.   Walking around the lattice worked outside of the MuCem provides 360 degree views of the city. The openings are large allowing you to take in the boats sailing by, the people swimming, the fort and well everything! There is also a great dining space at the top to sit and fully enjoy the views.Using a bridge from the top of the MuCem you can cross over to Fort Saint-Jean. Construction began in the 1660’s both to protect the residents and assert some control over the town.
From the Fort, take the stairway down to sea level and you’re ready to explore the Old Port. For all the towns I’ve visited with ports, I’ve never seen once as packed or active as Marseille! There were thousands of boats of all sizes and constant activity with sailors and rowers alike entering the port.

On the weekends small stalls open up to sell hand made goods and throughout the week there is a fish market and farmer’s market. Around the port you’ll also find plenty of shopping and dining.You might notice in the top right of this photo is another church…this is the one that tends to get the most attention from visitors because of it’s ornate qualities. We hopped on a quick bus tour to take us up to Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde and then prepared to climb the 200+ steps! I had to pause and take in the views of the city which were simply amazing from this vantage point.
EXPERIENCES
Boat Tour of the Coast line:  I wasn’t sure this was something we needed to do…but a few minutes in I could see why they’d suggested it. It’s amazing to see the city from a different angel and after you get away from the main port to see the tiny towns that exist on the water and the massive cliffs where people sunbath!

Soap Making: Grande Savonnerie -- See more about this soap making experience in 5 south of France

Fish spa: I’ve heard about these, but always been too nervous to try…then I figured what the heck it’s vacation right?! Honestly it was a neat experience for $15 euros, but I wouldn’t say my feet felt any softer or more amazing for the nibbling.
ACCOMODATIONS
I have to mention this because, truth be told I’d hate for anyone else to stay here thinking they were going to get one thing…and getting something unpleasant instead.

Grand Nice Hotel sounded fascinating as it was inside the old Pastuer Institute, but with a very modern twist. Like colored hallway lights, air conditioning that stopped working and a nasty front desk crew. Yup you got it, this may be a 4 star hotel in some books, but not ours!

More France: Things to do in Nice and exploring Aix-en-Provence

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Aix-En-Provence - Lavender smells to lavender treats

I can see how this traveling lifestyle becomes addictive! Constant stimulation, connecting with people on a deeper level by spending so much time together and of course experiencing the world.

Heading Northwest from Nice just an hour by car {Rail Europe strike changed our plans a bit}, you begin to enter Provence. The more traditional area of France where lavender is grown, 18th century fountains and squares, old mansions and of course home of the famous painter Cézanne.You know my first concern was determining if a run would be possible and to my great fortune the hotel was located just a 1/2 mile from a favorite trail of the locals called Promenade de la Torse!     
Each morning after the run, I excitedly returned to the comfort of the Grand Hotel Roi Rene and more importantly breakfast waiting in the room!! I loved that room service breakfast was included in the stay, it just made my morning so much more relaxed as I got to explore the city.
SHOPPING, MANSIONS, AND MARKETS
Exploring the old mansion district provides the feeling of a long ago era, but it’s quickly apparent that the city is bursting at the seems with high end shopping and local artisans. The mixture of old and new permeates much of the South of France making it an interesting study in opposites.
Once again we were happy to explore the 4 local markets which are all hosted in large squares within just a mile of each other: clothing, flower, hand made and produce Admittedly the 3 hour lunch and dinner process was starting to weigh us all down by this point, so we began requesting salads and may have missed out on some really exquisite things, but the food was so fresh thanks to the local markets that I can’t imagine we could have dined any better.

Plus we got to dine in some amazing places like Chez Thome, about 3 miles from downtown, with a menu that changes daily based on local ingredients and looks like a scene from Alice in Wonderland.VINEYARDS
While there are vineyards to be visited all over France, Château La Coste is unique because it also contains an outdoor modern art museum. Of course there was also plenty of wine tasting for those who enjoy a little adult beverage after exploring.

CALISSON
Have you ever heard of a Calisson?? If you’re more refined than I then answer is probably yes, but alas this was a brand new treat to me! After tasting one so kindly left in our hotel I was excited to head to Roy Rene Calissons {opened in 1920} and learn all about the creation and history of this local sweet which is made from almonds, crystalized fruit and a little sugar.

They are a very specific shape and size, in fact their standards are so high they still make many by hand to ensure they get it right! Anyone can visit the factory for a tour and it’s really interesting, so I say check it out…plus umm sugar.My personal favorite was the one infused with lavender…wow what a flavor!! Knowing that all of their ingredients are sourced locally I’m sure we were enjoying some of the freshest candy I’ll ever have.Finally it was time for a train ride to Marseille!!! Yes, I love riding the train. I know some were a little frustrated by the time, but I think it's magical to watch the countryside fly by...one moment there was a single white work horse alone in a field with not a single building or person to be seen and the next massive old mansions.

I don't know why, but just gives me a sense of peace.

Read more about the 5 essential experiences in the South of France and what to do in Nice as an active traveler.

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Nice, France - Shades of blue and running too

From the turquoise waters to the azure skies this town will literally make you see blue…and if it’s not your favorite color when you get there I guarantee you’ll love it by the time you leave. In fact the town embraces the color even more thanks to a piece of art for which they became famous…the blue chair. These lovely chairs now line the Promenade des Angalis providing a place to sit and just enjoy the views.Not only are the views spectacular for running, but they truly embrace athletics here! The locals get up to swim every morning, year round…yes even in the winter these intrepid folks are out getting it done. Respect!!! I wanted to hop in with them, but had miles to get in before the day began. Triathletes would be in heaven as right next to this swimming hole {aka the sea} is a HUGE running and biking pathway. Once this pathway runs out, no worries because you’ve hit the adorable port area filled with small and large boats…and mostly lots more to see!
I’m told they have a wonderful Rock N Roll 10 miler in February that takes full advantage of this pathway…hmmm a possible future race??

After running there is still so much more to explore in Nice! I fee like it’s a dream place for the active, healthy traveler as most restaurants are cooking with fresh ingredients and the farmer’s market is easily available to pick up a snack…just be careful as they do love sweets!! I definitely indulged in a few, but spent the next 8 hours on foot exploring so it’s all balance!
Even their parks are more unique and creative than ours!! Checkout this one that used a whale for a gym…and had a huge area of fountains filled with laughing children all day long. The sights to see don’t stop there…the city is filled with unique artwork both along the streets, such as the aptly named “Square Head” which houses the library. AND inside the magnificent Hotel Negresco!! We were only allowed inside a press, so don’t expect to get inside this beautiful place for a peak…and be willing to pony up if you want to stay for a night, it’s luxury mixing old world and modern.Just as I could have run for hours in this city, I could go on with ease about the beauty and fun we found here…put it on your list and prepare to want to come back before you’ve even left.

Read more about the 5 essential experiences in the South of France and connect with me on my original site RunToTheFinish.com