Bon Appetit!
Guide yourself by smell to explore its mythical port and find the freshest fish and the most lively seafood, pamper your eyes on its turquoise waters and discover the Calanques, one of the most romantic settings in the world, walk through its most ethnic neighborhoods and enjoy the best fusion cuisine at street level, jump headlong into temptation in their pattisseries and don't forget to rediscover the pasties , that devilish liquor that the French mix with water and sip with a happy face for hours and hours on the best terraces in the place. Savor a bouillabaisse facing the sea and let the breeze make you dream of pirates and corsairs. You will see Marseille with different eyes.
The European Capital 2013 has many faces, but if what you like is to please your stomach, do not hesitate, this is your route.
1. Discover the best bouillabaisse in the world
You are about to taste what is probably the most delicious fish soup in the world. A fisherman's recipe, it was originally prepared with the remains of their catches. Today the specialty of Marseille is the flagship of your kitchen , the laboratory of flavors preferred by its most cutting-edge chefs, and without a doubt also an obvious attraction for clueless travellers. That is why it is convenient to know a couple of things: the first not a cheap soup Be wary of what they offer you for less than 55 euros. The second is that to savor it with style and of course with all the honors it deserves, you have to order it 48 hours in advance . With these two ideas in mind, prepare for the ritual: it is served in two parts, first the broth, enlivened with tomato, saffron and fennel, and then the fish. The garnish is provided by croutons, grated cheese and rouille, a delicious spicy garlic and chili mayonnaise.
If you want to try it in all its splendor, book at L'Epuisette , an elegant and minimalist environment with spectacular views of the sea from its terrace. If you prefer something more kitsch and you like spaces where time seems to have stopped, try the restaurant ** Le Rhul **, located in a typical beach hotel from the 40s that also overlooks the Mediterranean.
To the rich bouillabaisse on the shore
two. Go crazy with its international cuisine
The adventurous and port character of Marseille seeps like the breeze through all its neighbourhoods, but without a doubt there are two areas where its centuries-old influences shine best. The Old Port , the seaside neighborhood of the port and in the surroundings of the Cours Julien square , a paradise for lovers of mixing and the street vanguard . In the port bet on the Vestiges Garden , a very affordable restaurant with Armenian, Greek and Lebanese influences. Throw yourself in without fear for their kebabs, their mousaka, their stuffed aubergines and their tabbouleh. If you want to know what's cooking in one of the youngest and most fun kitchens in Marseille, book at The Cafe des Epices , a riot of Mediterranean flavors happily reinterpreted. In Cours Julien bet on the intimate Les Pieds dans le Plat , a cozy restaurant with Basque-French and Moroccan influences. in the same neighborhood, The Cantinette offers delicious Italian food, including risotto, Parma ham and of course al dente pasta.
Mediterranean flavors reinterpreted
3. Have breakfast in one of the most legendary ports in Europe
The Old Port it is a spectacle and a whole lesson in practical sociology. Undoubtedly the best place to understand Marseille's seafaring past and its determined international vocation. The human movement is impressive, and if you like to get up very early, even better. Take a tour of his famous Fish market and fight with the seagulls for your purchases, after this battle you will be ready to enjoy the rest of the warrior treating yourself to a **spectacular breakfast at La Caravelle**, an authentic sailor's refuge half hidden on the first floor of a building overlooking the port . The best option is to get a table on its terrace, and if you like the atmosphere, remember that in the evening La Caravelle becomes a lively bar where there is no shortage of live jazz concerts.
The marine refuge where you can taste the best breakfast
Four. Taste all the teas of the world in Teavora
How could it be otherwise, the seafaring and commercial past of the city is reflected without problems in its wide range of restaurants. but you have to know escape from the most tourist routes and find the perfect place to take a break with the locals. That's why we offer you the Teavora , a sand floor teahouse white, indirect lights and large silk cushions so you can disconnect from the hustle and bustle and renew your spirit with any of its delicious teas. If you also have a sweet tooth, go by instinct, their sweets are a bane.
African relaxation on French sand
5. Fall into temptation at their patisseries
Rather than fall jump headfirst and don't think about the scale , at least not while you enjoy all the media deployment with which the many patisseries, chocolateries and confiseurs multiply your gastric juices. We suggest two essentials, Four des Navettes , the oldest in Marseille. Founded in 1781, its specialty is the navettes, a boat-shaped biscuit whose formula is more secret than that of Coca Cola and is equally celebrated by the people of Marseilles, who happily carry a box at each celebration. You also can't miss **Le Pain de l'Opera,** a monument to imagination and good taste. His mixes are famous and are prize-winning , as well as its exquisite presentation.
Fall (or rather, dive headfirst) into temptation
6. Travel to Italy with the stomach
The Italian influence is very present in Marseille, and not only in the culture and buildings. La Casertane proudly bears the reputation of being the best italian grocer in town and it is perfect to buy everything you need and set up an impromptu picnic on the beach. Buffalo mozzarella Recently made , fluffy panna cotta, prepared pasta, luxury sauces with local herbs and a lot of ideas so that your outdoor meal does not lack detail.
7. Rediscover pastis...
Yes, that incomprehensible liquor for the Spanish has a lot to say. At the ** Maison du Pastis ** they pay tribute to him in style . More than 75 different flavors and a lot of ideas to combine them. If you still see yourself strong, do not stop trying their absinthes also unforgettable. Undoubtedly a good place to understand a little better the customs of our neighbors. Of course, try to live this history lesson at sunset and with your homework done...
8. Get drunk in the Calanques
Les Calanques are one of the most precious natural jewels of the Côte d'Azur. A stone's throw from Marseille, these 20 kilometers of spectacular rocky cliffs guard white sand beaches and turquoise water . An open secret appreciated and sought after by the people of Marseille who, whenever they can, escape to walk or enjoy the sun, depending on the season. Whatever you do, they'll get there before you. In addition to recreating yourself with all the benefits of the semi-wild coves, we offer you an unforgettable plan: book a dinner in front of the sea and see how the Mediterranean is dyed in impossible colors torn by the black of the rocks . In The Calanque de Morgiou find the delicious boat bar, an authentic fish restaurant and a classic if you want to leave your companion with their mouths open.
The Calanque de Morgiou
9. Dance under the stars at La Maronnaise, dine at Ventabren
The night of Marseilles is long, crazy and very entertaining , but there are many who prefer to start it dancing under the stars. A plan that, being France, is not exempt from its corresponding well-organized dinner party. If you want to dine like a marquis and have a drink in the same place direct your steps to the Maroonnaise, very close to Cap Croisette. Another good option, although you have to walk 500 meters, is The Baie des Singes, Also in the Cap Croisette, a quoted lounge bar filled with soft loungers where to let the magic of music merge with the hypnotic flow of the waves.
The Cap Croisette lounge bar
10. Enjoy the freshest fish at Cassis La Poissonnerie
Very close to Marseille is the Cap Canaille, the highest cliff in Europe . And under its romantic auspices, silhouetted against the horizon on a magnificent rocky promontory and escorted by the powerful silhouette of its Castle, is the small town of Cassis It is one of the best kept secrets in the Mediterranean. Famous for its wine, a fundamental part of the archi elegant kir, it is also the perfect place to enjoy the less polluted essence of the Côte d'Azur. That is why we propose you to enjoy a simple and appetizing meal in The Poissonnerie , the favorite fish restaurant of the inhabitants of the region. Run by two brothers, one fishes and the other cooks, all the fruits of the sea are a delight. From a modest but exquisite sardine dish to a spectacular bouillabaisse. Bon appétit!
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Cap Canaille