Mediterranean skies

A bright day over the Mediterranean to start the New Year with a lovely rainbow over the coast at Marseille

A real Provence experience

On the quayside of the Vieux Port in Marseille the fishermen lay out their catch every morning, all year round. Tourists and locals alike stroll in the sunshine choosing the best of the catch for lunch.

Shopping with a difference

The brand new shopping centre Les Terrasses has just opened in Marseille. Stunning views across the Mediterranean from the upstairs terrace. A perfect spot for strolling and dining at one of the outdoor restaurants before hitting the shops.

Is it real or is it a dream?

An amazing trompe l'oeil in Marseille. You would totally believe you were driving towards this beautiful looking building.

Marseille Mucem Images

This fascinating architecture means the Mucem is worth visiting just for the building alone.  The beautiful lattice work exterior and fascinating construction style provide some great images inside and out.

What an Esplanade

The stunning J4 Esplanade in Marseille.  The cantilever roof of the Villa Mediterranée reflected in the beautiful Mucem museum building.

And here the two lovely buildings seen together from the Fort St. Jean with the Cathedral Mont Majour in the background.

And again from the Fort St. Jean, the amazing elevated pedestrian bridge across to the Mucem building.  Just stunning architecture.

A glorious day in Marseille

A day full of sunshine and lovely sights.
The stunning Norman Foster 'Ombriere' capturing amazing reflections of people and life around the Vieux Port

The cascades of the fountains at the Musee des Beaux Art, with playful pink dolphins.

And of course the always gorgeous view of the Vieux Port itself with a myriad of boats dancing in the Autumn sunshine

So much to do this summer

Culture, culture everywhere.
This is one exhibition not to be missed. In two parts, one in Marseille, one in Aix en Provence this fantastic collection explains how the artists inspired each other in terms of light and form - with subjects painted all around Provence. Just part of the Marseille European City of Culture events in 2013.

Euromediterranee

Some folks were curious to know more about the development initiative.  There's a good web site and some of it is in English.

Link Euromediterranee

Dramatic developments in Marseille

Marseille City of Culture 2013 is seeing some dramatic new buildings on the skyline. Here the Villa Mediterranée with the Cathedral de la Major framed in the background.

More Marseille secrets

The Vallon d'Auffes. This little fishing port nestling beneath the coast road of the Corniche is a delightful spot and home to two of the best bouillabaisse restaurants in Marseille. Chez Fonfon overlooks the little inlet, L'Epuisette sits at the end of the inlet overlooking the Mediterranean. Either will give you the true taste of that wonderful fish dish for which Marseille is world renowned.

Or if you are in the mood for just a casual lunch by the waterside, book one of the outdoor tables at Chez Jeannot the pizza restaurant at the top of the little bay.

Marseille secrets

Nestling beneath the busy Corniche the charming Anse de Malmouche is one of Marseille's hidden secrets. All you can hear is the lap of the waves around the fishing boats - no hint of the big city so nearby. Then follow the coastal path for superb views of this great city on the sea, and across the blue Mediterranean to the distant Isles Frioul and Chateau d'If. The perfect Sunday morning stroll.

Marseille at play

Sparkling blue water, 22 degrees C, Sunday afternoon on 1 April and Marseille hits the beach - and this is no April fool's joke!

Reminder

Be there or be ........

Toulon v Cardiff Blues - Velodrome Marseille Sunday 23rd May

(Amlin Challenge Cup, Finale - 23/05/10 - 15:00 - Stade Vélodrome - Marseille)

Inspired?

I know we've been moaning about the weather just recently but how about the other side of the coin? We were down on the coast a few days ago and the sun shone and Provence put it's best face on.

Brave little Alice certainly thought the sea was warm enough but the waves were a bit high!


Early spring break in Provence?

Gastronomy by the sea

Gastronomare in Marseille - a feast for the eyes and the stomach! Cooking demonstrations from the top Marseille chefs, food and wine tastings and the best fun of all, street food along side the Vieux Port. From Palestine to Sicily, Italy to Algeria and lots more - stalls from all around the mediterranean with great food accompanied by a glass or two of the refreshing local Cagole beer. What better way to spend a sunny September afternoon.

Two Lon! Two Lon! Two Lon!

Yes, Toulon v Toulouse at the Marseille Vellodrone stadium. With a near capacity crowd of 55,000 and incredibly patriotic Toulon fans the atmosphere was electric – all jolly good fun! A certain Mr Wilkinson played a leading role for “our” Toulon boys too.

God knows why French rugby seems to be on such a high roll these days. We can’t understand what has brought this about but there seem to be more and more foreign players down here and money to pay them. Perhaps it’s the influence of the “Top 14” games on Canal+ television or the success of the game after the world cup. Either which way there is even an English language web site now with a news feed which continues to prick our interest. http://frenchrugbyclub.com/

That's our man!

Oui!

As the Toulouse team gaze upon the face of Jonny and think .....

As you see the Real truth is that Provence has exciting big cities as well and we even play rugby!

A day in Marseille

Around every corner in Marseille there's a postcard waiting to be published.

... And hands off! Real Provence copyright. Thank you.