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

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.

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.

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.