Maureen_QC

I've heard conflicting opinions re Marseilles. Some saying that It is unpleasant to visit because of the hordes of pickpockets, etc. Others that it is worthwhile. I'd like to hear to get feedback from other members of the forum.

Thanks

norween

Marseille, France or MarseilleS, USA ?

stevelyon

This was my concern, in fact I posed a similar question, and was reassured by members responses (you may want to look at these). We enjoyed Marseilles very much and rarely felt threatened, although there were times when my partner felt uneasy. This said, I would not go back for two weeks again, but for a few night it is a fascinating City and would highly recommend it. In brief, the threat is very much overhyped, and it is no more dangerous than other big cities.

Images2

We went to a Marseille football game a couple of weeks ago and had a great time. We never felt any danger. We returned a few days later to see the town, spending only a few hours there. I'm glad we saw it, but really didn't care for the city. We did try to hike around the Calanques from Marseille.

I'm working on my trip report now, with a bit on Marseille. It's posted on this site.

TDudette

We took a bus from our base in Aix, then walked from around Gare Routiere to Vieux Port (and back again) and had no problems. It was day time.
We took the #60 bus to Notre Dame and enjoyed the church and the views. It took the bus about 1/2 hour to make the zig-zagging drive.
We had a really really good lunch at La Brasserie (one of many places around the porte).
Looked like good tram and mini-train system. Could be a reasonable base for travel but Avignon or Nice might be more intimate and welcoming at the end of a travel day.
We saw a few beggars but no one bothered us.
BTW, we've been picked in Paris twice. Someone grabbed my neck pillow (hanging from suitcase) and a roll-up picture (peaking out of hub's bag). Please let everyone know what you ended up doing!

cigalechanta

We liked Marseille very much. We went for Bouillaise at Chez Fonfon
situated in a picturesqe small port.

artsnletters

I spent three nights (but only one day) in Marseille. I did not find it at all threatening. There is one neighborhood (sorry, can't remember what it's called) between the train station and the west side of the Vieux Port that is supposed to be a bit hazardous, especially at night - but no reason to go there, just walk to the Port on the Canabiere or east of the Canabiere. I day-tripped from Marseille to Cassis one day to see the calanques - major highlight - and to Aix one day. I ended up wishing I'd just spent the time in Aix, which I loved.

I wasn't all that taken with Marseille, but it's not scary. It is noticeably very multicultural. The Valle des Auffes, which is where Chez Fonfon (where cigalechanta had her bouillabaisse) is located, is well worth a stroll on its own, and the bus ride from the Vieux Port is very scenic.