Marseille. August 31, 2016
Marseille is the second largest city after Paris and the most ancient city in France dating back 600 BC. Founded by Greek sailors from Phocaea and known at the time as Massalia, it has been a major trading post since and the main commercial port of the French empire. Today it is a vibrant, very diversified and attractive city known for its surrounding gorgeous limestone cliffs hanging over the Mediterranean: the Calanques. It is also were Pierre's sister, Christine, lives with her husband, François Duvant, and their children: Marion, Pauline and Matthieu. We were fortunate to also see Pierre's younger brother, Xavier, who was staying at Christine's for few days.
Our first visit was of course Notre-Dame de la Garde also known as La Bonne Mère, symbol of the city of Marseille. This catholic basilica is built on the highest elevation of the city with stunning 360 degrees views over the entire city and the busy harbor.
People of Marseille are looking to La Bonne Mère for protection and good luck. Many plaques are on display in the church showing their gratitude......
Drinks and dinner onboard of Christine and François' sailboat. Beautiful views of Marseille harbor as we sailed out, enjoying the sunset anchored off les Iles Frioul and a return to Marseille at nigth.
A fun family reunion at sea!
Next day visit of Château La Coste in Aix-en-Provence (see separate post) and return to Marseille late afternoon to visit the MuCEM, le Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée, inaugurated in 2013. The museum, built "of stone, water and wind", was designed by the architect Rudy Ricciotti. A cube of 160,000 square feet surrounded by a latticework shell of fiber-reinforced concrete.
Caping this great day and our stay in Marseille with a "Pizza Night" at the Duvant (Christine et François).......
