When I was in the Old Port area of Marseille (early April, 2005), it was quite warm (16-18 C) – especially compared with Paris where we had come from. So that was one good thing about Marseille. But on the whole, I didn’t really like this place. It felt quite busy and dirty and hard to get around in. The food was very seafood based (obviously, being a seaside city with an economy based on the fishing industry) and I am not a big fan of shellfish.

However one really interesting place to visit was the Chateau d’If off the coast of Marseille. This fortress is hundreds of years old and sits on a little rocky island, about a 20 minute boat ride from Marseille. It was the setting for the Count of Monte Cristo and the actual Chateau has been used as a fort and a prison in the past.

I know that other people will find a lot to enjoy about Marseille, but personally I didn’t like it that much and won’t be in a hurry to go back. However, I will say it is worth a visit, because unless you go, you won’t know if you like it or not!