Marseille is absolutely gorgeous. I’ve always been fascinated by beach towns, and in love with the relaxed atmosphere. That’s why I love visiting my parents and going to Folly Beach. I visited France in the Fall, so I couldn’t swim, visit the summer shops, or wear shorts, but I did have a great beach experience. The coolest thing about being in Marseille was that my parents were there together when they were my age. My mom and dad both lived in Italy and France because they were both in the Navy. It was really cool to see some of their photos come to life.
I arrived in Marseille at night and it was pouring down rain. The train ride was really long and I was so tired. I did meet some pretty cool people in the lounge area that kept me up longer than I should have. They were from Montreal and played music around the world. We talked for several hours and then I had to call it a night.
I woke up around six because I only had 24 hours in Marseille. I wanted to go around and do some exploring.
I wanted to spend some time walking around the beach before heading to Notre Dame. It was pretty cold and I had to bundle up in a scarf and gloves.
I found a path along the shore and decided to walk that.
A lot of the restaurants were closed for the season, but I was hungry so I was on the hunt for one.
I found a cute little lunch spot on the water. Le Cabanon Terrasse.
The menu looked pretty good!
To start, I had a cafe au lait with my meal.
They added fresh sea salt to the drink to represent the sea. How cool is that?
For my meal, I ordered the Chèvre Chaud, and let me tell you, it was incredible. I thought the little circle things on the toast were mushrooms, so I almost didn’t eat them. I decided to be daring and have a bite. Turns out, it was sautéed goat cheese. This was one of the best dishes I’ve had all trip.
The goat cheese, the toast, the fresh vegetables, fried bacon, and the dressing was perfection! The only thing didn’t eat were the mushrooms.
After lunch, I continued my walk.
The further I went down, the more stores and shops there were.
I headed back to the hostel to get ready for a trip to Notre Dame with a group of travelers.
We spent several hours around the cathedral and the town. The inside of Notre Dame reminded me of a snake’s pattern. It was gorgeous.
After getting off the bus near the Hostel, I headed down to the beach to watch the sun go down on the water.
After hanging around the beach for a while, I got really cold and decided to go find a place to get an espresso and a treat.
I found a cute little place to get a slice of apple almond tart and a cup of espresso.
I brought my book and read a little while I warmed up. The apple tart was heavenly!
I grabbed a slice of pizza and a salad that had tomatoes, olive, basil, mozzarella cheese, and lettuce.
Marseille was amazing and I can’t wait to go back one day. I want to visit France in the summertime so I can enjoy the water!
Michelle says
You must have 10,000+ pictures from your trip lol! That would be me too! Marseille looks gorgeous, and that house with the red ivy growing on it, omg incredible! I’m very jealous of you going! You def deserved that prize though so I’ll forgive you. 😉 Love your blog!
Linda @ TheFitty says
Beach towns are a nice neighborhood–everyone usually knows each other. 🙂 how much French have you learned thus far from all your trips?
Winding Spiral Case says
Your photos portray Marseille so beautifully! Notre-Dame de la Garde was the most memorable part of my brief travels through Marseille — particularly the stunning vista of the city and azure Mediterranean and the bullet holes that still remain in the church’s walls from Marseille’s liberation in WWII. Thanks for sharing your adventures!
Charis says
Hey Tara 🙂 I love reading your blog! Those little french cars are Renaut 4L’s. They’re very popular in France. There’s a rally that goes from close to Paris to Morrocco every year, partly in aid of buying children out there school supplies and things – it’s also a ridiculous amount of fun. My boyfriend brought a 4L home from France a few years ago (we live in England) and he did the rally two years ago. Two weeks of driving through France and Spain and Morrocco’s dessert! It’s called the 4L Trophy, should look it up 🙂
Charis says
Actually on looking again the car in this blog post may not be one, but there was one in the Lyon post I think lol! xx
Honorine says
Haha I live in France and let me tell you, you made me rediscover my country ! Your pics are amazing, and it’s making me travel as well, as I live in the North 🙂
kelsey says
beautiful!
SippySue says
Aww you silly goose tara, chèvre means goat cheese in French! It doesn’t mean mushrooms! You’re so adorbs. 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
I know it means goat cheese. It’s a goat cheese salad. I said I thought they were some kind of mushrooms on top but that was the goat cheese.
Lucie A. says
I kinda of love beach in winter because you get them all to yourself! Beautiful pictures by the way! I’m glad you ate the goat cheese, would have been sad otherwise 🙂
Kristin says
I studied abroad in Marseille this past summer! Too bad you didn’t have more time to see the calanques. The water is absolutely amazing. I wanted to add a picture, but there isn’t an option. Traveling is one of my favorite things to do, so to have the opportunity to go to Marseille, I will be forever thankful. Loved your pictures!
Marissa says
You are incredible. How in the world did you go to France by yourself and not have a panic attack? I went to another state once and almost died. Hats of to you!
Angelena says
love marseille
Marguerite says
did you like france as much as united states
Reta says
I want to go there so badly
Mabel says
gorgeous photos
Briana says
I am so glad I have come across your blog! I love your pictures and I am glad your enjoyed your trip. But I noticed that you did not mention going to the Eiffel Tower…did you go there? Or was that not a place of interest? Just wondering, again I love your blog!
Taralynn McNitt says
I went there the last night I was in France! I have yet to complete the rest of my travels in France but will soon! (straggling behind) xo xo
Caty says
I love your travel posts. Your photos make me feel like I’m there!
Chelsea says
That dessert looks awesome! Great photography.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Chelsea!
Allie says
Beautiful shots.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you!
Steeven says
I visited Marseille, I have to say the beach towns are really awesome! + their food is deicious!