France’s Côte d’Azur is a perennial favourite of the style set, but it’s the coastline around Marseille that’s garnering a lot of attention. This is largely thanks to the opening of Tuba Club in the Les Goudes neighbourhood: the place to eat, drink and swim off the rocks (French designer Simon Port Jacquemus is a fan) as well as try and bag one of the five stylish cabanes. You’ll be perfectly placed for exploring Marseille and the area’s feted calanques, limestone cliffs that tower above the glittering sea. Make the 45 minute drive to nearby Cassis, the idyllic old fishing port where in-the-know Parisians are snapping up houses.
Where to Eat & Drink
Bouillabaisse and Bourride
- Chez Fonfon 140 rue du Vallon des Auffes
- Le Rhul 269 Corniche Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy.
- L’Epuisette Vallon des Auffes
- Chez Michel 6 Rue des Catalans
- For the best Bouillabaisse in Marseille, our local friend Garance suggested Bouillabaisse Turfu founded by chef Christian Qui (who recently won the Fooding award). He cooks a traditional, typical bouillabaisse using local fish. The restaurant organises evening boat rides in sunset while they cook for you (120 euros per person).
More Restaurants to Try
- Chez Etienne, supions, steak and anchovy pizza in a French connection basement, 43 Rue Lorette
- Peron 56 Cor Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy
- Chez Roger at the old port, oyster & sea urchins. 28 Quai du Port
- La Bonne Mère pizza. 16, rue Fort du Sanctuaire
- L’Eau à la Bouche pizza. 120 Corniche Kennedy
- Café de la Banque, Paris-Style Brasserie. 24 Bd Paul Peytral
- Le Baron Perché, 45 Rue Châteaubriand
- Epicerie l’Ideal fantastic lunch and local produce. ©Martin Bruno
- La Cantinetta pasta. 24 Cours Julien
- Inter Conti, brunch. 1 Pl. Daviel
- Brunch at Rowing Club 34 Boulevard Charles Livon
- Chez Paul in Les Goudes, 35 Rue Désiré Pelaprat
- Le bistrot plage for chill eating in the sun. 60 Cor Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Where to Shop
- Jogging is a cool concept store, go for lunch, say hi to Olivier. 103 & 107 Rue Paradis
- Maison Empereur 4 Rue des Récolettes
- Le Père Blaize 5 Rue Meolan et du Père Blaize
What to Do
- Take the ferry from the old port to the Frioul Islands. Wander around, have a bite in one of the local fish restaurants in in the port.
- Explore Notre Dame de la Garde.
- La Vieille Charité
- In the Calanques, Sugiton and Sormiou. Go in the morning, it's a long walk but so worth it.
- La Friche Belle de Mai is a cultural centre, visit in the early evening. They have a wonderful terrace. Take a taxi to get there.
- Le Corbusier the view from the roof is spectacular.
Where to Stay
Tuba Club is the place to eat, drink and swim (French designer Simon Port Jacquemus is a fan) as well as try and bag one of the five stylish cabanes.
How to Get There
Fly into Marseille International Airport, which offers direct flights to many European cities.
Special thanks to our 84 Rooms contributors Manuel Iljitsch and Garance Bazin.
84 Rooms recommends: The Secret French Riviera, Our Must-See Spots, and A Postcard From La Colombe d'Or.