Tag Archives: Tourism

Marseille in 5 Hours: The Islands & Le Panier

Posted on January 10, 2013 | Leave a comment

Last stopover: 5 hours in Marseille

(South of France), well let’s say 3h-3h30 in the city of Marseille. After visiting the Chateau d’If, we took the wrong shuttle: instead of returning to the vieux port (the old harbor), we discovered other small islands off the coast of Marseille. Beautiful landscapes (pictures 1, 2 & 3), a picturesque marina cove, the feeling of being so far away, the slowness.

Back to the Vieux Port (picture 4, the old harbour), I head to Le Panier, a famous heritage district in the old Marseille (picture 5). Getting lost in the quiet streets, which many are under construction. I’d love to make a full turn before lounging on the terrace of a cafe, but we must return to the path of the ferry. Tram, bus and 15-20 minutes walk to the dock! Definitely too long and not really glam (lol)!

Marseille, France: Visiting Le Château d’If

Posted on January 6, 2013 | Leave a comment

Just arrived in Marseille,

we reach the old port to go to the islands of Frioul (les îles du Frioul). A stopover of 5 hours, not more: our first stop, the Château d’If, 20 minutes by boat. I’m with a journalist friend. He’s a huge fan of the famous novel “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas.

A shuttle (picture 2), calanques (creeks), crystal clear water worthy the Caribbean under a mixed sky (picture 1), the temperature is really nice. Some tourists. Finally, we arrive at the fortress built by François 1er (photo 4) that I didn’t remember having visited when I was a child. Weird, I think more of “The Tartar Steppe” by Dino Buzzati than Dumas novel! And the sea, the sea, the sea (pictures 3 & 5).

Laid Back Stopover in Ajaccio, Corsica

Posted on January 4, 2013 | Leave a comment

When I travel to an island,

I often have in mind the title of Michel Houellebecq’s book, “The Possibility of an Island” that I haven’t read: I only like the way the title sounds. I love the Mediterranean for its particular light, the color of the sky and the sea and its incredible cultural diversity.

From one island to another, there is a strong identity, different architecture and story. During the Indian summer, I had a short stopover of few hours in Ajaccio. I wanted to visit the house where Napoleon Bonaparte was born… which unfortunately was closed.

So I went to the semi-deserted beach of Saint François, where the water was super chilly (lol!). But the view of the colorful city of Ajaccio is beautiful and clear water! Even time stretches, it’s already time to leave. Corsica bella.

Tag Archives: Tourism

Marseille in 5 Hours: The Islands & Le Panier

Last stopover: 5 hours in Marseille

Marseille, France: Visiting Le Château d’If

Just arrived in Marseille,

Laid Back Stopover in Ajaccio, Corsica

When I travel to an island,

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