Marseille, France

Leaving Cannes for Marseille felt like stepping into another world.

After a full month of seaside routine and quiet luxury in Cannes, where mornings meant coastal walks, polished sidewalks, relaxed, and beautifully put together.

We boarded a train west along the Côte d’Azur and arrived in Marseille three hours later.

Use the SNCF app to buy train tickets.

When you exit the Gare Saint-Charles train station, you’re on a hilltop overlooking a dense sprawl of orange rooftops, with the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde in the distance.

Marseille France Train Station — *When we first arrived at the Gare Saint-Charles train station*

At first, I had mixed feelings.

A lot of that had to do with staying in Le Panier, the oldest neighborhood in the oldest city in France.

Coming from Cannes, where everything feels curated and calm, to Le Panier, with murals on every corner.

Parts of Le Panier are decorated with so much character by small business owners. Other parts, neglected.

But by the end of my stay, I started to reminisce about the little gems.

The coffee shops I loved, the fantastic food, and the majestic hike, just 20 minutes from the city.

So while I may not have opened my arms to Marseille right away, it left a mark.

Below are my favourite:

Foods I obsessed over
Coffee shops
Moments that stood out
Best neighborhoods to stay in

So let’s get into it…

Foods I obsessed over

1. Quartier Libre - Modern French
Creative small plates with a local twist. I had the duck croquettes—crispy, rich, and perfectly snackable.

2. Bobanh - Vietnamese
A small, flavorful menu. The rice dish with satay beef was my favorite—comforting and packed with flavour.

3. Howard Original Smash Burger
Crispy-edged smash burgers and surprisingly delicious Korean fried chicken. Go early—they get super packed.

3. Paninoteca
Build-your-own sandwiches with top-tier ingredients. Great for a quick, satisfying lunch near Vieux Port. Get it with mortadella.

Coffee Shops

1. Coffee & Bakery
Cozy, modern, and tucked away in Le Panier. One of the rare spots where laptops are welcome. Try the hojicha latte with peanut butter.

2. Risette Café
My go-to for an iced latte with oat milk. Just a short walk from my coworking space, it became part of my late-morning ritual.

3. APT. 20 Coffee Shop
I came here for two things: the iced matcha with blueberry and their breakfast sandwich. A small, stylish café that’s perfect for a quiet reset.

Moments that stood out

Hiking to Calanque de Sugiton

There’s a moment on the trail where the tree-lined path opens—and suddenly, there it is. A sweeping drop to the sea, cliffs carved out like a dream, and water so clear and turquoise it stops you in your tracks. You feel more alive just standing there.

(Start the hike from Luminy University. Walk a slight incline through a parking lot to the entrance.)

Sunset at Babel Community (Ciel Restaurant) Rooftop

The first day we joined Babel Community, they took us up to the rooftop—and it took my breath away. From Ciel restaurant, the sunset view is pure Marseille: rows of orange-tiled rooftops stretching toward the sea, the basilica glowing on the hill, and the whole city bathed in warm, hazy light.

Neighborhood Vibes

Cours Julien

Colorful, creative, and full of energy. You’ll find record shops, vintage stores, and the best banh mi in the city. This is where Marseille’s youthful spirit really shows.

The 7th Arrondissement (especially near the coast)

If I were to live in Marseille again, I’d stay here. It feels calmer, safer, and still connected. Walkable streets, old-school cafés, and closer access to beachy coves.

Endoume

A charming, residential pocket that’s technically part of the 7th but deserves its own mention. Quiet, scenic, and filled with local favorites. Feels tucked away, but you’re still close to the sea and the Corniche.