We have now made our way out of Italian waters to Marseille, the second largest city in France and can be thought of as a gateway to the Provence region of Mediterranean France. Provence is one of the foodbowls of France and also one of the poorer regions economically. But it is a picture perfect region of rolling hills, fields and small towns. Great ‘peasant’ food and hospitality. Allthego and Homealone have spent time in this part of France before, including having had a great trip along the Canal du Midi, generally to the north of Marseille, with our friends the Watts back in 2017.

Most of the excursions off the ship took people out of Marseille to the countryside and Avignon. So we decided to do the city. It was a pretty busy place, 10,000 extra people being dropped into the touristy areas due to three cruise ships arriving. Us with 1800 aboard and two others of 4000 each.

Our tour took us to some of the city’s highlights. The most prominent was the Notre-Dame de la Garde church perched on a high hill overlooking the town. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, a chapel was built on the hill, called La Garde (the guard) in the early 1200s. Hence the name ‘Our Lady of the Guard’. It has a nautical theme as well.

The hill was also a prominent defensive position against the Germans in WW11. Getting to the top was a bit of drama with all the traffic in the narrow streets.

The southern waterfront area was very photogenic. Great big old houses fronting the Mediterranean and the offshore islands.

Off the coast is a group of small islands. One hosting the Chateau D’If. It was here that Louis XIV imprisoned his twin brother Phillippe, ‘The Man in the Iron Mask’.

We had some free time around the old port area, including lunch. There were numerous options to choose from. The city is a cultural melting pot, a heavy North African influence pervades. We settle for lunch in a food hall, turned out to be Italian choices!

Marseille has been the fifth port in this section of travel. Nine ports in ten days, so we are half way through and it has been a bit hectic. It has also been quite hot and humid. A few of our fellow passengers are a bit worse for wear, there have been some falls which dampens the experience for those affected.

We are in Marseille on Wednesday 12 July. Our guide mentioned that there was to be a general strike the next day (Thursday), protesting about the increase in the pension age from 62 to 64, in Australia it has just gone to 67! Just happens that Friday 14 is Bastille Day, so a 4 day break. Very French timing!

Our next stop is Barcelona.