We had been looking forward to this day for a long time as we met up with Colin's sister and husband, who live just north of Marseille, and we spent a wonderful day with them.
After a shuttle bus into the city, we very quickly discovered what a pretty port this is. A picturesque boat harbour with masses of boats and yachts with tall masts and flags flying in the breeze. Around the perimeter of the boat harbour are attractive buildings, offices, apartments, hotels and restaurants – such an attractive port. Around the harbour wall were street stalls and on that day many modernistic sculptures, and a very impressive 'Dali'.
We met Chris & Geoff as we got off the bus and headed immediately for our morning coffee and catching up on all the family news. Then be boarded the little tourist tram which meandered through the streets and along the beautiful coast for a bit and wound our way up to the awesome Notre Dame de la Garde, on Le Garde Hill - another Catholic Basilica perched high and taking pride of place.
This Basilica is built on the foundations of an ancient fort and is the highest point in Marseille. Inside are beautiful mosaics and pictures with nautical themes, which makes it quite unique. The lovely bell tower supports a statue of Madonna & Child and is made of copper and guilded with gold leaf. The people of Marseille traditionally see Notre Dame de la Garde as the guardian and protector of their city.
When we returned back to the harbour precinct, our tummies were telling us that it was time to eat and we chose Le Collins!! Chris had a delicious bucket of mussels (Marseille is renowned for their seafood, especially their bouillabaisse) the boys had fish and I had the biggest smoked salmon salad I have ever seen – just delicious!! We drank copius quantities of French wine and enjoyed our time together over a great French meal.
Time to walk off our lunch for a while before returning to another restaurant for afternoon tea – well milk shakes for them and one of the best banana splits ever, for Geoff and myself.
Sadly after our eatathon day, it was time to farewell Chris & Geoff once again….. fortunately not for long as they come down under before Christmas. All aboard our bus to the port and another pretty sailaway from our last French port.
Photos: All of our 'family/foody' day in Marseille….. couldn't get a good picture of Notre Dame de la Garde, but it can be seen in the distance in the first and last photos.
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