When life gives you a chance to take a spontaneous trip to Marseille, you don’t hesitate. You grab your sister, pack your bags, and get ready for a week filled with coffee, croissants, and lots of laughs. And that’s exactly what I did—because who needs to plan when you’re in a city this charming?
Marseille greeted me with its sun-drenched streets, narrow alleyways, and cafés that look like they’ve been pulled straight out of a postcard. These aren’t your typical cafés either—think tiny tables where you can barely fit your coffee cup but are somehow still cozy enough to linger for hours. You know, the kind of places where you sip espresso, nibble on croissants, and feel like a local even though you’re clearly a tourist.
Our mornings began with a mandatory coffee and croissant stop (because honestly, what else is there to do?). The buttery goodness of those croissants could make even the most serious person crack a smile. And then there was the coffee—strong, bold, and enough to kickstart your day with that “I can conquer anything” kind of vibe.
After fueling up, we set off to explore the city. We hit the iconic Vieux-Port (Old Port), which felt like the place where all the magic of Marseille happens. Boats gently rocked in the harbor, people strolled by with gelato in hand, and we had one of those “we’re in Europe and everything is perfect” moments. You know the ones—where you’re so happy you start thinking, “Maybe I should move here?” But then reality hits when you remember that you don’t speak French beyond “croissant” and “merci.” Still, it was a great thought.
We had grand plans to see the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, but alas, Marseille had other ideas. The wind was so strong it could’ve probably blown us to Paris if we’d let it and the basilica was closed due to some ongoing constructions. But that didn’t stop us. Instead of sulking, we opted for a scenic walk around the city, pretending we were in a French movie montage as the wind whipped our hair dramatically.
Of course, we couldn’t miss a trip to Rue du Crète. However, Mother Nature decided to keep us on our toes, and the wind’s power made our attempt to conquer this famous street feel like an epic battle. But we didn’t mind—Marseille’s charm shines through whether the weather cooperates or not. And let’s be real, there’s no such thing as a bad time when you’re with family.
Now, no trip to Marseille would be complete without a visit to Plage du Prado. A few hours on the beach, toes in the sand, and the waves crashing in the background. Pure bliss. We may have even indulged in some competitive sunbathing (okay, maybe it was just me trying to get the perfect tan while my sister closed her eyes and breath the salty air).
Between dodging the wind, exploring charming streets, and having endless laughs over coffee, this week has been the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. It wasn’t about ticking off touristy landmarks—it was about those little moments, like sharing a croissant over breakfast or laughing at the quirks of Marseille’s weather.
So if you’re ever thinking about a trip to Marseille, here’s the deal: Go for the croissants, stay for the laughs, and make sure to bring your sister along (or anyone who’s up for an adventure). It’s a city that’ll make you forget all your plans and leave you with memories that are way better than any itinerary.
And hey, if you happen to get caught in a windstorm while trying to visit a basilica, just roll with it. Because, really, that’s what travel is all about: enjoying the unexpected.
A CUP OF NOVELTY 