宇宁: France Trip 2017

Marseilles

Old Port of Marseilles

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marseille
2nd largest city in France and I really like it, maybe better than Nice.
I find it to be a very livable city, similar to Barcelona. The city does have a touch of seediness to it and we were careful to ensure we don't land in unsafe areas.

On the boat trip out, with the big cathedral in the background and xmas ferris wheel

We stayed in Sofitel in Vieux Port and the view from our room is great, even in the bad view room =)

Bill is in high heavens looking at all the old wooden boats in the harbour.

Row of wooden boats in the old port

First thing that we did after landing here was to go to Boutique Glacier in search for good croissant per Clement's recommendation. We had to go back again the next morning to try the croissant again before heading off to Aix de Provence.
What is weird for me is the croissant is at 1.20 euros and yet coffee is at 4 euros and the coffee isn't that good =)

Croissant and breakfast in Boutique Glacier

After the croissant, we walked around town and discovered all the nice xmas lightings.

Xmas lightings in Old port area

Cool lighting in a square near old port

Miniature xmas figurines that Marseilles is known for. We were attracted to the boat one

On Tuesday morning, we started our bright and early for Notre Dame Basilica.
Climbing up the cathedral and looking at the Marseilles city, I realized we barely covered a sliver of the city, concentrating around old port and the Aix Portal.

Notre Dame Basilica

The strips on the Basilica formed by green Italian sand stone

Climbed up this street to the Basilica

We are rewarded with a great view of the city, and realized the Basilica can be seen all around Marseilles.

View of the city from the catheedral

The mosaics on the floors are amazing, so is the altar in the church. Truly breath taking!

Altar in the Basilica

Birds formed by mosaics in the Basilica

One of the Mosaic floors

After the hike, we made our way to Boulangeire Aixoise to try another croissant in Marseille just to compare with Boutique Glacier. We also got the navettes and almond cookies in that bakery as that's what they are famous for.

Baked goods in Boulangeire Aixoise

We walked our way to get our boat tickets to Froil Island and saw a bunch of fish mongers doing business at old port, selling colorful clams and eels.

Fish mongers at Old Port

Also found this vendor which made these amazing looking chocolates

That afternoon, we took a boat trip to Frioul Island and see Chateau d'If Island on the way.

Boat trip to Frioul Island

The concept of D'if island is very similar to Alcatraz and is where Dante is imprisoned in the story of Count of Monte Cristo.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%A2teau_d%27If

Chauteau D'if from the boat

Friol is very quiet as it's winter times. So a lot of place are closed. But the views of Marseille from the boat was worth the time!

Clear waters of the Mediterranean sea in the island

Old church on the Frio

Fauna on the Frioul Island

Funny kid interacting with Bill on the island

After the boat trip, we had our Provencal meal in Les Bistrot Des Dames. I would like to go into Provencal Bouchon but they are closed due to xmas. But this place is pretty good. The pasta sauce is made with crustacean shells broth and Bill had a stuffed whitting fish. We also had a tasting plate for Provencal which is also very good.