New York Habitat Blog

Marseille tends to get a bad rap when it comes to South of France vacation destinations - and that’s a shame. While it’s not for everyone, the city has so much to offer to the discerning traveler. You can find various lists of Marseille attractions easily enough; but New York Habitat would like to have a serious talk to you foodies out there about just how amazing Marseille can be.

Cafe in Marseille, South of France Photo

Bouillabaisse was invented in Marseille, and the city’s authentic restaurants take great pride in being a part of this bit of France’s culinary history. A hearty fish stew, it is traditionally served with several kinds of delectable fish on a plate, the bouillabaisse broth in a bowl, and small sliced of grilled bread in a basket or tray with a side of rouille, a mayonnaise made of olive oil, garlic, saffron and cayenne pepper.

While even the hole-in-the-wall places have decent bouillabaisse, it’s recommended to splurge a bit and go to a higher-end restaurant for your first experience. Start off with a selection from the raw bar, tuck into a bouillabaisse and then end the meal with tasty treats inspired by the North African and Middle Eastern influences of Marseille.

Almost any time of day is a good time for pastis, the unofficial drink of Marseille. In fact, it’s not unusual to see market vendors, fishermen and other early morning risers sipping a pastis from the wee hours right up to lunchtime and beyond. While most popular in Marseille and a cool, refreshing drink throughout the South of France in summer, 130 million liters are sold each year - which works out to over two liters per citizen!

Made from star anise, it was invented by alcohol producers as a way to recoup profits lost when wormwood, the “active” ingredient in absinthe, was banned in the early 20th century. While pastis is roughly the color of a weak Scotch when poured from the bottle, water is added in generally a 5:1 ratio, turning it a milky, yellowish color and served over an ice cube or two.

As with any favorite, pastis has been incorporated into a wide variety of locally made cocktails - but it’s advisable to take it slow, as pastis is stronger that its crisp, herbal taste implies. We recommend trying Death in the Afternoon - pastis with Champagne - invented by none other than Ernest Hemingway.

Photo of Marseille: South of France

Are you ready to dig in? Then check out this 2-bedroom vacation rental in Marseille (PR-23), located in one of the beautiful area of Le Vallon des Auffes, a traditional small fishermen’s port in the heart of the city. This apartment is on the 14th floor with an amazing 360-degree view over the Vallon des Auffes and the Mediterranean Sea. Or, nestled in the hills and facing the sea, this 2-bedroom rental in Marseille (PR-932) is located in the Bompard near Corniche Kennedy, in Marseille’s colorful 7th district.

While Marseille might not be on everyone’s vacation agenda, foodies follow their noses and are richly rewarded with the most succulent seafood the Mediterranean has to offer. Have you ever visited a place specifically for the purpose of eating a local delicacy? Let us know in the comments!

Marseille, Provence, France Fish Market photo

Marseille, the third largest city in France, is often overlooked by tourists for no good reason. It may not have the glamour and romance of Paris, or the gastronomical reputation of Lyon, but Marseilles is a fabulous city in its own right. And with your own furnished vacation rental apartment from New York Habitat, you can discover this for yourself.

Founded in 600 B.C. by the Greeks, this oldest city in France has served as a major port for all those who have controlled it. Today, it still serves as a major commercial port for France, and a stop at ‘le vieux port’ to watch the fishermen in action is a must. On a clear day, you’ll also be able to see the island castle Chateau d’If, where Dumas’ Count of Monte Cristo was exiled. You can also visit the island if you wish. There are also many museums, displaying everything from Roman relics to works by Picasso. Sports fans will definitely want to take in a fooball or rugby game at the Stade Velodrome in Marsilles. The local team, ‘Olympique de Marseille’ is one of the biggest and most competitive teams in France. Even walking through the city itself is enjoyable, especially for film buffs, who may recognize backgrounds from “The French Connection” or “The Bourne Identity”.

Marseille also has a rich culinary tradition. The fish soup ‘bouillabaisse’ is a renowned dish of the region. Due to its Mediterranean location and climate, you’ll also find many dishes that you might associate more with Italy, such as aioli and olive tapenade. And with your dessert, enjoy a glass of ‘pastis’, the drink of choice in the South of France.

By renting your own furnished vacation rental, you’ll truly be able to get a taste of life in Marseille. This 4 bedroom Maison de Village rental in Marseilles(PR-809) is perfect for families. Built within a renovated windmill dating back to the 16th century, this place definitely beats staying in a hotel. The large lower room features spacious living spaces and a rustic kitchen. Climb the curved stairs into the rounded tower of the mill to get to the bedrooms. Located in the heart of ‘Le Panier’ or the historic old part of Marseille, this house offers spectacular views of the city and the sea from every window.

South of France Accommodation: 4 bedroom Maison de Village in Marseille (PR-809)

If you don’t need that much space, consider this 2 bedroom Duplex-Villa Rental in Marseille (PR-217). This sunny villa, located near the beach, has tile floors in the living areas and other Provincial touches that make this place a charming place to stay. Be sure to take advantage of the large well-equipped kitchen and space for outdoor dining as well. After a full day of sight-seeing, or relaxing by the Mediterranean, you’ll enjoy coming back this warm, cozy home.

Don’t rule out Marseille for your next vacation. You’ll find all the amenities of a large city, mixed with the joys of coastal living, without the crowds of tourists. And with a furnished vacation rental from New York Habitat, you’ll feel like a more than just a visitor.

Have you been to Marseille? Do you have a favorite café or restaurant in the city? We invite you to share your recommendations in our comments section below.

Velib velo France

Since July, Parisians have been taking advantage of Vélib (from the French vélo en libre service), the city’s new eco-friendly shared bike service that makes it easy to forego fuel-eating cars for something kinder to the environment.

The public bike rental system is (almost) free, and has become the hip new way for city-dwellers and tourists alike to get to work, run errands or take a leisurely jaunt through the city. To rent a bike, simply head to one of Paris’ 750 renting stations and swipe a credit card at the “borne”, or atm-like machine, get a bicycle pass, unlock the bike, and take off! The first half-hour is free; or you can purchase one hour (1 Euro), a week (5 Euros), or apply for a yearly pass (29 Euros) by mail. When finished with your ride, simply park the bike an any station near your stopping point. Well-equipped with baskets and easily-adjustable seats, these bicycles are making alternative transit easy and fun!

Not long after Parisians began enjoying the hop-on-and-ride system, Marseilles and Aix en Provence are following suit, encouraging citizens to opt for a “greener” ride. In Aix en Provence, green and red three-speed bicycles line up at the town’s 16 “V’Hello” stations. And Marseille plans to have 1,000 bikes at 130 stations ready to ride some time this fall.

Already popular with locals, public bike-sharing in France also appeals to vacationers who want to take in outdoor sights while learning their way around these navigable cities.

Paris Accommodation (PA-3306)

If you’re planning to explore Paris, Marseille or Aix en Provence, by bike or otherwise, New York Habitat offers a number of vacation accommodations in all three cities that suit any need.

For those wishing to take advantage of Paris’ 230 miles of cycling lanes, consider this New York Habitat offering: a two bedroom apartment in Port Royal- St. Michel- St. Germain- Notre Dame (PA3306), neighboring the Luxembourg Gardens in the famous Latin Quarter. It puts you within short biking or walking distance of the Sorbonne, the Seine River and many outdoor markets. This apartment is also conveniently located around the corner from two bicycle renting stations.

2 Bedroom Rental in Aix en Provence (PR-728)

In the South of France, this two-bedroom accommodation in Marseille (PR772) makes the perfect spot from which to cycle around the Mediterranean port: it is located next to the “Vieux Port” and the Cannèbiere, in the center of town. While there, you might enjoy riding through the cobbled streets of Le Panier, the city’s oldest quarter, or to one of the many restaurants nearby to sample Marseille’s world-renowned bouillabaisse.

Also in the South of France, this one bedroom apartment in Aix en Provence (PR834) is in an ideal location to discover one of the top towns to visit in the South of France. Take a leisurely ride through tree-lined avenues of the Cours Mirabeau, past fountains and historical mansions of this very bike-able city. Or, stay in this two-bedroom villa in Aix en Provence (PR728), just five minutes from the center of town, where you can have lunch on the terrace shaded by wisteria, or take a swim in the pool.

So, do you think the bike-share system is an environmentally-friendly alternative that could eventually convince people to give up their cars?

Paris Velib Station photos from Wikipedia