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, Marseille 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.
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.
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! And for more South of France travel tips, keep browsing our articles.
Bouillabaisse sounds like a very intriguing dish. I am not big fan of fish, but I love to try foods from around the world, so I will have to give it a try when in the South of France this summer.
I love Bouillabaisse this fish soup is delicious. I was not sure about it at first because Fish Soup did not look very appealing but this is really a great dish. This is a super Culinary Delights of Marseille.
Pastis is good, and may be big in the South of France, but Italy’s sambuca is better as for an anisse flavored liquor, in my opinion.
Renting a house in Marseille I am not sure about but renting a house in Provence which is about 5 miles away yes for sure! A vacation rental in a Provencal Mas will be really paradise.
I love pastis!! It is one of the better liquors available, but I never knew that it was from Marseille.
I do not know much about the culinary delights of Marseille, but I am visiting France this summer, and from what I see here, Marseille will be one of my stops for sure. I am looking at the apartments showing here in the site. I think I got what I need :))
Living in Marseille sure looks tasty. Look at the beautiful view! Could I get a vacation rental with that kind of view? I would love to visit soon!
Someone mention culinary delights and Marseille and my saliva just start flowing all over the place.
Halo Maurice,
It’s not a Soup, It’s a Stew!
Apt, PR-932 is on my wish list for my summer vacation rental to Marseille this summer. The view is nothing but spectacular and breath taking.