Take me away to Marseille

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The French Riviera epitomises all that is glamorous and fabulous about the south of France, and I send fond greetings from this spectacular part of the world. What a difference a four hour journey on the TGV can make, as I have been basking under glorious blue skies every day, after arriving from damp and chilly Paris on the train. Just as Paris displays in it's glory all that is old, traditional and romantic about France; the French Riviera and Provence show the brash, young and dynamic side of the country.

The last journal left off, dear reader, after a day trip to super rich Monaco from my hostel in Nice, and my final night back in Nice included going down to the mediterranean just before midnight. I lay down on the pebble beach while listening to music in almost total solitude. The only people I spotted were a pair of lovers down, but I imagine it's a completely different state of affairs visiting Nice in the height of summer. The population shift occuring in France is similar to what is occurring in Australia, but in the opposite direction to the land down under. It seems to be a global phenomenon where people chase the sun and sea for a better quality of life, and France is seeing massive growth in the southern cities at the expense of Paris and the north generally. It's similar to the unprecedented growth occurring in sunny Queensland, which is in the north of Australia. The parallels between the two countries are worth noting, and if this population trend continues globally the area around the equator will get very crowded indeed!

From Nice I checked out of the fabo HI hostel and caught the train along the coast to Marseille, the second biggest city in France. My first impression is of a brash and vibrant city, the population is younger than in the north, and the city buzzes with a sense of dynamism. The other noticeable difference in the south of France is the friendly and open demeanour of the locals. They are genuinely pleased in providing a welcome, and the Auberge de Jeunesse de Bonneveine hostel is pretty much full of French people. Marseille doesn't strike me as a huge tourist attraction during winter, but the locals have been kind and helpful in the south of France. I've been asked on several occasions where I am from, and where I am travelling. This is pretty standard fare when travelling in many countries, but I wasn't asked once during my two weeks travelling in Italy.

I spent the first day in Marseille exploring the city including the old port and the exotic markets, which gives an impression of the impressive maritime history of this wonderful city. There is also a rich cultural influence in the city coming from her near neighbours in northern Africa. On the second day I caught a bus along the coast outside the city, and went for a walk along the coastline to take in the spectacular views on offer. The cliff faces are white, the water is a brilliant blue, and the weather was perfect. I also saw a ferry steaming into Marseille port emblazoned with Tunisian ferries on her side. That really struck me, and brought home just how close the south of France is to northern Africa. The French, of course, have had a very close relationship with Africa for many years, and many of the great French national football players from the modern era are of African descent. Marseille is also one of the strongest clubs in the French national league.

As The Beatles once sang, let's take a sad song and make it better... When it comes to Marseille the city had a reputation for being a rough and tumble port, but the French are serious about cleaning up that old image of the city, and ensuring the focus of Marseille is towards a dynamic future. There is a large police presence here, and the people are kind and friendly in a similar fashion to Nice. The south of France has so much to offer tourists and local French people alike, and I can only imagine the crowds that flock to this gorgeous region on the mediterranean coast in summer. Winter in the south of France feels similar to Sydney's winter so far, and it's far warmer than in northern France at this time of year.

My journey through France continued on across country to Toulouse by train, and from there I boarded a connecting train to the fortified city of Carcassonne only one hour away. La Cite is enclosed by two rampart walls, and perched on a hill above Carcassonne in Languedoc provence. The traditional language Oc is still spoken by some elderly people in the area. For once during this trip the weather was absolutely freezing at around minus five degrees, but it was great to check into the Auberge de Jeunesse within the walls of Carcassonne, and venture around the old walled city. I was huddled over against the biting wind, but also went down the hill for views of the fortified city. It's spectacularly lit up in the evenings and towers over Carcassonne from it's perch up on the hilltop. The French are a gentle, dignified and kind people and the French language is truly beautiful. It seems politeness and civility are ingrained in the French language and culture, and the stylish French enjoy glorious views from Paris, and the fabulous French Riviera. What else is there to say, basically all of you should be here now!

All you need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt." Charles M. Schultz

As I continue my travels, until next time it's signing off for now

Tom

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Photos

Central Marseille
A bustling city in southern France that is almost bursting at the seems.

Coastal views, Marseille
There is magnificent scenery a short bus ride out of Marseille.

Coastline at sunrise
The sun begins to rise over the coast of Marseille.

La Cite, Carcassonne
Perched on a hill above Carcassonne, the fortified city includes accomodation, shops, housing, and even a school within it's rampart walls!

Central Marseille at night
Europeans love christmas decorations, and they are already up in November.

Comments

[ben]

cool

[Star]

Gift of the Gab
I must say I am surprised you are enjoying your massive holidays. what with all the work you've been doing to keep a record of it. Very impressive. All for prosperity aint it. Don't forget us down under, the sun worshippers. Have yourself a jolly bumper christmas and a smashing new year. lol, guess who...