After breakfast at the Grandes Halles du Vieux Port on the Cours Honoré-d'Estiennes-d'Orves (in front of the magnificent Jeanne Laffitte bookstore), the itinerary that I propose for this day leaves from the old port and targets several emblematic places in Marseille: the Parc du Pharo, the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, the Vallon des Auffes, the neighbourhoods of Endoume and Malmousque, the Corniche and the beach of the Catalans.
Along the old port, do not hesitate to enter the Marseille soap factory and the soap museum on the road. Then head to the Pharo park where you can admire the old port from above and the entry of the boats into it (point 1 on the map) . You will also be able to observe the Fort Saint-Jean, the MUCEM and the cathedral of La Major in front of you (see photo below).
At night, the palais of the Pharo is illuminated with colors which makes it magnificent up close and easily visible from afar. The park is open until 9 pm, otherwise you can also watch the program of concerts played at the Pharo auditorium, located under the lawn of the park. This will allow you to enjoy the illuminated palace and a good concert.
If you take a path below on the right when entering the park, you will come across the chalet du Pharo, a brasserie with a magnificent view. For the menu, in summer, there are burgers, salads and homemade desserts.
Then take the direction of the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde basilica, nicknamed "the Good Mother" by the people of Marseille who consider it to be the protector of sailors in the region. Count 30 minutes on foot (point 2 on the map). The climb is tough but the view is worth it!! The panorama is exceptional with a 360 degree overview of the city of Marseille, but also of the Frioul islands, the Château d'If and a few creeks. Take the time to return to visit the basilica, it is not large and very original. Many ship models hang from the ceiling, they are offerings left by sailors for a request for protection for their next sea crossings.
I invite you to descend by the path "Montée Commandant René Valentin" towards the Vallon des Auffes, one of the most beautiful settings for lunch in Marseille (point 3 on the map). A small authentic port embedded between two cliffs, facing the sea, the Vallon des Auffes offers the image of a time that would have stopped at the time of Marcel Pagnol. It is one of the emblematic places of the city. I advise you to book chez Jeannot to taste excellent pizzas (point 4 on the map). Do not hesitate to ask to be seated on the terrace, along the railing, for lunch with a view of the port.
If you prefer to taste one of the best bouillabaisse in Marseille, you can also book at Fonfon (62€ the bouillabaisse per person). The service is perfect and the fish are very fresh. The restaurant room is a little high up, just enough to enjoy the view of the small port.
After the meal, several possibilities are available to you in the area:
Walk along the huts of the Vallon des Auffes, climb on the rocks to admire the view.
You can walk on the ledge towards the Malmousque neighbourhood, sub-district of Endoume (point 5 on the map). I really like to walk in the narrow streets where the vegetation and the colorful houses are very present. There are also many viewpoints over the sea and the Frioul islands. It is possible to go to the cove by rue de Malmousque to swim.
At the end of the "Plat de Malmousque" street, you can walk along the corniche and easily descend to several creeks. You can thus follow the coast to the beach of Maldormé (photo below). At sunset this short walk is beautiful (point 6 on the map).
Take the bridge called "La Fausse Monnaie" to Prophets Beach (off map, east of point 6). The walk along the corniche is very pleasant.
You will be able to return by bus (n°83) to the old port if you don't want to walk all over again (point 7 on the map). In the evening for dinner, I invite you to read my page on restaurants to find your happiness.
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