Weekend Reflections 37 - Marseille

Where can you find this upturned topsy-turvey boat?? Down at the vieux port in Marseille where Norman Foster's giant reflective "ombriere" sunshade mirrors all the port-side activity...

For more reflections this week, click HERE for WEEKEND REFLECTIONS. Enjoy!

Shadow Shot Sunday 196 - Marseille

Another fun shadow shot from the vibrant Vieux Port in Marseille - a place where you can people-watch all day and perhaps see a few elephants too....For more shadows this week, click HERE for Shadow Shot Sunday. Enjoy!!

Arriving in Marseille at the Gare St Charles..........

The first time I arrived in Marseille, I immediately knew I would love this city................

Who could fail to be impressed by descending this grand, sweeping staircase leading down into the city from the main railway station - Gare St Charles......

And just take a look at the palm trees, ornamental lamps, obelisks, proud lions, and beautiful exotic sculptures lining the staircase.....

Can anyone match such a grand entrance into a city from the railway station??

Shadow Shot Sunday 195 - Marseille

From the moment I first arrived in Marseille on my first trip there, I knew I would love the city. Who couldn't  fail to be impressed by this dramatic, sweeping staircase leading down from the main railway station Gare St Charles lined with palm trees, ornamental French streetlamps and Egyptian, Asian and African statuary....

When you arrive at the centre of the city - its beating heart at Vieux Port - there is always something that will surprise you and delight you. Last weekend it was this character on stilts and wheels following, of course, a piano on wheels towards a Dali melting clock. Marseille is a vibrant, dynamic port city oozing charm and friendliness, and it also has that distinct surreal quality which I love - reminding me of another favourite place - Mexico City.....And that colour blue is always astonishing....

For more shadow shots, click HERE for Shadow Shot Sunday. Enjoy!!

Weekend Reflections 35 - Marseille

A refracted reflection of the photographer totally inspired by the architecture of Marseille's new national museum - MUCEM. Don't hesitate to visit if you get the chance. For more reflection shots this week, check out Weekend Reflections. Enjoy!

Shadow Shot Sunday 194 - Marseille

Where can you find this rather lovely pattern of shadows in Marseille??

Well, it is the fantastic new Museum of Civilisations from Europe and the Mediterranean (MUCEM) designed by Algerian-born French architect Rudy Ricciotti and opened in June as part of the celebrations for Marseille's year as one of the European Capital of Culture 2013...

It is this "veil" covering the whole exterior of the building which creates these amazingly intricate shadow patterns. Marseille is my favourite place in France - Don't hesitate to visit if you get the chance...

For more shadow shots this week, click HERE for Shadow Shot Sunday - Enjoy!!

Le Panier Marseillais.....

One of the nicest neighbourhoods to stroll through, and stop for lunch and a glass of rose is Le Panier, the old Greek city at the heart of Marseille. After the hustle and bustle of the old port, Le Panier is calm and tranquil with winding cobbled streets, steep steps, and narrow alleyways in washed-out bleached pastels....

And tucked away there are a host of quirky boutiques, artists' workshops, galleries, cafes and restaurants - a surprise around every corner....

When you have had your fill of wandering through and fully sampling the neighbourhood, take your pick from all the outdoor terraces to sit down and order a very tasty lunch...

We chose Le Panier Marseillais on the main square...

...and enjoy!! - both the food and the people-watching!!

And of course don't forget dessert!

Free Festival of Flame and Fire....

Arriving late in Marseille last Friday night, we were greeted by huge crowds thronging the old port to enjoy the latest spectacle courtesy of its European Capital City of Culture status - the Festival of Flame. As you can see the old port was on fire with spectacular flaming installations which lit up the sky in a neon orange glow...

The city had the vibrant atmosphere of a New Year's Eve crowd (without the drunkenness or loutish behaviour!) just the warm and welcoming friendliness of the locals out having fun. So we took a ringside seat at one of the numerous bars lining the quay, ordered two glasses of rose (only 2 euros) and watched the show....

Marseille has a particularly dynamic calendar of arts events this year which will enhance its usual vibrant arts scene - this weekend for example you can see a ballet on the beach - of dancers and JCB diggers that is!! Don't miss this wonderful city - my favourite place in the whole of France!! More Marseille posts to follow........

Mooching around Marseille - The Old Port....

Much has been written recently about Marseille's makeover from gritty and sleazy crime-ridden port to vibrant, dynamic City of European Culture flourishing with all kinds of new investment, architecture, projects, and events.....I have to say that on a recent visit, I was instantly charmed and impressed and ready to designate the city as my favourite place in France so far....Take the renovation of the Old Port for example as evidence of its newfound energy and beauty....

Wide open to the skies with unfettered views over the water, it is the perfect place to promenade and people-watch taking in all kinds of art trails and public sculptures....

fresh catches of fish right on the dock......

and endless entertainment from bars, restaurants and cafes to buskers, musicians, and impromptu brass bands.....

until the sun goes down!! Marseille - seriously what is there not to like?? 

Be sure to visit soon!! Enjoy!!

Weekend Reflections 28 - Marseille

Norman Foster's new giant reflective sunshade (L'ombriere ) on the old port at Marseille is turning everything topsy-turvy as the European City of Culture 2013 gets into full swing.....

For more reflection shots this week, check out WEEKEND REFLECTION by clicking HERE. Enjoy!!

Shadow Shot Sunday 182 - Marseille

Take a walk around the old port in Marseille and you will find plenty to see to stimulate the senses...

As a designated European City of Culture 2013 there are plenty of arts events around and about including this fun sculpture trail around the harbour - animals and their shadows with plenty of people interaction and posing for photos...plus lots more human entertainment on offer with this fun assemblage of many multi-talented musicians with their brash, brass instruments cooking up a storm beneath Norman Foster's new giant reflective mirror sunshade "ombriere"....

For more shadow shots this week, check out Shadow Shot Sunday by clicking HERE. Enjoy!!

Mooching around Marseille....

"Le Panier" is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Marseille just behind the Old Port, and an absolute delight to wander around the streets of houses in bleached out apricot, wheat and cream - the faded shutters, old lamps, and weathered warehouse doors all creating endless photo opportunities for the wanderer...

Once the "Agora" of old Marseille' s original Greek city here, the neighbourhood has been recently rejuvenated with artists' studios, workshops, and boutiques selling funky furniture, vintage, designer clothes, jewellery and works of art alongside a burgeoning scene of local pavement cafes, bars and restaurant terraces...and plenty of street art....

Marseille is one of Europe's designated Cities of Culture 2013 and has a vibrant, dynamic energy right now with a host of exhibitions, openings, new museums and galleries, and a wealth of arts events throughout the year. Be sure to visit!! With only one day's holiday over Easter, I zoomed down here for a long weekend, and was immediately charmed and inspired.........Returning very soon!!