Arriving in Paris for Sasha’s birthday
A six-day trip to Southern France
Paris to Marseille
Sasha and I decided on a Southern France holiday. Our SNCF train ran late, but we made it to Gare St. Charles in time for a sunlit scenic view.
We lodged at an apartment in Endoume - a charming village on the coast - and enjoyed tapas and beers on our first night.
Mediterranean Sea
Our place was near Plage des Catalans in the 7th Arrondissement. The beach scene was lively and crowded, which can be fun, but we opted first for a picnic on the rocks, where we could more freely bask and swim.
Endoume
We took a walk in the hazy August weather down Cor Président John F. Kennedy, the main coastal road, from the Porte de L'orient Monument aux Armées d'Afrique, down to the Pont de la Fausse Monnaie. Lots of picturesque spots along the way.
Plage de Maldormè
This rocky beach might be the best place in all of Marseille. After a breezy afternoon we went to Vallon des Auffes for dinner on the wharf.
Plage des Catalans
Some nice beach vibes in Pharo, the more metropolitan neighborhood next to Endoume.
Vallon des Auffes
We really prefer laying out on the rocks, where the crowds are less dense and frenetic, and more befitting of our milieu.
Vieux Port and Cours Julien
That evening we ventured into the city centre of Marseille, specifically to Vieux Port in the Opera neighborhood for basic sight-seeing, and to Cours Julien for nightlife.
Plages du Prado
The next day, after breakfast at home, we checked out the beaches of the 8th arrondissement, in the district actually called La Plage. From the Plages du Prado to the Plage de la Pointé Rouge, nothing really appealed to us, so we didn’t stay.
Anse De La Fausse Monnaie
We went back to our favorite area for the afternoon: the Anse de La Fausse and Maldorme.
Sunset
We ended our trip with drinks at sunset near our place. It’s great to reside on the coast.
Leaving Town
We decided to check out Montpellier for a couple days.
