Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

Marseille, and the dirty little secret…

Marseille

Photographs and text by Corey Amaro

Marseille has a bad reputation.

Real bad.

Everyone says so.

Marseille is dangerous…

Marseille is not the French Riviera…

Marseille is dirty…

 

Marseille coast

 

Do you want to know its dirty little secret?

Marseille sea

 

 

Why most people give it a bad rap?

 

 

Marseille sea blue

 

Because those who live in Marseille, those who love Marseille, those who call Marseille home want to keep it all to themselves.

 

So they let people think what they want… rub their hands, do a happy dance, and think to themselves, "Marseille it all for me!"

The best way to keep others from finding out about the beauty of Marseille is to let them think that it is not nice.

Marseille you are such a tease!

Comments

19 responses to “Marseille, and the dirty little secret…”

  1. Everton Terrace

    Ah, knew it had to be something because I see a different place through your eyes than the one my parents experienced. They stopped there on a cruise and were told to be very careful, much crime etc., then the area they were directed to visit was very dirty, they were so disappointed. When I see your images and read your stories, seems like two different places – now I understand. Still on my list of places to visit.

    Reply
  2. The Pliers

    I love Marseille!

    Reply
  3. Juliette

    When I was sixteen, I fisrt came with y Mum & my brothers to Marseille, visiting my dear Oncle and sweet, sweet Aunt.
    12 hours driving.
    I felt in LOVE with Marseille.
    I decided I would live there “when I am big”.
    I am big, I live in Marseille.
    My children are growing under the sun and the special light of Marseille.
    I’ve realised my wish.
    Happyness.

    Reply
  4. Monica

    Oh so true! We spent 4 wonderful years living in that secret city ‘dit de ‘bandits’ discovering each ‘quartier’ and especially ‘le panier’ ‘la bonne mere’ the chateau d’if (sp?) not to mention the bouillabaisse chez Michel sur la corniche…la rue Paradis…le vallon des auffes…the Phoceean ruins…so much history…and like Naples Marseille hides her wonders very well!

    Reply
  5. Cheryl ~ Casual Cottage Chic

    Will you take me there when I come to visit and show me the “other side” of Marseille?

    Reply
  6. Jenna

    It’s beautiful, the water looks alive.

    Reply
  7. Billie

    Sadly, I haven’t seen Marseille, but all of France has a bad reputation in the US… and totally unfounded. Everywhere I went in France the people were warm and kind and didn’t make fun of my goofy “southern” french accent. Even in Paris, where we hear they really hate Americans, everyone was just as sweet as pie.
    I love France!

    Reply
  8. christine

    Greenland was named to attract people to its icy landscape. Wonder if it fooled anyone.

    Reply
  9. annette richmond

    I have never been to France, that’s a one day dream. I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your blog. I read you every day. I feel like I know you but not in a creepy way. And I know you have been to Texas in the summer. So every bad thing people say about Texas summers is true and is not a big sellin point.

    Reply
  10. Kathie B.

    Corey, there are people who speak ill of our beloved San Francisco for much the same reasons, too. As you know, it’s partly just a matter of where you go in each city, as well as using one’s street-smarts while there 🙂

    Reply
  11. le petit cabinet de curiosites

    You are so right . Philippe hasn’t already found the secret of MY city

    Reply
  12. Vickie

    Marseille is fabulous as I remember her, sparkling waters and warmth. Playing on the beach and feeling happy. We drove there from home in Fountainebleau.
    I feel the same about the Oregon Coast, I love it now when the tourist season is a bit quieter. We have warm blue wintery sun and wide beaches now, mostly all to ourselves! shhhh….

    Reply
  13. Denise Solsrud

    oh you are saying Marseille is not a desirable spot to visit, like some will say the dessert is not very good, you won’t like it,so don’t eat it. that way there is more for that person to eat.Bestest,Denise

    Reply
  14. joanne nixon

    vicky….i absolutely LOVE the oregon coast!! it is my favorite place to be….

    Reply
  15. Jo

    The same can be said for the city where I live, which has been greatly affected by urban sprawl. I live in the city and wouldn’t trade places with the suburbanites for love or money. My daughter has been living in Le Panier and absolutely loves it there. I can’t wait to visit Marseilles!

    Reply
  16. Rhonda P.

    To each their own. I try not to generalize about people or places. I don’t take advice from people who have never experienced what they try to give advice on. Form your own opinion I say.
    What I’ve read about Marseille can be said of any city. France has many good secrets, I’m sure and I hope to find a few on my own one day.

    Reply
  17. Brenda

    Many times, when someone finds my shop, off the beaten path, they love it so much, our selection and prices, they will say “This is going to be my secret store”, we say “Bring your friends”, they say “NO way, I want to buy gifts for them here!”…and so now we say “Kindred Hearts Antiques & Gifts Is The Best Kept Secret In Town”….so, I can relate with your blog about “Marseilles”, It makes me want to discover it! God Bless You, Corey!

    Reply
  18. Shelley@thiswhiteshed.blogspot.com

    I am Canadian and have often thought the same of our ‘Belle Province’, Quebec. One only has to drive through it once and realize that the European architecture, beautiful mountains, lovely riverside towns, fromaggeries, pattiseries and such have been reserved for those who don’t watch the 6 o’clock news – in English. All an elaborate ruse – so beautiful!

    Reply
  19. Catalina

    I LOVE Marseille! has very warm and nice people as well! LOVE Québec as well!
    crime may happens everywhere…when in a big city and been a tourist you need to know where you can be safely in that place ad where not
    xx

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions