1. By: Molly Bufton 09/27/15
On the southern border of France there is a city filled with wonders and adventures that any
college student would love. Surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, Marseille France is a
destination any student wanting an excellent study abroad trip should go.
The second largest and third most populated city in France is on the coast of the Mediterranean
Sea and for a young traveler could be the party of a lifetime. Bars and restaurants encircle the
city’s port and keep the party going strong all night.
The locals, contrary to popular opinion, are easy going and friendly. Showing that you are open
to new experiences and learning the local culture is an easy way to make friends. And the locals
really know how to party.
Make friends with a few college kids in Marseille and every night they will have you out and
enjoying yourself. There is always a party going on in this city of wonder.
The Shamrock was the most inviting bar and had weekly “happy hour nights” where all the
drinks are half price. The Shamrock is a must go bar from around the port in Marseille.
If partying at bars with college kids isn’t your cup of espresso maybe the beaches and cliff coasts
are more your style.
The city is filled with dozens of beaches where families and friends can gather for an amazing
day in the sun and waves. Bring some food, drinks, and music to Plage de David, the best beach
in Marseille, and you are set for the day to relax and get a tan.
Stretching from Cassis France to the village of Callelongue in Marseille there are cliff like
coastlines with inlets perfect for a hike and beach day all rolled into one. These cliffs are called
Calanques that are a must see part of the city.
The hike is about 45 minutes both ways and may be hard but the destination is well worth the
work. The beautiful blue sea splashes against white rocks and the sun beats down making the
cliffs a great sunning spot. The water is crisp, cold, and refreshing and deep enough that the
cliffs are an enticing spot to jump from.
If you are daring enough to join the locals, cliff jumping into this crystal clear water is thrilling.
The view from the top of the cliffs alone makes the climb worth it. Jumping off the 25 foot cliffs
at the Calanques de Sugiton, the most beautiful cliffs in Marseille, and plunging into the salty sea
is the most exciting thing you can do.
The food in Marseille is to die for. Restaurants are around every corner with food that will leave
you fat and happy after every meal.

2. Around the port in the city known as Vieux Port there are an endless variety of restaurants to try.
If you are in the mood for Italian, Chez Mario is the place to go. With a beautiful open
atmosphere and food that will make your mouth water you can’t beat this place.
If you don’t want to venture out of your comfort zone for food there are even McDonald’s
throughout the city with free Wi-Fi that can really be a life saver. Trying new tastes, though, is
highly recommended. The cheese, wine, pasta, and almost everything else taste better in France,
it’s a fact.
If you are going to France there is one thing you must absolutely do before you leave. Go to a
local café, preferably Ronde des Pains a French café chain, and try an espresso, a hot chocolate,
and a croissant. If you don’t the trip was a waste of time.
The espresso is hot and small but fantastic and gives that boost you need on an early morning
exploration. The hot chocolate is actual chocolate with hot cream poured into it making a
creamy drink that will warm you up and quench your sweet tooth. The croissants are fluffy
bread heaven. They make a filling and delicious breakfast and taste good with almost anything
spread across them.
Once you have had your morning café stop the city sights are waiting to be discovered. The city
has several historical locations that are beautiful and make a perfect day trip.
Notre Dame de la Garde is a beautiful Catholic basilica at the top of the city. A high tower
topped with a golden statue of the Virgin Mary looks over the city and an amazing view of the
entire city are what awaits an anxious traveler at this historic location.
At Vieux Port the city’s port the view is incredible, especially at sunset. There is a sculpture
called the Pavilion at one end that is essentially a gigantic mirror that stands over the port.
Designed by Spencer de Grey the Pavilion is an interesting piece that captivates anyone that
walks beneath it.
If you are worried about getting around the city don’t be. Marseille has an efficient and easy to
use public transit system that can take you from one end of the city to the other. The metro is
probably the best way to travel, but the bus and tram are also cheap and quick ways to get
around.
Studying abroad in Marseille will be the adventure of a life time if you are willing to take a
chance and explore the world. Being there for an extended period of time gives students a
chance to travel to other nearby locations. Nice and Monaco are both a two and a half hour drive
from the city. Also an hour from the city is La Baux de Provence, a small commune in the
mountains below beautiful castle ruins in the Alpilles Mountains.