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Romain and I left Huntington Beach and moved to Marseille in January 2014. When we arrived, for me, it was the classic fish out of water story. Coupled with a massive language barrier. For those of you who do not know, Romain is French from the northeast of France. And though he is not 'Marseillais' by birth, he did spend most of his childhood in the city and was kind enough to pass on the tips and tricks of a local to me. After living six years in Marseille and thanks to the countless activities with our hula hoop association. There is not a part of this city we have not walked, and we do not know.
Getting ready to say good-bye to a place that has for many years been our home. I started looking back at the photos and videos on our Instagram account. Reminiscing about how we spent our time in Marseille working on association Hoop de Mars. And thinking about how much life has changed since my pregnancy and Charles' subsequent birth.
I nearly forgot how we somehow by hook or crook and with no car. Carted hundreds of hula hoops and crafting materials across Marseille and beyond! All people's lives we touched with our hoop jams and flow arts events. The smiles we put on their faces, and all the fun we had teaching people how to play with a plastic circle.
It was being reminded of what made me fall in love with the city in the first place. That gave me the idea to share with you some of our favorite places in the city. Some of the most instagrammable places in Marseille and spots not to miss if you ever find yourself in the Phoenician city by the sea. 
1. The Chateau d'If
The Chateau d'If is the island fortress made famous by writer Alexandre Dumas in one of my favorite pieces of literature, The Count of Monté Cristo. Built on the orders of King Francis I, between 1527-1529. The Chateau d'If is located on the isle of If. The smallest island in the Frioul archipelago in Marseille's bay.
The Chateau d'If is located one nautical mile from Marseille' s Vieux Port on the isle of If. The smallest island of the Frioul archipelago. At the Vieux port, take a 20-minute boat ride with the Frioul-If-Express ferries 7 days a week weather permitting. Enjoy the guided tour in English, see the prison cell of Edmond Dantes, and take in the spectacular view of Marseille.
Helpful tip: To avoid the long lines during the holiday and peak summer months, purchase your tickets in advance on their website. 
2. The Promenade Louis Brauquier, Fort Saint-Jean, MuCEM and l'Esplanade j4
The next must-see spot in Marseille is really a 4-for-1. In one swoop, you can hit 4 prime locations. Starting by taking a walk along the Promenade Louis Brauquier. The promenade is named after famous Marseillais writer and poet Louis Brauquier. View the Mediterranean while you walk around the perimeter of the 13th-century fort de Saint-Jean. It's located next to the entrance of the l'Esplanade j4 and the MuCEM. The Fort de Saint-Jean is a monument at the heart of Marseille's military history. One of the most visited landmarks in the city, the fort, connected to the Vieux Port by a footbridge it is an essential part of your MuCEM experience. ​ 
In the 12-century, the fort de Saint-Jean served as a point of origin for troops going to the Holy Land during the Crusades. The fort later became a state prison after the Revolution and then functioned as an ammunition depot for the Germans during WWII. Today, Fort Saint-Jean is open to the public, where you can see its permanent exhibition all year long.
​ The MuCEM: Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations was constructed on reclaimed land located next to the Fort Saint-Jean and the Esplanade j4. Inaugurated June 7, 2013. To commemorate the city of Marseille's designation as that year's European Capital of Culture (Marseille-Provence 2013). ​ ​ The MuCEM is dedicated to European and Mediterranean civilizations, there are exhibits on two levels and an underground auditorium that seats 400 people. With a permanent collection that charts the historical and cultural cross-fertilization that took place in the Mediterranean basin. Presenting an interdisciplinary approach to civilization through the ages up to the present day.
The 20,000 m² l'Esplanade j4 is located across from the Fort de Saint-Jean, next to the MuCEM. It is a popular venue for sporting events, festivals, and concerts. Here you can find some of the city's most emblematic landmarks nestled into one area (such as the Palais du Pharo located on the opposite bank and the Cathedral de la Major)!
The Esplanade j4 has become a popular place to walk and enjoy the sea air watching the boats go by or reveling in Marseille's spectacular sunsets. Because of the Esplanade's proximity to the MuCEM and the Fort de Saint-Jean exhibitions. You could easily combine a walk with a cultural tour.
If you are looking to quench your thirst or grab a bite to eat, head to the terrace restaurant on top of the MuCEM Le Môle Passedat. Where you can dine in style while looking at the panoramic views of Corniche and the Bay of Marseille. Check out directions on how to get to the MuCEM. 
3. The Calanques National Park
On your trip to Marseille, take a hike in the Calanques. The first peri-urban national park in Europe. Located in the Bouches-du-Rhone region. The Calanques extends over 520 km2 (201 sq mi) between the cities of Marseille and La Ciota. The Calanques possess a unique landscape rich in biodiversity. They are home to more than 140 species of protected plants and animals, and from its limestone cliffs can be seen breathtaking views of the Mediterranean sea. It is an excellent place for rock climbing and scuba diving and is a favorite hiking spot among locals and tourists alike year-round. 
A visit to the Calanques is a great way to discover some of Marseille's beautiful coastline, and it's just a short bus ride from the Rond point du Prado. Head to Luminy via bus 21 exit terminus and visit the Calanques de Sugiton.
4. Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Impossible to miss, when you go to Marseille. This loved and revered icon often called "la Bonne Mere," dominates the city, and the sea perched ontop of la colline de la Garde. A location also mentioned in. Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde is a minor basilica from the 19th century and is the highest point in Marseille visible from almost any point in the city. 
Built by the Protestant architect Henri Esperandieu in the Romanesque-Byzantine style and consecrated on June 5, 1864. The basilica is dedicated to Notre Dame de la Garde (Our Lady of the Guard), the protector of Marseille with Saint-Victor.
The history of the basilica goes back 800 years, to when a priest named Peter first built a chapel on the hill of the same name in 1214. Later it was rebuilt in the 15th century on the foundations of a fort built on the orders of Francis I in 1536 to resist the siege of Charles V before being destroyed again in 1853, giving way to a towering basilica.
Below this Romanesque-Byzantine style church. There is a crypt carved out of the rock. Inside the basilica, it is covered in magnificent mosaics and gold leaf painting. People from around the world make the trek up the steps of Notre Dame to ask the virgin for good grades at the Baccalaureate, a happy marriage, a trouble-free journey, even a baby. The burning of a candle in Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde has been a Marseille tradition for centuries. Take a tour of the inside of Notre Dame de la Garde.
5. Palais du Pharo
Definitely, one of my favorite places in the city to hula hoop, and a location not to miss on your visit to Marseille. Located at the entrance of the Vieux Port, in front of Fort Saint-Jean and MuCEM. The Palais du Pharo is a must-see location on your next visit to Marseille. If you walk from the MuCEM, you will be able to see the Heroes and Seafarers Monument, a tribute to sailors who died during the First World War. Connected to the Palais du Pharo is the Jardin du Pharo, also known as Jardin Emile Duclaux. Here from its almost 6 hectares of garden, you get a panoramic bird's-eye view of the Vieux Port and some of the city's most beautiful monuments. Including Basilica Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde up on the hill.
Built during the second half of the nineteenth century. In 1858, the first stone was laid on the so-called "Teste More." The Palais du Pharo was once destined to become an imperial residence for Emperor Napoleon III and Empress Eugenie. Never finished the Palais was later donated to the city of Marseille by Emperess Eugine after the death of Napoleon III.
​ Built during the second half of the nineteenth century. In 1858, the first stone was laid on the so-called "Teste More." The Palais du Pharo was once destined to become an imperial residence for Emperor Napoleon III and Empress Eugenie. Never finished the Palais was later donated to the city of Marseille by Emperess Eugine after the death of Napoleon III.
​The architecture of the Pharo was constructed in the style of Emperess Eugénie's villa in Biarritz. Its unique design is flanked by two U-shaped side wings. That a bulwark against the mistral, the violent wind that blows through the region (which is another reason I love to hoop/workout here year-round). With its elegantly carved stone facades, semicircular bays on the ground floor, arched windows on along the bottom level, and the coat of arms of the city of Marseille on the triangular pediment.
​The Palais du Pharo now functions as a convention center for international congresses. While its gardens are open to the public and one of the best vantage points in the city to watch the fireworks if you ever find yourself in Marseille on July 14 for Bastille Day.
​While sitting on a bench facing the Vieux Port or having a picnic/apéro in the grass looking at the Mediterranean. You will enjoy relaxing and letting your eyes wander the landscape, taking in many of Marseille's architectural wonders and watching the boats in the port as the history of the place radiates around you. This majestic Napoleonic building is worth a visit. Plus, you're not far from the Corniche and Marseille's beaches. Making it is a popular spot for one and all and is among the most charming locations in the city.
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