My sisters Susan and Mary, my step mother Patricia, Mrs Tootlepedal and I went to Marseille to help celebrate my sister Mary’s eightieth birthday.
As though by a miracle, we got on a train at London and just under seven hours later, we got off it in Marseilles about 1200 km away. By an even bigger miracle, the seats on the train were so comfortable and the company so good that the journey passed in what seemed like only a few moments, pleasantly interrupted now and again by food and drink brought to us by kindly attendants.
When we arrived, we were met by my brother who had found it more convenient to fly.
We were hoping for sunshine and a kindly temperature and we got both for all the time that we were there.
We checked into our hotel and then went out for refreshments. The first thing that we noticed when we got to the Old Port was the basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde which looks down on the town from its hill.
You can’t help noticing this striking building and it will appear many times in my Marseille posts.
The light was fantastic and Marseille was gleaming in the evening sunshine.
I was feeling the need to stretch my legs a bit so I left the others and walked round the top of the harbour with my little Lumix in my pocket….
….and then along the east side of the port…
…..which was well stocked with boats of all sizes and sorts.
I passed buildings old…
…and constructions new.
My objective was the Palace du Pharo, a fine house built on a hill at the mouth of the harbour.
I was rewarded with a stunning view back down the old port.
I felt very happy to be alive and in France.
The views all round were good.
On my way back to the hotel, my eye was caught but this giant inverted mirror at the top of the port.
The sight of people standing dumbstruck, staring straight up became familiar during our stay.
And by this fine building, once the home of telegraph, phone and telephone.
We all met at the hotel and had a good meal at one of the many restaurants that line the old port.
It was dark by the time we walked back to the hotel.
Our visit had had a promising start.
Tootlepedal's Blog 
Looks like you got a French Connection.
Ha. You are right.
Marseille never looked better!
Success!
Have a great time in a very special city. The forecast is looking very good for your stay.
It is a perfect temperature here
Nice picture!
Glad you found a work-around. The nighttime scene is lovely!
The work around involved the application of money as these things usually do
wot no pic of your dinner?
Not my style
Excellent photograph, just what it looked like as we strolled back to the hotel after a delicious Provençal meal.
LOL, my nephew is all about the food photos. (ref: Cally above) Glad you’re not. Good nighttime river shot, Tom. You have a steady hand.
or a forgiving camera
enjoy your time away.
Beautiful shot, Tom. You’re doing awesome with your phone!
You are most polite.
It’s a beautiful place! I’ve never even seen photos of it.
I had no idea what it would be like so it was a great treat when we found it.
I’m getting caught up on your trip and the light is beautiful, you are taking great pictures. Our choir director left us for Paris last week, I am enjoying visiting some of France vicariously through your posts.
it is all about the light. Beautifully captured here.
The light was good, I agree and the camera did its best.
What a terrific place to visit! That collection of sculptures at the Palace du Pharo really make me think it’s hands coming out of the ground, clapping. Very strange indeed.
The scenery is very beautiful, the mirror above is very odd. I’ll enjoy going through your next posts!! ~SueBee
I think that the sculptures were supposed to represent wrecked boats but they were quite striking whatever they were.
Oh, boats?! Yes they were striking!
You know this by now, but that mirror is a Norman Foster affair. Shoko did a couple of videos for the Beaux Arts a couple of years ago, just after it was built.
http://www.shokoatsuchi.com/around-me
I didn’t know that so it was interesting to learn. Thank you. The link to Shoko’s videos was fun. Why didn’t I think about a video? Perhaps because I am not an artist.
Hi Tom,
I’ve just been catching up on your sister’s posts about Marseilles and was struck by the beautiful light there. As I commented to her, my only knowledge of the place was from reading old novels and history books. The views are glorious! So much sunshine and clean fresh colours. I imagine it would really lift the spirits. What perfect weather for your trip and you’ve taken impressive shots. I can almost feel the warmth and fresh air. What a difference to your Scottish winters. Well, I still have many more posts to catch up on… 🙂