If there’s one sporting activity to try out in windy conditions, it’s kitesurfing. When the sea gets rough, a ballet of sails takes to the skies over Marseille. And it’s not something kiters dislike. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, you can take to the water with specialist schools. They’ll also be able to point you in the direction of other similar activities, depending on what you want to do. The first person to fall in the water buys a round (of panisses, of course)?
It’s not a new expression, or even a myth. It is possible to surf in Marseille. The spots between Marseille and Martigues are well known to surfers, but there are also schools that can help you master the Mediterranean, depending on your level. And to think they were laughing at Brice de Nice!
The Calanques are an ideal playground for rock climbing, so when the wind picks up, the city of Marseille offers a number of indoor climbing gyms. This fun activity is a great way to discover or rediscover climbing, indoors. Ready to take up the challenge?
Its reputation is well established! Over the last few years, Marseille has made a name for itself as a city where people like to eat. So if “taking the wind” isn’t your cup of tea, set out to conquer the bakeries, patisseries, restaurants and other unusual places offering unusual flavours. Here’s a programme to help you do just that:
Step 1: Go out for brunch: sweet or savoury, both teams will be satisfied.
Step 2: Have a snack: It’s not just the kids who can enjoy a snack! And that’s just as well, because Marseille’s specialities are a treat for the taste buds. From bakeries and pastry shops to tearooms and local producers’ shops, there’s plenty to tempt you!
Step 3: Enjoy an aperitif in the south, just the way you like it: No one in Marseille misses out on this sacred moment. So head off to the bars and pubs to enjoy a good aperitif. It’s up to you to see if you’ll also be tempted by some delicious tapas!
Step 4: Finish off with a good restaurant: Whatever your taste in food, restaurants in Marseille cater for all specialities: foreign, traditional, Provençal, vegetarian… The hardest part will be choosing.
Option: For those who just want to let their hair down, there’s a Food Tour that’s perfect for discovering Marseille’s unmissable flavours. It’s even been tried out by the team and they still remember it!
All we can say is, enjoy the food!
Our advice: If you want to eat in the city centre, choose the north side of the Old Port. It’s often sheltered and sunny, so you can have lunch in peace.
There are two types of wind in Marseille:
The mistral
Typical of the region, the mistral is present throughout the year in the city of Marseille. It blows for several days at a time, becoming stronger in winter and spring. It generally brings with it a dry, cold wind, causing temperatures to plummet.
The easterly or levant wind
This wind is also present in winter and spring, and sometimes even in autumn. Unlike the mistral, it is generally mild and wet, with cloudy skies and showers.
Shopping is great, but shopping in second-hand shops is even better! Not only will your wallet and the planet thank you, but you’ll also find unique and original items. Marseille has plenty of second-hand shops across the city. It’s a great way to be sheltered and stylish at the same time!
Get together to play the classic Monopoly, which has traumatised many with its 4.5 hour games, or discover the latest games. In a friendly atmosphere, play, thrill and warm up with a hot drink. Bad players will no longer be able to hide!
There are several bars in Marseille that offer this: Le Nain Jaune, le Nexus, Baraka Jeux and, for gamers, the Meltdown bar.
If the wind hasn’t chilled your hands too much, you can try your hand at crafts and gourmet activities such as cooking classes and beer brewing. All the ingredients you need to become a real professional!
Finally, the most courageous will still try to get some fresh air, and there’s no shortage of it. If the wind is blowing hard in Marseille, it offers an exceptional panorama along the Corniche Kennedy. In fact, most of the time, the wind blows away mist and clouds, giving you a great view of the nearby Frioul islands. It’s also a great opportunity to see some spectacular sunsets.
On that note, bon vent!
