Sunset at sea tour

Boarding the story boat

Any sea outing requires some preparation before venturing out. Understanding the environment we’re about to enter, knowing our route…

Before boarding the boat, Yannick, one of the captains, explains where we’ll be sailing. Using a map, he gives us a visual explanation of the history of Marseille by sea, as well as the maritime influences of the time.

As Yannick says, ‘Marseille is a port similar to an attic, where many ships are kept and stored’. Mediterranean trade was centralised in Marseille thanks to its advantageous geographical position.

At 6pm, we set off for the pier to board our ship for the day: the Storyboat. Once we’re all safely aboard, Philippe, our guide, starts the engine and we’re off to sea. He then became our captain and we sailed out to sea.

On the way out of the port towards the sea, Philippe invited us to take a look at the sights of Marseille. In the distance, we saw the mythical Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, then we passed between Fort Saint-Jean on one side and Fort Saint Nicolas and the Pharo on the other. We catch a glimpse of the Mucem.
These were the last monuments we saw before being completely immersed in the marine world.

Heading for the islands

We’re moving away from the coast and sailing out to sea this time.

Marseille’s sea is also its famous islands, which make up its irreplaceable bay.
Each of these islands has its own particularities, which our captain points out as we sail along them.

Ile Degaby, formerly the property of a 19th-century actress by the name of Liane Degaby, serves as a festive landmark for private events. Now privately owned by the C2 hotel.
The Château d’If is a former prison that is now accessible by boat for cultural visits. Frioul Island has its own marina and unique treeless walking trails. Marseille is full of surprises both on land and at sea.

The landscape is completely different, more rural and wild. Some islands are off-limits in order to protect the fauna; they are part of the Calanques National Park. From a distance, we can still see the island’s many Gabians.

We stopped in front of a small beach on the island of Frioul. Philippe’s comments added many interesting stories and anecdotes to our visit. We feel the richness and impact of the sea on the city of Marseille.

As we headed back, we could see the entire coastline. Away from the coast we can watch the sun set, its orange rays stretching across the sky. The atmosphere is soothing.