From Marseille to Monaco: A Sensory Journey along the Alternative Côte d'Azur

Late

• Check-in at a boutique hotel in the Le Panier district, the most bohemian and artistic district of Marseille.
• Self-guided tour of Le Panier: Hidden murals, vintage shops and alternative cafes.
• Sunset in Vallon des Auffes, a hidden fishing port with magical views.
• Dine on street food at a stall selling "panisse" (fried chickpeas typical of Marseille) and a glass of Pastis, the Marseille aniseed liqueur.

Breakfast in a traditional boulangerie with freshly baked croissants.

Morning

• Barrio Noailles and its Arab market, a feast of spices, baklavas and exotic delicacies.
• Tasting of Marseillaise navettes, biscuits with the scent of orange blossom.
• Walk to the Cathedral of La Major and the MUCEM, with breathtaking views.

Street food lunch: A sandwich of "Pan Bagnat" in the Old Port.

Late

• Excursion to the Island of If, the legendary castle of the Count of Monte Cristo.
• Swim in the Calanque de Sormiou, a hidden gem between cliffs.

Dine at a speakeasy on Cours Julien with Mediterranean-inspired cocktails.

Breakfast at a local market with Provençal cheeses and rustic bread.

Train to Cassis (30 min from Marseille)

Tomorrow

• Trekking through the Calanques: Hidden bays with turquoise waters.
• Stop at the Calanque d'En-Vau, a postcard corner.

Lunch at a street market specializing in fresh seafood.

Late

• Visit to an AOC Cassis white wine cellar with tasting of three varieties.
• Walk along the port of Cassis, colorful and charming.
• Dinner with Provençal pizza in front of the sea.

Return to Marseille by train

Breakfast in Marseille before departure

Train to Nice (2h 30min, panoramic views of the Côte d'Azur)

Morning at the secret beach of Coco Beach, only known by locals.

Street food lunch at the Libération Market with socca (chickpea pancake).

Afternoon exploring alternative Nice

• Visit to the Confiserie Florian, where they make sweets from flowers and candied fruits.
• Cimiez neighborhood, with Roman ruins and a spectacular viewpoint.

Sunset with cocktail on a secret rooftop in the old town.

Breakfast at a local pastry shop with brioche à la fleur d'oranger.

Train to Monaco (20 min from Nice)

Morning in Monaco

• Walk through the old town and visit the Prince's Palace.
• Exploration of the exotic gardens overlooking the sea.
• Visit the Casino de Monte Carlo to discover its iconic architecture.

Lunch at a stall of "barbajuan", the Monegasque snack par excellence.

Afternoon in Villefranche-sur-Mer (15 min by train)

• Stroll through its colorful harbor and fishermen's houses.
• Visit to the Chapel of Saint-Pierre decorated by Jean Cocteau.
• Swim in one of its quietest beaches.

Dinner in a secret tavern with local Bellet wines.

Return to Nice by train

Breakfast at the Marché aux Fleurs with coffee and lavender cake.

• Purchase of typical products on the market: olive oil, perfumes from Grasse and tapenade.
• Last visit to the Promenade des Anglais before leaving.

I return home with the Mediterranean in my memory.