Marseille Nightlife
Restaurant goers are in for a treat in Marseille. The city is home to some of the country's best cooking and for those who like their food rustic or fishy or both, this is the place to come.
Tapenade, a paste of olives and capers, must be tried, while la bouillabaisse, which is a fish-based soup served with a garlic-saffron sauce known as la rouille, is wonderfully tasty and can be enjoyed at the majority of restaurants, from budget to top-end. Wine lovers should go for the rosé which Provence is famed for. Heading to the Panier district of town should see most visitors all right, as it has many small, superb eateries to enjoy.
The cours des Arcenaulx on the left bank of the Vieux Port is home to one of the city's most unique restaurants. Catering to both booklovers and seafaring fans with its harbour views, Les Arcenaulx also does a good line in seafood. The complex houses a large bookshop with many titles relating to gastronomy and many of the dishes are named after literary works. The food is excellent although not cheap.
Further along the harbour side you will come to the cheaper Chez Madie Les Galinettes establishment, which is another of the city's top seafood places. Try the bouillabaisse, although with this it is important to order it the day before, or les galinettes, on which the restaurant has based its reputation.
If it's a true taste of Provence you are after, try Le Bistro à Vin on rue Sainte. This rustic-style eatery serves up a fine range of local dishes, all at a very decent price, with the tapenade and a stunning selection of cheeses among the highlights. As the name suggests, wine lovers will find much to enjoy here as the selection of different wines is staggering.
The city's nightlife is lively and occasionally raucous. At the more laid back end of things are bars such as les 13 coins in the Panier district of town. It has a lovely terrace on which to enjoy a cocktail or two.
For a superb and lively night out try La Maronnaise on the rue of the same name. This complex has its own stretch of beach on which to enjoy cocktails during the day, before moving on to its terrace to enjoy a good meal and then on to the swanky club that is Les Goudes. The perfect way to spend a relaxing day in the city if you have worn yourself out with sightseeing.
A similar all-day experience can be enjoyed at quai de Rive Neuve in the old port thanks to Le Bar de la Marine, although this time without the beach. This is a wonderfully relaxing bar by day and a livelier joint at night and is one of the most famous spots in town.
Finally, if live music is your thing, L'Intermediaire on place Jean Jaurès is the place to go. This place has different live acts on most nights of the week, from blues and jazz to up and coming rock bands and established reggae artists. It attracts a wide range of clientele, from students and locals through to many a tourist. There is a quiet wine bar upstairs for those not enamoured by the music.
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Nightlife and Food & Drink
