Help - 3 nights in Marsielle, good or bad?

We have booked to stay for 3 nights in Marseille from the 5th July, but I%26#39;m now a little concerned by people telling me it%26#39;s not very pleasant, and for want of a better expression, a bit rough!

We are staying in the Tonic Hotel Marseille Vieux Port, is this a good area? Any areas or things to avoid, good things to look out for?

I%26#39;m sure it%26#39;s like any place good %26amp; bad, but slightly concerned!

Thanks for any advice.

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Marseille is no better or worse than any large port city. As a matter of fact the city has done a great deal to increase its appeal over the past years. It is preferable to avoir going into %26quot;Le Panier%26quot; at night which is the neighborhood behind the city hall, on the right side when looking out to sea. During the day however do go and visit the %26quot;Hopital de La Vieille Charite%26quot;, a hospital turned into a museum.

Three days is a lot for Marseille maybe but you should definitely visit Notre Dame de la Garde, the church with the statue of Mary dominating the Old Port with ex-votos from sailors hanging from the ceiling, Abbay Saint Victor, then take the boat ride to Chateau d%26#39;If. Stroll up the Cannebiere, the avenue that goes up from the port, the southern %26quot;Champs Elysees%26quot;.There are other things to do as well. Go to:

www.marseille-tourisme.com/en/in-marseille/

My suggestion would be to then spend a day in Cassis to go to the beach as I do not recommend Marseille to swim and go on the beaches. In Cassis you can take the boat to visit the Calanques (which you could also do from Marseille). There are trains or busses from Gare Saint Charles if you do not have a vehicle.

If you have not planned to do so already, go to Aix-en-Provence for a day too.

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Thanks very much for the advice, much appreciated.

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We spent an enjoyable 5 days in Marseille 2 years ago and that was our second visit to the city.

There is certainly more than enough to to see and do to occupy 3 days. A wander around the Vieux-Port, an exploration of the narrow streets of the historic Le Panier area, a visit to the colourful open-air market in Place Jean Jaurés, the pavement cafés, the restaurants etc..

Marseille is no more or less safe than any other large European city (although in parts it feels more like a Souk in North Africa which only adds to its charm).

Have a look at a guide book to the city to give you some ideas as to what interests you.

Enjoy!

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Thanks!

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Marseille is one of France%26#39;s great cities - think Liverpool but with a longer history, bluer sky, more restaurants and better food. A bit run down in parts and it is adviseable to be streetwise but you won%26#39;t have to walk to far to get back to your hotel at night. Enjoy, and just think about the image of Hull.

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Thanks, although not quite sure whether you are referring to Hull in the positive or the negative, personally I love living there!!