Allauch, Aix, Marseille: Reviewing a Walk Among Sea and Hills

Provence. That word conjures images of lavender fields, sun-drenched landscapes, and a certain laid-back lifestyle, doesn’t it? So, I went, keen to check if reality matched expectation – specifically exploring the area ‘Between Sea and Hills’ encompassing Allauch, Aix-en-Provence, and Marseille. Basically, I tried to explore this slice of southern France, not just as a tourist, yet with the eyes of someone looking to suggest good recommendations for fellow travellers. What unfolded was a trip filled with contrasting experiences – from charming hilltop villages to a somewhat complicated, large port city.

First Steps: Getting to Know Allauch

Allauch. A village perched on a hill that gave amazing views; it seemed a pretty picture postcard of Provence. I have to say that very narrow streets lead you up, up, up, till finally, you are able to stop, pant a little bit, and then soak everything up from Notre-Dame du Château. Basically, this iconic chapel looks over everything. Then you will see this: the sprawl of Marseille and a glimpse of the sea, that’s, like, really cool. To be honest, the climb alone made me feel that it was worth it. But then, also to check was the village, with its old stone houses all snuggled together, giving shadows that are absolutely perfect to rest on a warm day. Basically, this isn’t just a place you see, this is a place you feel. It’s got this slow pace that you kind of need to sink to so you can take a break, grab a coffee at a cafe, watch the locals chatting… stuff like that, that’s what it felt all about.

Aix-en-Provence: Elegance in Every Corner

Aix-en-Provence seemed so, almost intentionally, different. A little more than a short car drive from Allauch, all of a sudden you feel like you have turned a corner and now entered into a place with fancier vibes, very clean. In other words, its straight, long avenues and ornate fountains give this very definite statement that shouts something like: sophistication. So, naturally, my feet were moving, that, as a matter of fact, led me to the Cours Mirabeau. We’re talking about Aix’s main drag. Tree-lined, of course, and full of places to eat or drink. That said, very, very busy. Basically, it seems just the perfect place for people who enjoy being out and about. While I was there, and because someone had suggested it before, I did check out the Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur. I should say this is something interesting, that tells tales from the centuries gone, thanks to a mash-up of architectural types, from Roman to Gothic. To be fair, and for those into art, maybe visit the Atelier Cézanne; seemingly, the studio where the famed painter worked and captured the world, or, to be precise, Provence’s soft, gentle light.

Marseille: A City of Contrasts and Complications

Marseille… well, it’s just another beast entirely. It appeared as just this crazy, sprawling mix – quite unlike the manicured appearance of Aix or the village charm from Allauch. To tell you the truth, here everything felt just a bit raw, very unfiltered, actually very real. So, I felt really compelled to take a stroll along the Vieux Port (Old Port). That’s, like, really, really Marseille’s beating heart, with fishermen selling that day’s catch right next to the yachts; of course, people will be all sipping on a pastis or just checking boats. A definite ‘must see’ when you happen to be there. Arguably, no visit could really be complete without heading to Notre-Dame de la Garde, very famous up there, that offers insane views for you to check over the entire city and the sea beyond it. Just so you know, it does involve a bit of a climb, if you happen to have dodgy knees or don’t particularly appreciate walks up a lot, well, be aware. Then there is also Le Panier, the oldest section, what some would qualify like this maze with all its skinny streets. Colorful and multicultural, for sure. The area kind of showcases the vibrant character this metropolis has to give to anyone. However, I was warned that some areas of Marseille require an extra level of awareness because you just don’t know, do you?

Food and Drink: A Taste of Provence

Provence… What do people do when here? They sample dishes. First things first: bouillabaisse, is that right? To my surprise, a somewhat robust fish stew with flavors you might remember a few days after you try. Very, very Marseille through and through. Socca. Almost like this oversized pancake, made of chickpea flour, and generally enjoyed by sprinkling some pepper over it. It seems like the people of Nice made it, but here they do it a bit different. Another plate? Tapenade. Not too much thinking here. Just a tasty olive paste you happen to spread on bread. In short, a little Provençal treat. Speaking about treats… Calissons d’Aix. It might look just like a candy, that happens to have a subtle almond flavor. Very cute-looking and tasty. Of course, and as many probably would agree, sipping on local rosé while checking any pretty landscape seems to improve life quality by 100%. To put it briefly, do enjoy some meals while you visit and don’t overthink what might be good for you.

Making it Work: Tips and Tricks

So, before someone throws their bags in and runs to book something for those spots, maybe consider this stuff… So, if you go when not everybody else does, you will not have to worry that much, just, at certain times of the calendar, places like that can feel too crowded. Obviously, you will love to actually walk there, but getting from one place to the next usually involved hiring a vehicle. Marseille has public transport, true, but not always on point. Consider what kind of shoes to bring; those old streets are killers to feet. It probably should go without saying to take normal precautions regarding possessions when being in a city as huge as Marseille, as it can get rather unpredictable at times. What kind of level in French do you own? Even what you perceive is some kind of spoken French, still locals always like when anyone makes even an attempt to try with some expressions, so make sure you bring a ‘bonjour’, ‘au revoir’ and ‘merci’ with you. Provence can be a little pricey; in that case, find ‘marches’, or street markets where there is amazing products that don’t require you emptying your wallet. Finally, enjoy the way Provençal people don’t rush life. Do your best at slowing down too.