Marseilles, France

Today's port is Toulon, France. Toulon by itself is a sleepy town but the port is the primary naval base of the French Mediterranean fleet. There is so much to choose from this place and we joined Princess Cruises "Marseille and Aix-de-Provence" tour. 

The trip from the port to Marseille took almost 1.5 hours passing by beautiful sceneries (names I can no longer remember). Oceans where the famed Jacques Cousteau once dived and explored. We even passed by Chateau d'If (a fortress then a prison on a small island)  famous for being one of the settings of Alexandre Dumas' adventure novel The Count of Monte Cristo.

Marseilles is today France's 2nd biggest city after Paris and the biggest in the Mediterranean coast. The Catholic Basilica named Notre Dame de la Garde is the city's most known symbol.167 steps to the top, not counting the steps from the parking lot.

Inside and outside the basilica is grandiose.

Buildings around the city.

Views from the Notre Dame de la Garde.

Marseilles is France's largest port for commerce, freight and cruise ships.

An amusing art near the port. (taken from the tour bus).

As in every other tour, it was quick it was rushed.

Marseille is one beautiful place I want to come back and explore some more.