Marijke Beranger is a licensed nutritionist and the owner of the Country Life restaurant. She offers fantastic and affordable vegetarian/vegan cooking classes and nutrition coaching. Fluent in English. Cell: +33(0)6 83 12 37 37
3 Bd Michelet 13008 Marseille
Second largest stadium in France. Football matches are one of the highlights of Marseilles life and most of the biggest teams, including the local OM, play here in a fantastic atmosphere. Tickets can be bought (ideally several days before the game) either on-line www.om.net or from the L'OM shop at the Vieux Port.
There is a vast network of clearly marked (with red and white strips) trails and one of the most popular is the GR 98 trail connecting Les Goudes fishing harbour to Cassis via 28km of paths between crests and coastline. Allow 11h and come back by car or bus.
Another popular hike is a few km west from l’Estaque harbour, from the harbour of La Redonne (accessible by a short bus/car or train ride) to Niolon. Allow around 3h. Climbing school BMC also organises hiking tours (see Climbing).
Les Calanques
There are many biking sites around the region, including the Fontblanche forest towards Aubagne, Sainte Victoire and Sainte Baume sites. Roads above the Calanques offer steep hill biking and can be accessed from the road D-559, towards Cassis.
We heard good reviews for Provence Mountain Biking, who organises bike tours in the area.
Tel:+33(0)4 42 03 95 60
Contact Albert: [email protected]
www.provence-mountainbiking.com.
The Marseille region is a wonderful playground for climbers with over 200km of official climbing routes. Climbing sites close to Marseille include Sormiou, En-Vau or La Grande Candelle. BMC is a well known local climbing school.
Certified instructor Pierre Clarac runs Escalade Calanques, a climbing school for any level. Friendly, professional and great reviews. English speaking.
Cell: +33(0)6 81 19 24 42 www.escaladecalanques.com
BMC is a well known local climbing school with professional instructors.
Sea Kayaking is the ideal way to discover the Calanques and creeks of the Cote Bleue Coast. Kayak Attitude, 55 Rue St Pierre, Marseille. Sale of kayak, standup paddle boards and equipment. Also offer rentals or guided tours.
Tel: +33(0)6 12 95 20 12
www.kayak-marseille.fr
Philippe at Destination Calanques also offers kayak rentals and tours from April to Oct:
Cell: +33 (0)6 07 15 63 86
www.destination-calanques.fr
Marseille is a major center for diving, including spectacular wreck diving and cliffs with red coral and caves.
Beuchat, located 7, Port de la Pointe Rouge, on the E side of Marseille is a dive shop with a PADI certified diving school. English speaking instructors, custom or group diving for all levels. Can also recharge Nitrox.
Tel: +33 (0)(0)491 174 625
Fax: + 33 491 750 598
Corbieres Beach at l’Estanque
Located just a few minutes easy drive west from the shipyards. Beautiful and unspoiled spot with crystal clear water. Sand and pebbles.
Plage de la Pointe Rouge
Located on the east side of Marseille is one of the most popular.
Several Calanques have sheltered sandy beaches.
Marseille is often very windy, making it a world class destination for windsurfers and kitesurfers. Very close by are some mystic wave spots, like Carro or Brutal Beach. Another well known spot is Plage de Jai at Etang de Berre, a large fresh water pond located west of Marseille, close to the airport. There are also some good surfing spots. Don't hesitate to contact the fellows listed below, they are very friendly and eager to share their local knowledge! Become part of the Marseille region rider community!
Golf of Marseille la Salette
Beautiful hilly 18 hole golf course located on the East outskirts of Marseille offering spectacular views of Marseille and the Garlatan’s mountain slopes. Par 69 course. Includes a school, with the possibility of private lessons, equipment rental and a charming club house with a good restaurant.
Tel: + 33(0)491 271 216
Fax: + 33(0)491 272 133
Par 72/18 hole golf course, located 20 min drive from the shipyards, in direction of Aix-Marignane, exit 4. Restaurant. Reservation recommended. Closed on Tues.
Tel: +33(0)4 42 24 20 41
www.golfaixmarseille.com
Club Fitness
Large air conditioned gym, located only 10 minutes walk from the ITM yard. Full range of cardio and weight equipment, with a separate room for the ladies. Fitness classes including aqua gym, body pump, body combat, spinning etc… Jacuzzi, pool, Turkish bath, sauna and small beauty parlor. Closed on Sun.
Tel: + 33(0)491 085 126
Bikram Yoga
25 Rue des Trois Rois
13006 Marseille
Popular yoga classes in a studio heated to 40° C, run by ex yachtie Corinne. Daily classes in the morning and the evening, in French & English, any level. Raving reviews.
Cell: +33(0)6 77 07 34 07
www.bikramyogamarseille.com
Located on Port de L’Estaque, a few min drive west from the shipyards. Wide range of treatments including facial, body wraps, stone therapy, and manicure, using Carita and Decleor brands. Turkish bath and traditional oriental treatments. Pristine facilities and friendly manager Nathalie. Mon- Fri 9am-6:30pm; Sat 9am-6pm. Closed on Sun.
Tel: +33(0)4 91 46 53 59
Marie-Helene Reynaud is an experienced shiatsu and foot reflexology practitioner who uses a holistic approach to help enhancing the energy and relieving pain. Experienced in Yoga, Swedish massage, Korean Amma etc… Trained in New York. Fluent in English. Fantastic reviews.
Tel: +33(0)6 87 15 74 29
www.shiatsugeneration.com
Pristine and gorgeous oriental spa, offering Turkish baths, massages, body and facial treatments, waxing… Use of organic products. Open to men on Mon and Thu evenings. Located on the Vieux Port in an historical building. Open daily 11am-9pm.
Tel: +33(0)4 91 59 11 11
www.zeinorientalspa.fr
Aix en Provence
Elegant town, dating from the Roman times located 30 minutes’ drive from Marseille. Nicknamed the city of a thousand fountains, it used to be the capitol of Provence. Renowned for its distinguished and aristocratic charm, its 17th century mansions, numerous museums and historic monuments. A very popular music festival is held here every July. Aix also has a choice of nice restaurants, stores and 2 cinemas showing films in original version.
Cinema Renoir
2,500 acres. Six secluded beaches. Thirteen miles of shoreline. The Christophe Harbour community capitalizes on its spectacular placement for dazzling views and extraordinary living. A distinctive collection of shoreside amenities accompany ownership here—where waterfront and hillside homes and plots rival the finest offerings in the Caribbean.
Unique and charming B&B, located in the oldest part of Marseille, now a chic Bohemian neighborhood. Set in a restored 17th-century building, 5 rooms individually decorated by artists. Rooftop terrace with breathtaking city views. Within walking distance from the Vieux Port. Breakfast included. Tel: +33 (0)4 9191 2372 www.auvieuxpanier.com
Adorable new B&B ideally located in the city’s heart within walking distance from the Vieux Port and the train station. 4 spacious and airy rooms, stylish deco. Great value. Breakfast included.
Tel: +33(0) 9 5123 3511
46 new studios with AC, located on the Vieux Port, all equipped with kitchenette. Free Wi-Fi, public parking nearby.
Tel: +33(0)4 91 31 89 10
[email protected]
www.suiteaffaire.com
Well reviewed English speaking general practitioner.
Tel: +33(0)4 91 55 56 54