National Geographic Day Tour: Marseille, France's Capital of Diversity
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Port
Marseille (Provence), France
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All,61
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$199.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 6 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Explore Marseille's Old Port and experience a peek into daily life in the city. Take in the multi-ethnic atmosphere, the Old Quarters, and hidden streets. Discovering the stories of diverse neighborhoods and their families, many hailing from Syria or Africa, and learn about the association that helps newcomers with social inclusion in their adopted city.
Your local guide will show you spice shops and open-air fruit markets. In the Noailles District, you will taste specialties, including Tunisian pastries known as makroudh and "gazelle antler." These are served with a mint tea at a renowned neighborhood shop.
Lunch is served at a family-owned Middle Eastern restaurant, introducing you to authentic Syrian mezze such as hummus, samosas, falafel, labneh, and more. Hear from the Syrian owners as they share stories about their migration and establishment in Marseille.
Next, meet Thérése and Ali from the Belsunce District. They are members of the Association of Merchants and Artisans of Marseille. You'll hear about their migration stories and the economic ties they maintain with their home countries. And you'll learn how Ali became fondly known as The Patriarch.
End the tour with a fun Arabic calligraphy workshop and a fruit juice drink from Côte d'Ivoire. You'll go home with your piece of calligraphy — a gift from Anis d'Alep — and a deeper knowledge of Marseille's eclectic culture.
Notes:
Tour does not operate on Sundays.