Marseille: A culinary jewel on the Med
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Nestled on the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean, Marseille is a city that celebrates its rich tapestry of cultural influences through its gastronomy and drinks. As a gateway to Provence and a cornerstone of the Vallée de la Gastronomie, Marseille offers visitors a culinary journey steeped in tradition, innovation, and unparalleled flavours. It is a key stop along the Vallée de la Gastronomie, where visitors can enjoy guided food tours, participate in cooking workshops, or visit artisanal producers to deepen their appreciation of the city’s culinary heritage.
Iconic dishes
Marseille’s identity is intrinsically tied to the sea, so it’s little surprise that its most famous dish is bouillabaisse, a hearty fish stew that combines fish, shellfish, saffron and herbs. Originally a lowly fisherman’s dish, made using the bits of the day’s catch that had not sold, bouillabaisse is now a gastronomic experience elevated by high-end restaurants to an art form. Another Provence favourite is panisse, a chickpea flour fritter fried to golden perfection – enjoy a few with a glass of chilled rosé.

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The flavours of Provence
Marseille’s markets are a vibrant reflection of the region’s agricultural bounty. Dive into the sensory overload that is the Marché des Capucins, brimming with spices, olives, and sun-ripened fruits. And of course, no trip to Marseille is complete without experiencing the morning fish market at the Vieux Port, where you can pick up the freshest catch of the day directly from the fishermen’s boats.
Ingredients such as Herbes de Provence, lavender honey and olive oil are staples in Marseille’s kitchens. Look out for firm local favourites like tapenade and ratatouille.

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Raise a toast to Marseille
As well as foodie delights, Marseille is home to some iconic beverages, chief among them being pastis. This anise-flavoured spirit is synonymous with the city: sip it in the sunshine at a café terrasse, or as an apéritif before dinner – it’s an essential part of the Marseille experience. Wine enthusiasts will delight in the city’s proximity to Provence’s celebrated vineyards. The rosé wines of Bandol and Cassis pair effortlessly with the region’s seafood and lighter fare. For something truly local, try the lesser-known Marselan wines, which are fast gaining recognition for their rich, fruity profiles.

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Fusion of cultures
Marseille’s status as a port city dating back to the 6th century has made it a melting pot of cultures from North Africa, Italy and beyond. This is evident in dishes like couscous served with local seafood and pizza à la sardinade, a unique take on classic pizza which features fresh sardines. At the city’s bakeries try navettes, a traditional Provençal biscuit flavoured with orange blossom, or chichis frégis, a churro-like fried dough sprinkled with sugar.
The sweet side
Marseille’s desserts are as delightful as its savoury offerings. Calissons, almond-based confections, and pâte de coings (quince cheese) are popular treats (which pair beautifully with a glass of Muscat). And for a refreshing end to a meal, nothing beats a scoop of lavender ice cream.
At a glance: five things to do in Marseille
This herbalist shop is a Marseille institution. Here you’ll find medicinal plants, aromatics, spices, plant extracts, 100% pure essential oils, vegetable oils… no wonder it bears the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (EPV) label. It all began in the early 19th century when pioneering Toussaint Blaize discovered the custom of medicinal plants and began caring for his relatives and neighbours. His reputation as a healer soon spread and he set up his business in Marseille, which has been passed on through the generations.
Restaurant Gerarh invites visitors on a culinary tour of seasonal, organic cuisine and selected wines from small, local estates. At the Cours Julien market, just 50m from the restaurant, you’ll meet the producers, including a market gardener, a goatherd and a fisherman. Afterwards, lunch will be served on the terrace in the shade of the lime trees (or indoors, depending on the season).
The Chai de Mars is an urban cellar in Marseille’s old port, acquired in 2021 by Mars Wine Station, which uses the 40m2 space to vinify some of its wines. Your tour will explore the three organic vintages, On Grain Degun, La Baie des Singes and Mars, alongside culinary treats from Timon & Sourrieu, cheeses from the Laiterie Marseillaise (Marseille’s first urban dairy) and chocolates from Françoise La Chocolaterie.
This designer of sweet and savoury shortbread biscuits draws inspiration from the sea, creating biscuits in the shape of sardines and shellfish. It is run by a mother and daughter team, whose approach is firmly eco-responsible, with flavours adapting to the seasons and events of the year.
The team of chemists at the La Licorne soap factory will teach you about the famous Marseille soap and the use of olive oil, which dates back to the 17th century. Lunch will be at Gerarh, where the chef will explain the use of organic, fresh and local products. Then you will have the chance to taste different flavours of oil and small dishes designed to showcase combinations such as olive oil/strawberry and olive oil/ginger.
www.valleedelagastronomie.com/en
Lead photo credit : Shutterstock
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By Gill Harris
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