Before visiting Marseille, I didn’t know what to expect. Of course, I heard it is one of the most dangerous cities in Europe. But I also heard about Napoli (Naples) and didn’t experience anything remotely dangerous or remotely as distasteful. We already want to go back to Napoli. As a street-savvy traveler, I packed my bags, booked a train, and headed South to Marseille to watch sailing during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Let me preface this piece with a bit about me. I have lived in four different countries and speak three languages. My family and have visited at least 12 different cities in France alone over the past 12 years. I have traveled from modern cities like Beijing and New York City to rural towns in Costa Rica and Italy.
From all these experiences, I never experienced the vibe of what occurred in Marseille. And this was during the Olympics when Marseille was supposed to welcome the world.
What is it about Marseille?
Marseille is a port city with just under 1 million people. The city itself is impressive – it boasts monuments at nearly every corner. You can visit the beautiful Calanques National Park outside the city via ferry.
There are castles, such as where the Count of Monte Cristo took place, and beautiful churches. But there is a catch. Being a port city with many monuments attracts large cruise ships.
It is common knowledge that cruise ships can benefit the economy but also harm the local people (and the environment). Sometimes, the city will be filled with thousands of tourists visiting for the day. That means the city has to accommodate people who typically aren’t interested in being poised visitors.
Being a port city also brings crime and immigration issues. There is a noticeable divide between “locals” and immigrants, which can turn hostile in neighborhoods outside the main tourist areas. The city has dealt with a tumultuous past with colliding cultures and a lack of resources.
Is Marseille really that dangerous?
The city has dangerous neighborhoods, but most are located outside the main tourist areas (check out this article for the map (in French)).
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