Aix-en-Provence & nearby Marseille are two wildly different cities in the heart of Provence. It’s a love-hate relationship, and begs the question: why this rivalry exists? Where did it all start?
I’m going to be spending a month in Aix later this year and will be travelling to Marseille to see England v Argentina in the Rugby World Cup. Very much looking forward to seeing both cities, especially after reading this!
Going to dive into the further reading now, but wondered if you had any recommendations for novels or history books set in the region?
Bonjour! I live in Aix-en-Provence and would like to say that Deux Garcons had a fire in 2019 and has not been open since then. Also the Festival is in July, not June....As far as the rivalry, I haven't seen it. I like both cities and they're both very different. Marseille is more diverse which I love, and has lots of great restaurants.
Susan thank you so much for your updated information, I've adapted the text to aid future readers. Merci !
Would you be so kind as to tell me your favourite restaurants in both Aix and Marseilles? I'd love to hear and I'm sure that other readers would appreciate it.
As you know I live here, I don’t see it as a rivalry. Marseille is a big city and depending on where you are the atmosphere is completely different. Aix is a very upscale “town”. It’s a bit like trying to compare Paris to Saint Germain en Laye.
Sitting here with a French friend from Marseille and their comment was that Aix is rich/protected. Marseille has immigration issues. 🤷🏻♀️. Short answer.
All that being said, Marseille is an interesting place to visit and definitely has a lot of history. Just make sure that you end up in the right part of town.
Thank you Suzanne, Yes I agree with you in lots of ways. I'd love to hear from some residents of Marseille. I'd appreciate you spreading this article to get wider feedback.. Merci. Judy
For me, no comparison. Marseille lives off it's history, Aix is history alive. I have been to both more than once. If I could, I would live in Aix-en-Provence. I am an artist. That probably influences my thought
I’m going to be spending a month in Aix later this year and will be travelling to Marseille to see England v Argentina in the Rugby World Cup. Very much looking forward to seeing both cities, especially after reading this!
Going to dive into the further reading now, but wondered if you had any recommendations for novels or history books set in the region?
While I haven't read it, the book Two Towns in Provence by MFK Fisher might fit the bill. She's an excellent writer. For Provence more generally there are Mayle's A Year in Provence and pretty much anything by Pagnol--I'd start with My Father's glory. And this article might be of interest to you:https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2021/feb/05/marseille-virtual-tour-books-film-food-music-photography
thanks Keith
Thanks so much, Keith!
Bonjour! I live in Aix-en-Provence and would like to say that Deux Garcons had a fire in 2019 and has not been open since then. Also the Festival is in July, not June....As far as the rivalry, I haven't seen it. I like both cities and they're both very different. Marseille is more diverse which I love, and has lots of great restaurants.
Susan thank you so much for your updated information, I've adapted the text to aid future readers. Merci !
Would you be so kind as to tell me your favourite restaurants in both Aix and Marseilles? I'd love to hear and I'm sure that other readers would appreciate it.
Warm regards
Judy
Hi Judy,
As you know I live here, I don’t see it as a rivalry. Marseille is a big city and depending on where you are the atmosphere is completely different. Aix is a very upscale “town”. It’s a bit like trying to compare Paris to Saint Germain en Laye.
Sitting here with a French friend from Marseille and their comment was that Aix is rich/protected. Marseille has immigration issues. 🤷🏻♀️. Short answer.
All that being said, Marseille is an interesting place to visit and definitely has a lot of history. Just make sure that you end up in the right part of town.
So much to say....
Thank you Suzanne, Yes I agree with you in lots of ways. I'd love to hear from some residents of Marseille. I'd appreciate you spreading this article to get wider feedback.. Merci. Judy
For me, no comparison. Marseille lives off it's history, Aix is history alive. I have been to both more than once. If I could, I would live in Aix-en-Provence. I am an artist. That probably influences my thought
I tend towards your thinking too but I know others who love Marseille :)