00:00With just under 900,000 inhabitants, Marseille is the second largest city in France.
00:08It's located in Provence, directly on the Mediterranean Sea.
00:12I start my day at the Vieux-Port, the old port.
00:16This is where the city was founded more than 2,600 years ago.
00:22Ever since, Marseille has been a trading hub and a place where people meet.
00:26And the Vieux-Port is still the heart of the city.
00:31Fishers sell their catch here every morning.
00:34And morning is also the best time to experience the harbour atmosphere as a visitor.
00:42Over the years, the harbour district has increasingly become a cultural hub.
00:46The MÜSEM, the Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean,
00:50is a good place to start if you want to learn more about the history of the region.
00:55You can also access the roof terrace and other viewpoints around the building for free.
01:02Even if you don't have time to go to your museum and spend hours there,
01:05just coming here for the views and the architecture is worth it.
01:10The Marché de Noël market is just a few minutes' walk from the port.
01:14Here you can discover vegetables from Provence and ingredients from all over the world,
01:19including North African snacks.
01:22Marseille is a melting pot of different cultures.
01:24For centuries, immigrants from all over the world have been drawn to the port city.
01:30To fully appreciate Marseille, you have to climb.
01:34Notre Dame de la Garde is 149 meters above sea level and is one of the most popular attractions.
01:40The locals call the church La Bonne Mère, the Good Mother, because she watches over the city.
01:47The golden statue of Virgin Mary on the basilica is currently covered for construction,
01:51but can usually be seen from all over the city.
01:54Down in the Le Parnier district, things get colorful.
02:03Marseilles' oldest neighborhood used to be a classic working class district.
02:07Today, it's quite trendy with small shops and bars.
02:11Mediterranean lifestyle.
02:14Be sure to check out the many murals, some funny and some political.
02:19In Le Parnier, many facades have been transformed into works of art.
02:22If you have a little more time, it's worth taking a street art tour.
02:27So far, I've had a look at the postcard version of Marseille.
02:31I didn't feel unsafe.
02:33The city owes its dangerous reputation above all to the Cartier Nord, the northern districts.
02:39They're home to around a third of the city's residents.
02:42The neighborhoods are often in the headlines for drug and gang-related crimes, even shootings.
02:47I want to see for myself and see if it's worth taking a trip to some of the lesser-known areas in the north.
02:55This isn't the Marseille you see in travel ads, but there are also places here that are historic, creative and welcoming, if you take the time to look beyond the headlines.
03:05You'll find one of the city's most unusual cultural projects here in a former industrial complex, the Cité des Arts de la Rue.
03:16Since 1995, artists here have been working on projects involving street art, theatre, circus and performances for public spaces.
03:25You can also take part in workshops at the Cité.
03:31And there's something else you absolutely can't miss.
03:35A forgotten forest in the middle of the city.
03:38Big in the 19th century, the city's bourgeoisie often went on outings here.
03:44Local initiatives have been working since 2016 to revitalize the area.
03:48The highlight is the Cascade des Egalades, a 9-meter-high waterfall.
04:03In the north of Marseille, you'll also find the Savonerie du Midi, which has produced the famous Marseille soap since 1894.
04:11In the 19th century, Marseille was a soap-making stronghold with dozens of factories.
04:15Camille Tricot from the factory shows me soaps that are over 100 years old.
04:22It can sting a little on the skin, but there's no minimum shelf life or expiration date.
04:28So technically, it could still be used.
04:33If you want to see the soap being made, you have to come in the morning.
04:37The visit to the factory and the soap museum is free, but you should make a reservation.
04:41Marseille isn't always polished, but it's real.
04:47And I did feel safe. At least it didn't feel more dangerous than any other big city.
04:52Of course, there might be some places you might want to avoid, especially at night time.
04:57But if you come here, just come with an open mind and stay a bit aware.
05:01I'll never do any more.
05:06Who knows?
05:07No, I don't know.
05:08I don't know.
05:09I don't know.
05:11I don't know.
05:12I've made either of those myself, it's not only a little bit aware.
05:13I haven't made any of those factors or Automatic findings.
05:16This is my first experience in my school.
05:19I hope you want to see that the reason I love you.
05:22I've been able to see that I love you.
05:25But it is the reason I love you.
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