Now, let’s talk about Marseille! Grammy and Papa (Brooke’s grandparents on her dad’s side) picked us up from the train station after a three-hour and twenty-minute ride from Paris. Andrew and Beck went with Papa and all of our luggage (their car is very small), and the rest of us took the Metro and bus back to their area. This was my kid’s first time on a metro. It was very exciting for them!
Grammy used to have her own preschool and is so good at teaching children how to do things. The entire time we were there, she had them learning how to get around Marseille and had stories behind everything we came across.
Our first stop was to meet with some of their friends (they are coming to Utah this summer, so we will now get to take them out when they visit!) at Steak and Shake. My kids were thrilled to have a burger, fries, and milkshakes. The American food at this restaurant was better than our American food at home:)
We couldn’t get over the views.
This evening ended with a visit to the church to play volleyball with the people they love and serve in Marseille.
I came on this trip thinking I wouldn’t run much, but once I saw this beach, I couldn’t help but get three runs in while in Marseille. You could run along the gorgeous coastline forever. I felt VERY safe on my runs, although we learned there are areas you don’t go into in Marseille, so we stayed far away from those spots. The coastline had so many runners; I love that we all get to enjoy running no matter where we live in the world.
We had crumpets for breakfast with the best butter I have ever had. I must find a French grocery store at home and buy this in bulk.
Grammy then gave the kids a language lesson to learn the basics before heading out for the day. We saw a parrot as we left their apartment, which surprised us all. We got on the bus and stopped at a boulangerie for breakfast #2, and Andrew came across the best Nutella beignets. He said it was the best thing he had ever eaten. Sadly, we went back each morning for more, but they never had them again.
We quickly learned in France that even the children have the best manners. Our family is loud and crazy, so we had to learn how important it is to be quieter in public. At home, we blend in with all of the other families, but in France, we did not. The kids learned to be quiet and stay in their space on the bus, train, and metro, and I was very proud of them.
We came up from the Metro and instantly smelled the sea and fish markets. The Shade House was right there, too.
It’s a giant mirror you may see people take pictures of on Instagram.
Marseille is famous for its soaps, so we stopped at a soap store and then a French Perfume store. You can buy these small travel-sized perfumes for a very reasonable price, so the girls and I each got one to bring home.
We then went to eat at TigerMilk. The restaurant was stunning, and the food was amazing. The star of the show was the French Toast we had for dessert.
We then took the little tourist train to the Notre Dame de la Farde. From the Notre Dame, you could see all of Marseille. It is a massive and gorgeous city.
We then walked around some more, stopping at flower shops, Mason Empereur (the oldest hardware stop in France), and soaked in the time there.
They gave us the best tour of the city.
We picked up Pizza Roma to eat at their apartment, and everyone fell asleep within seconds.
The next day, the focus was going to the Calanques. The hike was a little less than 2 miles each way but something the kids could easily do (Andrew carried Beck for the steeper parts).
We brought in sandwiches and had a picnic in the most gorgeous scenery. We couldn’t believe it. The water was very cold, but all of my ice baths prepared me to jump in first and impress my children… until a jellyfish got my arm and I thought I would die;). I know I am a very dramatic person, but that sting hurt so bad. I immediately texted my doctor brother to see if I should pee on it ha, but he said to find some vinegar instead. After the hike, we took the bus back, and I was so amazed to see little kids taking (like Skye’s size!) the bus independently from different things and their parents waiting to pick them up at the bus stops. It has inspired me to have my kids do more and gain confidence doing things like I saw the French children doing.
We finished up this day by getting more pizza and going to a French Pharmacy to pick up some skincare products (the options are unbelievable).
Grammy was not feeling well, so she stayed home and rested the next day while we went to church. Beck made a friend and built blocks with him. They didn’t need to speak the same language; they connected over blocks and laughing together. It was adorable.
We then spent hours at the beach. My arm looked worse on this day from my sting, and so I was a little freaked out to get back in the water, but the kids loved every second. I got the best nap on the sand I’ve ever had, and Brooke and Knox played soccer with some kids there.
We then went back to the apartment and Papa made us all pasta.
We wanted an immersive experience in Marseille, which was precisely what Grammy and Papa gave us. We got to talk with so many new people, make friends, learn the public transportation system, go to the places they go to every day, and most importantly… try to find the best chocolate we could;). The apartment was fully stocked with every treat you could imagine when we arrived.
We are so grateful for the hospitality the Jacobs offered us and the memories we made that will last forever!
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Have a destination you are dreaming about visiting?
What is the best chocolate, in your opinion?
Ever been stung by a jellyfish?
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