Get to know Marseille, an attractive port city on the French Riviera that inspires the wedding color of the year

Not surprisingly, Marseille, a charming coastal city located in the south of France, served as the inspiration for Marcelle Blue, the wedding color of the year from Minted + Brides for 2024. This picturesque port city has a long association with color, from the region's 19th century blue "work jackets," which are still popular today, to French artist Yves Klein's trademarked color, ICB (International Klein Blue). Today, blue permeates the cityscape - seen in vibrant street art, on the team's blue-and-white-clad soccer fans, and on the blue tourist train known as Le Petit Tren, which runs through the heart of Marseille. There's even a blue version of the author's signature cocktail, an aperitif known as a pastis, a drink long associated with the relaxed French Riviera lifestyle.

While we celebrate Marcelle Blue, a color that transcends time and style, it makes sense to virtually explore its named after name. And if you're considering a travel wedding or honeymoon in Europe, let us introduce you to Marseille, a coastal city steeped in blue that could be just the place you need. Meet the expert Marion Taborda - a luxury travel advisor at Odyssey Travel, she was born and raised in Marseille and travels there regularly. Ahead, we asked Marion Taborda, luxury travel advisor at Odyssey Travel, originally from Marseille, to give us an overview of her city and tell us the best places to stay, eat, get married and visit. "It's a blue-blue city, but you'll never feel sad here!" - she says.

What Marseille is known for

Located on the Mediterranean coast in southern France, Marseille has a rich history as the oldest and second largest city in the country. Founded by the Greeks in 600 BC, this bustling city played an important role in trade as a trading center between Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Today, Marseille is popular with honeymooners, honeymooners and tourists for its picturesque waterfront, lively markets, ideal climate, friendly locals and stunning beaches. "The fact that the city gets more sunshine than any other French city - 2,858 hours a year compared to 1,950 in other parts of the country - is another reason to get married, honeymoon or celebrate in Marseille," says Taborda.

Where to stay, eat, drink and get married in Marseille

Where to stay

If you're looking for a five-star experience for your honeymoon, both the InterContinental Marseille (a former hospital converted into a hotel in 1866 by Napoleon III) and the Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port offer luxury accommodation and spectacular views of the Old Port from their terraces. If you prefer a boutique hotel, check out the family-friendly, 16-room, Michelin-starred Le Petit Nice Passedat, and the ultra-romantic Hotel C2, housed in a 19th-century building and offering a spa and cocktail bar. You can relax by the pool or visit the Turkish bath at the oceanfront Les Bords De Mer Hotel Marseille, or go back in time at the historic Grand Hotel Beauvau Marseille Vieux-Port-MGallery, the first hotel built in Marseille in 1863. It is located in the heart of the Old Port, making it an ideal place to explore the city.

Where to eat

Marseille is famous for its many culinary traditions, from vegetable ragout (ratatouille) and fish soup (bouillabaisse) to delicate orange-flavored cakes (navettes), as well as aioli and pistou, the city's signature sauces. You'll find all this and more in Marseille's amazing restaurants, many with beautiful sea views. "From casual to restaurants with white tablecloths, Marseille has no shortage of great restaurants," says Taborda.

Where to drink

Relax with a cocktail after a hot day at the Dantès Skylounge in the Sofitel Hotel, with its amazing views and delicious snacks (fun fact: the bar is named after a character in Alexandre Dumas' novel The Count of Monte Cristo). To visit Carry Nation's speakeasy-style bar, you'll need a secret code to enter. Enjoy beautiful sunsets, live music and a cold beer while sitting on the terrace at the Red Lion, a lively British pub, and at 20,000 Lieues, a local bar overlooking Le Goud, a small fishing village. If you like karaoke, you can find it at White Rabbit, which has both an outdoor and indoor venue.

Where to get married

Some couples get married in Marseille's many hotels, while others get married close to the city. "There's no shortage of fabulous villas and estates for rent in the area," says Taborda. "These big houses are called 'Mas' and set the scene for fabulous cocktail parties and wedding receptions." Some of her favorites: a provincial farmhouse located on private property in the hills of Marseille, the Bastide de la Salette, which is a 45-minute drive from the Old Port. Or, tucked away in the Provence countryside just 20 minutes from Marseille, the Bastide de Toursainte is the perfect venue for a luxurious but unpretentious rustic wedding with indoor or outdoor dining. The once celebrated Hôtel Revestel, where Winston Churchill vacationed during his Côte d'Azur vacation, has been transformed into the Manor de Canaille, a villa set on 150 acres 40 minutes from Marseille. Here, you'll find a 5,000-square-foot terrace with ocean views, as well as a heated pool and access to private chef and yoga instructors. Want to get married among olive groves and almond trees? The exceptional château is a 30-minute drive from Marseille and features a 17th-century manor house with magnificent views of the Alpilles.