A day of three halves

 

The hotel breakfast was welcome this morning after our slightly weirdly-timed meals yesterday. Fresh fruit and yoghurt, bread, pastries and cake. 

We weren’t terrifically rested as we were regularly disturbed by violent flashes of lightening and some booms of thunder. However, fortified by le petit déjeuner we set off under cloudy skies to get to know the city.

Our first foray took us to the Panier district - the oldest in the city. A warren of narrow, hilly streets, almost every wall covered with interesting street art and less interesting graffiti. It reminded me a little of parts of Lisbon. Joff was struggling a bit and I was also on a low ebb, so we made it back to the hotel for a spell to regather.

Once we’d recovered we decided to head up to Norte Dame de La Garde, the basilica on the hill that we see from our window. It’s the highest point in the city, and as the skies had cleared, it seemed like a good time to take in the view.

It was a steep trek in places, and we accidentally slogged up an adjoining rock first, so I’m glad to confirm that the views were fantastic, out across the city and along the coast.

In the bay, on a small rocky island, is the Cheateau d’If - formerly a prison, much like Alcatraz, and the setting for the Count of Montecristo. Boat trips are available, but we stuck to dry land.

From the Basilica we attempted an exploration of another purportedly attractive area, but that didn’t quite come off. We ended up walking miles, but with the advantage of taking in a large section of the Corniche (seafront). We were both pretty pooped by the time we staggered back to our room.

Our evening expedition took us back into the Panier district. The menu posted by La Pagaille drew us in - some tasty small plates, including the local Panisses. This turns out to be chickpea flour-based fritters. Shaped like squared off cigars and I guess deep fried. No idea what else was in them, but they were delicious served with an aioli. 

And so went our first full day.

Em x