http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34380 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34380 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34359 Get up early to soak up the sights and smells of the Vieux Port fish market. When the shouts of the fishermen trying to get rid of their sea urchins grows too much, take a navette (boat shuttle, €2.50 for a 40 minute journey) to Pointe Rouge, a sandy beach with great views across the harbour. Then take a stroll along the coastal path towards Callelongue, stopping off at whichever calanques (rocky coves) take your fancy, for a swim in the turquoise waters.
When you’re ready to head back to the bustle of the city, catch a number 20 bus to the end of the route and then switch to number 19. End the day with a bowl of bouillabaisse (Provençal fish stew) and a glass- or two- of pastis (anise-flavoured liqueur).]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34359 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30147 La Caravelle
Bar on the first floor of the Belle Vue with a great view from the terrace if you can get a table there and tapas served with drinks.

Best Bistro
Le Bistrot a Vin
Simple, good Provencal food paired with fantastic wine selections at a very reasonable price.

La Côte de Boeuf
Steakhouse with an amazing wine cellar.

For the best bouillabaisse in Marseille head to
Chez Michel.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30147 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20798 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20798 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20781 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20781 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19289 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19289 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19278
A very small shop but apparently is world famous amongst chocolatiers. Well worth a visit. Black and white pictures of previous generations line the walls.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19278 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18082 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18082 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15178
Upstairs (separate entrance fee) there are collections of Mexican folk art and masks from Africa and the Pacific. When we visited on a Saturday in August the museum was virtually deserted.

In the courtyard there is an open air cafe which serves good salads and other lunchtime dishes at reasonable prices (although service is a bit hit and miss) - it's worth visiting for this alone if you are sightseeing in the Panier district.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15178 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14316
We like La Virgule so much we went there twice on a recent weekend break. Although located one street back from the waterfront it has a large outdoor seating area on a pedestrianised street with good views to Notre Dame de la Garde. Seems popular with locals. Open 7 days for lunch and dinner.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14316 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13675
Always packed, this is a restaurant without menus or, perhaps worryingly, fixed prices.

Expect delicious traditional food: lamb with rosemary, beef, squid, pizza au feu de bois and fresh fish.

For tourists, prices tend to come out at about €25 a head for two courses and wine.

The atmosphere is warm and noisy: go on a Saturday night for maximum fun.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13675 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13673
The atmosphere is relaxed: think Schanzenviertel, Hamburg or Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin in July/August.

Enjoy the view over the Cathedral of Notre Dame de la Garde at the end of 'Cours Ju' with a pression and some olives or browse the markets and boutiques during the day.

It's calm, yet cool, and a different side of Provence for those who want to experience the buzz in France's second city.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13673 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12411
It hosts exhibitions, concerts, film projections, dance shows, theatre performances, lectures, debates, recording studios and a restaurant.

There is something interesting on pretty much every day and it's not usually that expensive.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12411 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12286
The prices start from about 15 euros for a huge platter and go up according to the quantity of raw shellfish you feel like eating. For fans of coquillages this prize-winning restaurant is surely a must, but even for those Brits like me who are terrified of eating something so weird (let’s face it…), the lively atmosphere, the friendly staff and the sight of so many people enjoying delicious food is enough to make you try your first oyster.

It is child-friendly, unpretentious and welcoming, and the wine is good too. Forget Bouillabaisse unless you can get a real Marseillais to make it for you for a tenth of the price and go ‘Chez Toinou’. It is a Marseille institution.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12286 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7842 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7842 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7661 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7661 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7659
Everything is cooked whole and simmered in a gigantic pot with potatoes until tender. The liquor is strained and served as a first course and the remaining chunks of fish and vegetables served as a stew. Now while our refined tastes might balk at eating heads, entrails, skin etc, be assured this is one of the top ten dishes in the world for taste.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7659 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/6096
Menus in English available.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/6096 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/6072
Very chilled and relaxed. There is also a restaurant upstairs.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/6072 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5958 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5958