About Marseille
EUBCE 2024: Join us in Marseille!
The sunniest city in France – It was only 10 years ago that Marseille, the oldest city in France, was designated the 2013 European Capital of Culture.
Marseille is famous for its glistening limestone cliffs (and harbour); vibrant art scene (including stunning street art), and exquisite cuisine (from bouillabaisse to sweet navettes). It is a climate-conscious city, with easy access to the Calanques National Park, and timeless city of Paris.
Join us at EUBCE 2024 in June (considered one of the best times of year to visit Marseille) to exchange ideas, create a carbon-neutral future and explore a little piece of France.
Come for the Conference, Stay for the Experience!
Should you plan to schedule a bit of time before or after EUBCE 2024 to view this remarkable city;
allow us to share our team’s 10 + 1 recommendations for exploring Marseille:
View the Street Art
In the heart of the city, close to the district of Noailles and the Old Port, the Cours Julien District is one of the most-lively in Marseille. It is the ideal place to discover climate-conscious street art.
You love it, or you hate it, but you don’t leave feeling neutral.
Learn more about the Cours Julien District here
La Belle de Mai
“La Friche la Belle de Mai is a place of self-expression, open to all”
Alain Arnaudet
La Friche de la Belle de Mai or La Friche is a former tobacco factory near the Saint-Charles station in Marseille, France, in the neighbourhood of Belle de Mai.
In 1992, it was converted into a cultural complex. Presenting itself as a “pole of authors,” the Wasteland focuses its efforts primarily on the creation and production of works. It hosts dozens of international artists in residence and it contains over sixty artistic and cultural structures of all disciplines (theater, dance, music, contemporary art, radio).
Wander le Vieux Port (the Old Port)
There is truly, so very much to see by simply strolling around Le Vieux Port, the old port of Marseille, which is now a pedestrian area thanks to project designed by the architect Norman Foster (together with the landscape designer Michel Desvigner). The emblem of the project is the Ombrièr Miroir, a roof in the shape of an “umbrella mirror” located in the center of the port.
Consider that Église de Saint-Ferréol les Augustins is the oldest building in the area. The medieval abbey, Abbaye Saint-Victor, close to Fort Saint-Nicolas, is also worth visiting. As is Phare de Sainte-Marie, the 21-meter-tall lighthouse built in 1855.
A foot ferry connects both sides of the harbor. Opposite the fort is MuCEM, the Museum of Civilisations of Europe and the Mediterranean.
Learn more about what to do in the historical center of Marseille here.
Explore Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
and Cathédrale la Major
Cathédrale La Major (also known as Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure), is one of the largest cathedrals in France. Built in Byzantine-Roman style, its use of alternating green and white limestones is shared by the Duomo of Florence, Italy.
The basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, is magnificently perched at the top of the highest hill visible from Marseille’s historical center. The breathtaking panorama visible from the church terrace makes this a ‘must see’ attraction.
The basilica is easy to reach using one of the many local buses.
Learn more about the cathedral here, and the basilica here.
People-watch at Plage des Catalans
A typical, French city beach in the center of Marseille. Plage des Catalans is not exactly peaceful, but vibrant and ideal for a fascinating, people-watching experience.
Looking for idyllic, calm, turquoise waters? Visit Sainte Croix Beach, just west of Marseille!
Learn more about beaches around Marseille here.
Enjoy a Coffee in le Panier
Just north of Vieux Port (the old port), Le Panier is actually the oldest district originally settled by ancient Greeks.
Today, Le Panier offers hanging baskets of flowers, pastel-green shutters, and idyllic cafes with colorful chairs flushed with sunlight.
Learn more about the charming Le Panier District here.
Savor some Marseille Specialties
Yes, Marseille is home to bouillabaisse, the most exquisite seafood dish originating from an “ordinary local fishermen’s meal.” . . . but that is just the beginning!
- Snack on two Navettes, traditional organed-flavored, boat-shaped biscuits from Marseille.
- Lunch on gluten-free Panisse, pancakes or fries made with a chickpea flour believed to have been brought over from Italy in the 1930s. Served alone, or as a side dish with salad or meat.
- Pieds et parquets is a meat specialty from Marseille made by stewing lamb’s feet and tripe for at least 7 hours. It is tasty! We promise.
- Enjoy a Chichi frégi after dinner – from Marseille’s Estaque District. The delicacy consists of chickpea (and wheat) flour, mixed with orange blossom water, and olive oil. Fried, rolled in sugar, and served with a hint of whipped cream.
- Once upon a time, Picon was used to treat malaria. Today, this sweet, caramel, orange, herby flavoring is used as a mix in white wine or cocktails. While popularized in the north of France, Picon was invented in Marseille.
Take a Ferry to the Island of Château d’If
Featured by Alexandre Dumas in: The Count of Monte Cristo,” this island is easily accessible by ferry. On top of the castle is a prestigious restaurant, which offers a stunning view of Marseille.
Calanques National Park
On the southern top of Marseille is a breath-taking natural wonder and national park. The National Park includes a number of “calanque,” a series of fjords, similar to the Norwegian fjords, are a distinct geological phenomenon caused by fluvial erosion. Also accessible by ferry.
“The Calanques,” a series of fjords, similar to the Norwegian fjords, are a distinct geological phenomenon caused by fluvial erosion.
Plan your visit to the national park here.
Shop Chocolate, Soap, & Luxury
Rue Saint Ferreol is 500 meter long, a pedestrian street running from Canebiere to Prefecture Square. It is essentially an elegant, busy, open-air shopping mall.
Looking for something more elegant? Rue Paradis boasts narrow streets, high-end boutiques, and famous couture.
Don’t forget to visit the iconic Sanonnerie Marseillaise de la Licorne, an internationally known, family owned soapmaking company made from 100% pure vegetable oils. You can even go and visit for a tour!
Learn more about touring the soap factory here.
The European Biomass
Conference & Exhibition 2024
EUBCE 2024 will bring together the greatest minds, latest innovations, and market investors together towards a future (and a present) ready and able to leverage the benefits of biomass and bioenergy towards a carbon-neutral global community.