Marseille seen by Olivier, an Urban Hiker

Some see Marseille as a chaotic, unlivable city with many problems,

while others view it as a cosmopolitan city, infinitely rich in history and cultures. Marseille is thus a global city, both mysterious and fascinating, as captivating as it is elusive.
It’s important to distinguish Marseille properly, to decipher it, and to better understand it.

To achieve this, Urban Hike and France By Locals offer an urban hike to discover the city of Marseille in a unique way that blends sport, culture, and contemplation.

Together, we explore the city to uncover its urban, social, and cultural developments through the centuries and today. The behavior of swimmers at Catalans Beach reveals a unique way of life, while the majestic views from Notre Dame de la Garde allow us to understand the city from above. It’s by discovering the hidden beauties of the narrow streets in old fishing villages that we truly grasp how the people of Marseille live: each neighborhood we pass through unveils a different aspect of Marseille life, ultimately revealing the richness of the local culture, like a puzzle being completed.

These urban hikes are not just simple strolls; they are grand journeys through Marseille, immersions in a culture that is as rich as it is surprising.

I created these hikes five years ago to inspire a desire to understand my city

by walking through it, admiring it, and exploring it. I’m speaking to you as a tour guide, but I’m also an urban planner and cartographer, which adds depth to my commentary. Above all, though, I talk to you about Marseille with love for its culture and the joy of helping you discover it.

To do this, I’ve developed three “public” urban hikes, open for anyone to join whenever they wish. I also host private, customized groups for families, friends, companies, institutions, and schools, allowing them to explore specific themes, visit different neighborhoods, or simply enjoy a great time together.

So, are you ready to dive in?