Day 27: Marseille, in the South of France

We knew we wanted to see more of France than just Paris, but our time is getting short. Actually, we decided to go back home a week earlier than originally planned, which means we only have a few days left. So, we spent most of the day driving through France down to the Southern border town of Marseille. The drive was nice, changing from the Midwestern-esque landscapes of cornfields to rolling hills, to the beginning of jagged foothills. We passed several vineyards and olive groves.

Marseille is the oldest town in France (they have prehistoric cave paintings, and brick foundations of houses from around 6000 BCE!), and we were attracted to it due to its placement on the coast. Ever since our trip to Crete several years ago, we've had a fondness for Mediterranean cities.

Our hotel is downtown, so it was an easy walk to see the busiest part of the city. Unfortunately there was construction along most of the port, but we were able to find a great restaurant in the pedestrian area. Clint got seafood, which was fitting. I hate seafood, so of course I got gnocchi with 3 cheeses, plus gelato for dessert. I guess I'm Italian if you go by my stomach! Still, the waiter didn't speak English, so I managed to do the entire transaction over dinner in French, which felt pretty good.

Tomorrow: the drive to Geneva! Below is a photo of the Marseille port, about a block from our hotel and where we had dinner.