I took the tgv, the famous train that goes 300mph, and the journey did not seem so long. I arrived in Marseille late that evening, I found a hostel and left the station in search of this.
I rode the Metro to point neuf, where I was met with loads of teenagers. I watched them closely as they started to play fight with each other, then within 1 minute turn around and kiss each other goodbye, ow the joys of being French.
The next morning, all I wanted was to feel the warm sun across my face. It was definitely warm and hot as I wandered around Marseille. But where was the glamorous, Mediterranean essense, I was searching for. Marseille, was architecturally beautiful, with stunning views across the Mediterranean sea, and the way the town is built around The Notre Dame de la Garde, creates a prominent focal point in the city. From above maybe this city can be seen as more glamorous, more luxurious, but down on the streets, I felt the city had lost its charm, point neuf was dirty the sea was poisoned with litter and Marseille had become a faded out tourist town, with old tacky souvenir shops and the only thing that did it justice was the weather.
The same day, I departed for Montpellier, leaving Marseille I passed through Aix en Provence, what a contrast to Marseille. Montpellier was only a place for me to stop on my way to Toulouse, to catch my flight home. Alive with summer, Montpellier was a rich vibrant town, bursting with energy, I was sad to only be stopping here for a few hours. I will definitely return soon.
Montpellier to Toulouse then home!!
I had managed to get from East to West europe on my own with no trouble, but I could not get from Montpellier to Toulouse without problems. Unfortunately the train before the one I was on broke down and then the recovery train broke down along side it. What are the chances!!!
Fours hours later the problems were solved, merci SNCF. I did however get to meet some cool people, and the meal 'gratuit' was a nice gesture, but at the cost of missing my flight.
By the next day I was safely back home, England it had been to long.
Nattie x
