When people think of France, the place that likely springs to mind first is Paris. This city is undoubtedly the most famous in France, home to the Louvre, the Eiffel tower and many more iconic places.
However, it is also a victim of overtourism, with millions of people flocking there every year. As a result, Paris has lost its authenticity in places, with chain shops and tourist traps popping up across the city. If you want a more authentic experience for your next trip to France, then there’s a city which has recently been named the most authentic in Europe and it’s under two hours from the UK.
According to research from InsureandGo, Marseille is the most authentic place in Europe.
To get this result, the company analysed 1.3 million Google Maps reviews to see which are most often described as genuinely local rather than tourist-focused or overpriced.
At the top of the list, with a score of 51.5 out of 100 is Marseille. Experts said: “Marseille’s working-port neighbourhoods feel lived-in rather than curated for tourists, offering visitors a genuine insight into what life is like for locals in one of France’s most multicultural centres.”
The medieval city is also one of the sunniest in France with a balmy Mediterranean climate and gorgeous turquoise water along its impressive 26 miles of coastline.
The Port of Marseille is well worth a wander. It’s a major link for cargo, cruise and ferry services and also packed with bars and restaurants to stop in for a snack or a drink to watch the world go by.
Marseille is the oldest city in France and outside of the port it offers no shortage of charming, winding streets to lose yourself in.
For a daytrip outside the city, you can check out its national park, Calanques National Park. In January, temperatures in Marseille begin to warm up to around 12C whereas in the high summer it can reach up to 27C in June.