Spices of Marseille
France's oldest port, with a Mediterranean food culture and the Noailles market, where North African and Armenian spice sellers work.
Traded and grown here
Best time: May to October.
Marseille was founded by Greek sailors around 600 BCE. It was a main French gateway to the Mediterranean and the colonies, and the Noailles market, near the Old Port, sells spices, herbs and dried goods.
Spices and trade
Provencal cooking uses herbs de Provence, saffron, fennel and garlic. Bouillabaisse, the famous fish soup, has saffron and fennel. North African and Comorian communities have brought harissa, ras el hanout and cumin.
The place and its people
The city is a mix of French, Italian, Armenian, Algerian and Comorian communities. Its cooking is known for sea flavours and spice.
Visiting
Noailles and the Old Port are good for the markets. Bouillabaisse is served in many restaurants, though it is expensive.
A trail idea for Marseille
- Noailles market See spices from the Maghreb.
- The Old Port Visit the fish market.
- A bouillabaisse restaurant Taste the saffron soup.
- Le Panier Walk the old quarter.
Written by the EveryMasala desk with AI assistance. Background: "Marseille" on Wikipedia. Opening hours, markets and tours change; check locally before travelling. If something is wrong, tell us.
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