As large as Marseille is you will always find Vieux Port, the heart of the city. Where the basilica Notre-Dame de la Garde stands high, overlooking the centre. Where the City Hall, cultural sites and commerce are down at the Marina of the Old Harbor. Vieux Port can be viewed all around – 360°.

It is the best part of Marseille. It combines such a diversity. Sea, sky, sea breeze, sailboats, ferries, parks, design ancient and modern, museums, commerce, activities and leisure, beauty and art … all adored by young and old.

MUCEM – the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations is linked by a pedestrian bridge to the Old City Wall that contains the Old Harbor. The area extends into docks for ferries, leading further along the coast to industrial sectors.

Sometimes you are just lucky. One day I noticed the gates of the Jardin Botanique in Borely Park standing invitingly open. No ticket needed. You don’t have to ask me twice. There were flowers I had never seen before. At the pond of the Chinese garden I did some goldfish ‘fishing’ with my camera. Like real fishing, this also takes quite some patience, but no fish are harmed.

At my recent visits to the Calanques I heard that the Cicadas are much louder during the heat of the summer. I find their lively presence pleasant, it contributes to a sound meditation, keeping you focused. I have seen these views of sea and mountains so many times and they keep inspiring me. The play of light is every time different, so is the color of the sea.

Summertime late-evenings with sea breeze, soft-spoken people, silent runners, quiet traffic .. all contained by the gentle changing light of the setting sun. Fulfilling days come to a golden end.

All Photos Copyright © 2019-2020 August Timmermans – All Rights Reserved