The purpose of my visit to the city of Marseille was to capture a single image. I had envisioned an image taken at Vieux-Port (Old Port), from a high vantage point, during the golden hour. I've long loved harbors and boats, and had photographed them multiple times over the years. Still, It seemed like a lot to effort to plan and travel to Marseille for that simple reason, but in the end I was able to capture the image that I had envisioned.

I arrived in Marseille by train from Paris. Upon arrival I checked into Hotel Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port as it overlooked the port (I had booked a room with a outdoor balcony). After checking in, it was time to take a walk around the port and see what it had to offer, in the way of viewpoints and a quick meal. The light was not good for photography, but I still enjoyed exploring the port, smelling the salt air and looking at the reflections of the boats in the calm waters. There were a number of historical boats docked near the walkway, so I stopped to take in their beauty; solid wood, hand built and crafted.

Later that day, I setup the camera on the balcony and began taking photos as the sun set and the harbor lights came on (my favorite at the top of the page). I continued until well after dark.

The next morning, I walked up the hill behind the hotel to visit the Palais du Pharo, a century-old palace built in Second Empire style by Emperor Napoleon III for Empress Eugénie, starting in 1858. It was a short 10 minute walk up the hill, surrounded by a park with people out walking their dogs and enjoying the morning as I was.

I found another great view of the port from the grounds of the palace, high above the entrance to the harbor and just sat and watched the boats as they set out into the Mediterranean, smelling the crisp sea air.

On the way back to the hotel, I found a path that paralleled the old port and took a few images from there (my favorite image of the visit below).