London or Marseille

Please, allow me to be frank for a bit. When Team Scottish Interns visited Marseille a few weekends ago I was not too impressed with the city itself. I was extremely impressed with the sights and the architecture and the history, but the city was just dirty and the people were ornery (surprise, surprise). Trash was everywhere, along with graffiti on every building and feces on the walk way. However, now that I have visited London I have become more appreciative of Marseille. It took a London trip to fully appreciate Marseille and I'll tell you why... As disturbing as the city was, it did not distract from the grandeur of the sights we saw. The Massif des Calanques, Notre Dame de la Garde, Cathedral Major, Palais de Longchamp, etc. all expressed the history and character of Marseille in all its Glory. London, on the other hand, is large and clean and has plenty of very friendly people. But, after three full days of seeing what it had to offer, I left wanting. I didn't get the feel that London had retained its own identity. It is just too big and too modern. The sights we saw had just become tourist attractions. A means of making money. I didn't get any sense of history and character like I did with Marseille. I would say, in regards to the buildings and the architecture, the two cities were equal. They were designed and built by equally talented and detail-oriented individuals. The art was equal in beauty and the sculptures were equal in magnificence. But, London lacked. It lacked the sense of nostalgia and humility that usually comes from just being in the midst of such antique. London was too much like the U.S. while Marseille is the epitome of an ancient European city that American tourists are dying to experience. If I was to advise between London and Marseille, I would suggest Marseille any day!

Marseille in all its Glory! A view of the sunset from Vieux Port.