Testimonials from our tour guides

1/ What was your path to becoming a guide? And why did you choose this profession?

I went to architecture school, but I quickly realized that what I liked was built heritage, not construction. I went on to study for a BTS in Tourism, then got my first job in a vineyard where I led tours of wine cellars. These visits were a turning point for me. I went back to school to get my national guide lecturer card.

2/ What’s it like to be a guide in France’s oldest city?

It’s a big responsibility, but an extraordinary playground! Marseille offers so many sights, you never get tired of it.

3/ What’s your favorite neighborhood?

The Old Port and its south and north banks for its historical heritage. It’s where it all began, it’s the base of Marseille!

1/ What was your path to becoming a guide? And why did you choose this profession?

I studied political science, but I’ve always loved tourism. After a few years away from home, I came back to Marseille and realized the potential of my city. I spoke several languages at the time, and the idea of promoting my city and being a tour guide was an obvious one for me.

2/ How does it feel to be a guide in France’s oldest city?

It’s a great source of pride, even if there are a lot of clichés. In my eyes, it’s the richest city in France in terms of history. It’s a city of shopkeepers, a city on the move. There are always new things to discover, new political and human developments. It’s THE most unique city in France. There’s no other Marseille!

3/ What’s your favorite neighborhood?

Saint Lambert, my home! A little-known neighborhood in the 7th arrondissement. Simple, not particularly beautiful, but warm and welcoming. A neighborhood with a village spirit but very central.

1/ What was your path to becoming a guide? And why did you choose this profession?

I did a BTS in Tourism with validation of my guide lecturer card as part of my degree. I’ve always loved being out in the field, talking about history, telling anecdotes, discovering monuments. I’ve always loved culture, my city and my southern region.

I became interested in being a tour guide following a visit I took on vacation in Austria when I was young. The guide was fascinating and clearly made me want to do this job!

2/ What’s it like to be a guide in France’s oldest city?

It’s a lot of responsibility, but a lot of pride too! The people of Marseille have a very special bond with their city. So being a lecturer here means having the chance to showcase all this heritage and culture. Marseille has many facets, it’s a bit like a rough diamond, there’s always something to learn from it.

3/ What’s your favorite neighborhood?

Saint Barnabé, my neighborhood! I’ve lived there for 47 years. It’s a village nucleus, outside the city center, with little shady squares. It’s the “other” Marseille.