We took the long route from Milano to Marsiglia (Marseille) in order to enjoy the sea views.

The first leg was to Ventimiglia which did not start out particularly scenic.

Little places I’ve not heard of like Tortona.

Near Genova (Genoa)

Started to see the water.

Ventimiglia is a small place. The train station had only one convenience store with a small food service area, a bit like an Auto Grill. The second leg on a little train to Nice had great views.

Within minutes we crossed the border to France. The views did not change. Helped to have a window seat:

No one ever checked our passports when we crossed the border or even asked to see our tickets. The final leg was on a TGV which moved slowly at times.

Lots of sea views

The temperature along the Mediterranean was noticeably warmer and more humid than in Milano. I was surprised to see vineyards. I don’t think of the Marseille area as wine producers.

By the time we reached Marseille, it was dark.

A quick taxi ride downhill to the port area

and our hotel, Les Bords de Mer. Our compact room with a seaview:

We had dinner at the hotel restaurant which lived up to its good reputation. Scott started with fish soup which was like bouillabaisse but without all the chunks of fish and seafood.

I had razor clams done two ways: one with citrus, the other a buttery crumb accompanied by a green pesto-like sauce and a yellow citrus sauce.

Scott had monk fish.

I had mushroom risotto.

We had not eaten much all day but dinner was filling.