I visited Marseille last weekend. Marseille does not have a good reputation in particular among the French themselves. Some of my French friends frowned at me or looked slightly in shock when I told them I went there.
Yes and my verdict – as suggested by the title of this blog, I don’t think the general opinion of Marseille has done it justice. I have a few points.
#1) There are regional manners even within a single country. The fact that Marseillais are more direct and abrupt (at times) does not necessarily make them of worse manners than people other parts of France. Their manners are different, but not necessary better or worse. Some people found the Marseillais warm and unpretentious.
#2) Don’t form a firm opinion of a place or a person before you get to know it/him/her. You can have some ideas and findings but stay objective till you are ready to conclude (don’t jump to it)
#3) Petty crimes (pickpockets and such) happen in all big cities. We do need to be prudent and vigilant when we are there.
I would say go to Marseille and find out for yourself :>