Culture and Fashion

This little community of Marseille lovers welcomes visitors hoping to discover the city differently. It’s indie tourism!

By Caroline Taret - Photos DR Marseille Provence Greeters - February 13, 2012

‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do.’ Today this proverb can be adapted to fit cities like Buenos Aires, Paris, Nantes or Marseille thanks to “Greeters,” volunteers who strive to get people acquainted with their city in the manner they live and love it. Locals take on tour a few visitors who wish to leave the beaten path and get a real taste of the city for a few hours thanks to native expertise! These Greeters know their city or region like the back of their hand and don’t hesitate to share their habits, secrets, and personal anecdotes. The result? Unique moments based on curiosity and sharing: unforgettable encounters. The concept was born in 1992 in New York at the

initiative of Lynn Brooks, and has since developed throughout the world. In Marseille, Rabiha Benaissa imported and organized this new tourism trend after discovering the association of Nantes Greeters: the young woman is immersed in the industry as the international press contact for the Provence-Alps-Côte d’Azur Regional Tourism Committee, and immediately understood what this manner of visiting Marseille could bring to her city, which sometimes still suffers from a bad reputation. Rabiha set up the association of Marseille-Provence Greeters in 2009 with peanuts, “we are part of a co-operative economy” she explains.

Today this organization benefits from European Funds grants as well as support from the region: the number of Greeters is growing, from 40 in 2011 to 60 in 2012, and perhaps 90 in 2013! Greeters are full of enthusiasm, each has their own centers of interest that enrich the themes of these tours, they are recruited by word of mouth, and participate on average once a month for a two-hour epic with between three and six people. These volunteers (who collect donations at the end of the experience) get involved because they enjoy it and make an effort to provide a high quality offering to their “guests.”

Their contribution complements that of a classic tour guide, more tailored and nuanced. According to your interests or just your desires, a Marseille Greeter will lead your visit as if you were a friend looking to explore and enjoy the region. A passionate fan of the local football team, the Olympique de Marseille – the sport is a genuine institution in Marseille – Cathie asks you to plunge into the world of a football supporter. Ludo will take you on a visit to the market, the irresistible Gérard will take you to the Calanques, Rahiba will select all the exotic addresses to experience an original and authentic meal.

Discover

The Association Marseille-Provence Greeters

the website

The number of themed excursions just keeps growing within this welcoming gang: discover young designers and craftspeople, an introduction to Provençal plants and their uses, architecture, fashion… In short, Marseille from every angle. Soon, you’ll know the city inside and out too!

Ludo will show you his favorite markets in Marseille

Gérard, The Greeter specialized in Calanques

La montée des Accoule in le Panier, one of Marseille's popular neighbourhoods.