Located on the Mediterranean coast of France, Marseille is a postcard seaside village with a busy harbor, deep blue water, and bright terra cotta rooftops that reflect the sunlight with warmth. But even though it looks like a postcard, it is a working city filled with hard working locals who are fiercely proud to call their city the oldest in France.

As a coastal city, seafood defines the cuisine of Marseille. The most famous of Marseille dishes is Bouillabaisse, a hearty fish broth. Many different types of fish (one of them traditionally scorpion fish in Marseille) are simmered with saffron, garlic, and an array of Provencal spices. The fish is removed from the liquid and served with potatoes or vegetables alongside steaming bowls of the rich broth. It is usually served with crusty bread and rouille (a saffron-scented mayonnaise).

The other major contribution Marseille has made to the French cooking tradition is the aioli: a garlicky sauce with olive oil and egg yolk as the base. The people of Marseille like to dip vegetables in it or serve it with dried fish. It is delightful slathered over a nice baguette as well.

Marseille is located in the Provence region of France and there are many popular regional dishes to sample. If you

All images are used via Creative Commons Attribution rights. View the original images on Flickr at: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4