MARSEILLE: ISN’T LIFE GRAND? | TF1 | Reportages

Sunshine 230 days of the year, the beach in the middle of town, property half the price of Paris: every year, 15,000 “newcomers” move to Marseille. Ever since it was named as European Capital of Culture in 2013, the city has been undergoing a total revolution. A renewal that has propelled the city into the “top 3” favorite destinations of the New York Times. Marseille, the steamy city, is gradually changing its face!

For Soraya and her 8-year-old son, Issa, the story begins at the Gare de Lyon in Paris. At the age of 42, this single mom, decided to drop everything and follow her dream: to move to Marseille. The Parisian has just one month to find a roof, a school for her son and start a new professional life, as a stylist in a department store: “I’m leaving it all behind; it’s not easy. For me, this is a big leap. I’m doing all I can to keep things under control, but actually, life is never like that!”

At 58, Bernard, born in Marseille, is about to leave the National Police force. He plans to devote his retirement to Marseille. He wants to restore the image of “his” city by becoming a “Greeter”, a volunteer guide: “I want to show the people who come to Marseille that there’s more to it than settling scores, than trashcans.” Alongside this passionate fan with a sense of humor, we discover the true face of Marseille, neighborhoods that are still authentic, far from the paths beaten by the tour operators.

The other face of Marseille is that of the countryside in the heart of the northern neighborhoods. Augustin wants to bring new life to a family property, by cooking “Made in Marseille” vegetables: “As a 4^th generation Marseillais, I believe I have to respect my good luck and try to do something for the future of Marseille.” To launch their little business, Augustin and his buddies from the Terre de Mars collective must accept a challenge: sell their products at the Gastronomy Fair.

Alexandre, 25, a kid from the problem neighborhoods, is on his way to conquer the city’s new luxury hotel overlooking the Old Port. Thanks to his mentor, Head Barman Xavier, he is discovering the world of luxury. “The Boss gave me my chance. Not everybody gets a chance like this. But I put in a lot of hard work to get here!” He has one month to invent a cocktail that could feature on this 5-star hotel’s menu. Together, Alexandre and Xavier are gambling on inventing luxury “Marseille style”.