Marseille with Deba

Marseille with DebaHow to holiday in France like a local

Model and actor Deba Hekmat fell hard for Marseille — and we don’t blame her. Now calling the city her second home, she shows us the best of the spots, tips, and tricks that make the perfect southern French vacation.

By Justin Kendall

9 May 2025 · 4 min read

Deba Hekmat wasn’t born in Marseille, but to her the city feels like home. When she visited for the first time a few years ago, it was for a girls’ holiday. But on that trip, the model and actor found love, and five days turned into a month. Now, as we walk the streets of France’s sun-drenched southern port where Deba spends much of her time, it feels like she’s something of a micro-celeb: despite her broken French, she’s greeted by every shopkeeper, restaurant owner, and cab driver as a long-lost friend.

Deba’s energy is infectious, and her perspective is global. Deeply proud of her Kurdish heritage, she became a London girlie after her family moved to the city when she was young; she also did a brief stint in Cardiff with her mum before moving back to the capital. At 16, Deba started modelling, and since then she’s been a social media personality, an activist, a writer, and most recently an actor — catch her in Last Swim, which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival last year.

Once thought of as dangerous and rough around the edges, Marseille is now the envy of Europe, with creatives from all the continent’s major capitals flocking to the city for their sunny, culinary city escape. But few know it like Deba. Let her be your guide.

“ Marseille is super hilly so [take] some comfortable trainers to walk in. Plus a microfibre towel because they take up no space and are handy for days you wind up by the beach. ”

- Deba Hekmat

City, sun, sea

What initially drew you to Marseille?

Me and the girls needed a Euro summer!

Can you tell me about your first visit?

It was the first time in years that I truly felt like a kid again, learning about new things, exploring new places, meeting all sorts of people.

Marseille is known for its culinary scene. Are there any spots that stand out for you?

My all-time favourite place to eat in Marseille is Mama Africa! The owner Félicité is a remarkable woman who has become my Marseille auntie. She calls me daughter and gives me bissap when I pop in to say hello. Best Ivorian food in town!

You’re going to Marseille for a long weekend. What are the absolute essentials you’re packing?

Marseille is super hilly so definitely some comfortable trainers to walk in. Plus a microfibre towel because they take up no space and are super handy for days you wind up by the beach. No excuses not to swim when you have a towel!

What should you do if you’re in Marseille for 24hrs?

First, coffee outside a café. Then a fricassée sandwich in Noailles. And be sure to visit the Mucem (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations): the building itself is as astounding and interesting as the art inside, and there’s a great view of the city from the top.

Cycle over to Malmousque for a swim on Marseille’s rocky coastline and catch the sunset. Then head back up into town and grab some pizza slices by La Plaine / Le Cours Julien. Finally, bar hop ;)

What’s the best thing about this city that you can’t find anywhere else?

I love how close everything is. I can get everywhere I need to go by bike within 20-40 mins.

“ Make friends with people who live here. I really think the best way to experience [Marseille] is through its people. ”

- Deba Hekmat

What makes the community in Marseille different from in other cities?

It’s a real eclectic mix of people — all walks of life coming together in this cultural hub. You have those who are Marseille natives, those who’ve come for soul-searching in France’s sun-soaked seaside city, and the North Africans who have in many ways claimed Marseille as their own. A big mix of people.

How did you make your group of friends here?

Me and the girls were on the beach and a bro that I have mutuals with messaged me on Insta after seeing us at the playa. He told us to come and meet the wider group of bros. The first place I met everyone is the café I have tattooed on me now!

What’s your most cherished memory of hanging out here?

The first time I went for a swim at 3am! With the love of my life.

Describe the style in Marseille in 3 words.

Nike TNzzzzzz baby!

If Marseille was a track, what would it be?

‘Cherry Wine’ by Amy Winehouse and Nas. I listened to this for a month straight by the beach.

What advice would you give to someone who’s planning their first visit?

Make friends with people who live here. I really think the best way to experience this city is through its people.
Girlies, go in groups and stick together!
Cheap eats are better than fancier sit down meals.