I recently visited a replica of La Grotte Cosquer, a cave filled with prehistoric cave drawings that is no longer accessible due to rising sea levels, soon to be destroyed.
In addition, rising temperatures and heat waves affect daily life. A few weeks ago, there was a protest against cruise ships docking in Marseille, since they are believed to contribute heavily to pollution and take money away from local businesses. Flash flooding has also been a concern, occurring in several cities across France because of heavy rain and the fact that the cities are not designed to handle such large amounts of water.
Many jobs in the area are related to the sea, and the city itself is built into the natural environment. For example, buildings fit the existing land, rather than using heavy leveling. Due to the high tourism rates, restaurants recruit seasonal servers and buskers are seen year-round. You’ll also find jewelry made from sea flora and fauna.
People tend to value their time outside of work more than in the United States. Did you know that the typical French work week is 35 hours with 5 weeks of paid vacation? In the evenings, people gather at lookout points to watch the sunset or to profit from the fresh air. Popular leisure activities include hiking, snorkeling and biking.
In other places, such as Paris or Lyon, cities are built around the main water sources (rivers). Even Aix-en-Provence takes its name from the hot springs in the area.
