I'm going to Marseilles soon for 5 days and would appreciate any advice. In particular; where is the very cheapest place to stay, and, the best venues for music (I'm particularly interested in African music and music where people from different cultures play together).
I'd also like to know where I can eat and any markets or areas that I might find bargains (good desert boots are at the top of my list).

thanks

hi,

i can recommend the Hostel de l'Etoile it is in a very secure and quiet area of Marseille
Hotel L'Oustau du Musée
the hotel is located in Chateau-Gombert, a typical village inside the city of Marseilles.
Hotel Le Huitieme
Hotel Azur is situated in Canebière within a 5 minutes walk to Vieux Port and the Holy Charles Station, in the heart of the city!!
If you want have a look at the photos go to this link
http://www.hostelbookers.com/hostels/france/marseille/
For the food you have to taste the famous bouillabaisse and tapenade,so for the restaurants you can go the Baba of Marseille on the vieux Port ,if you like west african cuisine go to the ivoire restaurant a Noialles ,finally to taste the traditional provence cuisine go to le sud du haut at cours Julien .
If you lok for bargain go to cours julien i think you will find all you need !
I hope all these advices will help you to have a nice trip in Marseille.