Hot off the press – Hammersmith Chess Club is heading to Marseille! From Friday 17th to Sunday 19th October 2025, we’ll be visiting the brilliant club of Marseille Échecs for a long weekend of chess, friendship, food, and fun. This promises to be an amazing trip — Marseille Échecs has over 1,000 members and is one of Europe’s great chess institutions. If you’ve ever been on a Hammer tour before, you’ll know they’re simply the best!
🗓 Itinerary (TBC)
Friday 17 October
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- Arrive and settle into the hotel
- 6pm: Blitz tournament at Marseille Échecs, followed by food and drinks with our hosts
Saturday 18 October
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- Cultural sightseeing in the morning
- 1pm: Long-play match (winner takes the Challenge Cup!)
- Group dinner and drinks in the evening
Sunday 19 October
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- More Marseille adventures in the morning
- Group lunch
- Return travel home
✈️ Travel Options
Ryanair – Stansted to Marseille
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- Outbound: 07:25 or 14:10 (Friday 17 Oct)
- Return: 12:50 (Sunday 19 Oct)
EasyJet – Gatwick to Marseille
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- Outbound: 08:00 or 17:20 (Friday 17 Oct)
- Return: 12:40 or 22:05 (Sunday 19 Oct)
✳️ Recommended: EasyJet at 08:00 Friday and 22:05 Sunday.
🏨 Hotel
We’re planning a group booking at Hotel Life Marseille VP – Vieux Port. Prices will be confirmed shortly.
✅ What You Need to Do
1. Book your flights
2. Email Lord Clueless (John) at jdrw9591@gmail.com by 25 August 2025 with:
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- Your name
- Number in your party
- Room preference: Single / Double / Twin
John (with help from Benji) will coordinate hotel bookings.
🌟 Top Things to Do in Marseille
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- Cours Julien (street art, cafés, markets)
- Notre-Dame de la Garde
- MuCEM (Museum of European & Mediterranean Civilisations)
- Electric Bike Tour of the city
- Palais Longchamp
- Provençal cuisine!
📣 Join the Tour!
Huge thanks to Matt Perchard and Benji Portheault for making this happen.
Let’s get packing — and make this another unforgettable Hammer trip.
Email now to join the fun!
John White
aka Lord Clueless