Marseille. Descriptions & Excursions.

Marseille is located in the region Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur in France on the coast of the Gulf of Lion, part of the Mediterranean Sea, near the mouth of the Rhône, 200 km from Nice. Marseille is the second largest city in France, covering an area of 241 km² having a population of about 900 thousand inhabitants. One of Europe's oldest cities, founded around 600 BC and known to the ancient Greeks as Massalia, Marseille has been a trading port since ancient times. In particular, it experienced a considerable commercial boom during the colonial period and especially during the 19th century, becoming a prosperous industrial and trading city. 

 Vieux Port (Old harbour)

The Old Port is probably the most important part of Marseille, where all tourists head to take photos, eat some fresh fish, watch the boats or ride the Ferris wheel. The old port with its fishermen, fish market at the Belgian pier and typical restaurants, is still irresistible for its charm and is the most attractive part of Marseille. The port quay, built in 1512 and enlarged in 1855, is the most visited place in Marseille. Nowadays the Old Port still lies at the heart of the city where the manufacturing of soap, its famous savon de Marseille, began some 6 centuries ago. 

The 16th-century castle, Château d’If

From the Old Port, you should definitely go by good wether by boat to the Chateau d'If, which became famous thanks to Alexandre Dumas and his novel "The Count of Montecristo". Although some guides suggest the events actually happened, the fictional count was never actually imprisoned here, although this makes Château d’If no less fascinating: visitors will be able to learn all about the 16th-century castle’s history as a prison for real life political enemies of the state. There are boats that leave daily from the Vieux Port.

Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde

Overlooking the port is the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde or "Bonne-mère" for the people of Marseille, a Romano-Byzantine church and the symbol of the city. Inherited from this past, the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille (GPMM) and the maritime economy are major poles of regional and national activity and Marseille remains the first French port, the second Mediterranean port and the fifth European port.

The church Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde is one of Marseille’s most famous landmarks, situated on the top of a hill overlooking the city and the sea. It is most easily accessed by bus, since going there on foot means having to face the weary climb to the top, and there are buses that depart every twenty minutes or so from the Vieux Port (Old Port) and take you right up to the church’s doors. It is free to visit, and the mosaic interior, like the breathtaking views of the city, are incredibly impressive.

Since its origins, Marseille's openness to the Mediterranean Sea has made it a cosmopolitan city marked by cultural and economic exchanges with Southern Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Asia. 

In the 1990s, the Euroméditerranée project for economic development and urban renewal was launched. New infrastructures and renovations were carried out in the 2000s and 2010: the tramway, the renovation of the Hôtel-Dieu into a luxury hotel, Le Silo, the expansion of the Velodrome stadium, the CMA CGM Tower, and other quayside museums such as the Museum of Civilisations of Europe and the Mediterranean (MuCEM). 

As a result, Marseille now has the most museums in France after Paris. The city was named European Capital of Culture in 2013 and European Capital of Sport in 2017. Additionally, Marseille hosted matches at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2016. It is also home to several higher education institutions in the region, including the University of Aix-Marseille.

Another attraction of Marseille - Cite Radieuse - "shining city" - built in the late 40s and early 50s by the famous architect Le Corbusier 17-storey residential building on concrete piles.

Wander through the city's biggest avenue, La Canebière

Close to the Vieux Port and Le Panier, La Canebière is another of Marseille’s most important areas. It is the city’s biggest avenue representing the wealth that Marseille once possessed. The huge, ornate buildings and elegant hotels that once stood on each side of the street have now mostly been converted into restaurants, shops or offices, but they still conserve some of their previous grandeur. The avenue stretches almost one kilometre from the Vieux Port.

Boat ride to Les Calanques

A relaxing boat ride to the beautiful Calanques – a stretch of coast between Marseille and Cassis – is a must for anyone visiting the city, especially in the summer. Stunning views, beautiful beaches and a refreshing sea breeze are some of the highlights that travellers will be able to enjoy whilst visiting the Parc National des Calanques.

More informations You can find at the official site of Marseille Tourism.