As the oldest and second largest city in France, Marseille is an extremely fascinating destination with a sparkling Mediterranean coastline, vibrant culture and a glorious Old Port.

History

The area of Marseille has been inhabited for almost 30,000 years. Marseille the city was founded in 600 BC by Greeks from Phocaea as the trading port Massalia - the first Greek port in Western Europe and was the first settlement to be granted city status in France. The Greek colony allied itself with the Roman Republic for protection following the opposing alliance of the Etrucans, Carthage and Celts. This alliance brought the complex Roman market to the city with which it thrived and remained independent until 49 BC. During the 18th century the port’s defences were improved and the city became France’s leading military port in the Mediterranean. When the French Revolution broke out the Marseille population embraced the situation enthusiastically by sending 500 volunteers to Paris to defend the revolutionary government. The 19th century saw the rise of the French Empire and the opening of the Suez Canal and with it a rise in the prosperity of the city with a dramatic increase in trade. 1962 saw a large influx of immigrants from the newly independent Algeria giving the city a vibrant French-African quarter.  Marseille today is France’s largest and most important port and due to extensive expansion projects is the French city most on the rise.

Getting In & Getting Around

Marseille Provence International Airport is located 30km (19 miles) from the city centre and serves a number of domestic and international destinations. Bus and train services connect the airport and the city. The city’s main train station is Marseille St Charles which has TGV connections to Paris, Nice and Brussels. Trains also operate here to and from Barcelona. Direct bus services link Marseille with a range of European destinations including Barcelona and Prague. The city centre has a comprehensive transport network consisting of two metro lines, 80 bus lines and two tramway lines.

Culture, Sights & Attractions

Marseille always has been and continues to be a cultural melting pot. As the oldest city, and the largest port, in France there is much to be seen and done in Marseille. Le Vieux Port (Old Harbour) is one of the highlights of the city. Here you can watch local fisherman selling their stock, enjoy a leisurely stroll or sample some fresh off the boat seafood. Notre Dame de la Garde is the magnificent church that overlooks the city and can be seen from everywhere you go in Marseille. Climb to the top of the hill for unrivalled panoramic views of the sea of terracotta roofs that lie below. The Boulevard and Palais Longchamp are some of the most popular sights in the city – admire the beautiful architecture and the Musée des Beaux Arts.

Eating Out

Marseille is abounded with restaurants ranging from traditional Provençal cuisine to foods from all around the world. The many famous local dishes such as bouillabaisse, ratatouille, aioli and tapenade are a must when visiting the city. Whether you want somewhere quaint or lively, formal or relaxed, in-expensive or pricey, you won’t be short of options in Marseille.

Outside The City

When visiting Marseille there are lots of things to see and do outside the city. The Château d’If is a famous fort turned prison on a small island off the city and can be easily reached by tour boats from the Old Harbour. The Calanques are beautiful fjords, of sparkling blue sea and spectacular lime stone cliffs, found near Cassis and are easily reached by bus services. If you’re feeling energetic enough take the walk from Cassis back to Marseille for magnificent views. The classical Provençal town of Aix-en-Provence, one of France’s richest towns, home to a great selection of shops, beautiful architecture and abundance of famous fountains scattered across the town. Aix is just half an hour away from Marseille.

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