Colorful and authentically Mediterranean, Marseille, one of Frances most historic cities, is ideal for exploring in every season.
Marseille is the most important port city ofFranceand the countrys second-largest city, after Paris. This distinctive city of the French South, in the region of Provence, is steeped in history. Many call it «the Greek city of France» because it was founded by Greek Phocaeans around 600 BC. Marseilles strategic position in the Mediterranean turned the city into a melting pot of peoples and cultures.
The former «sinful» port is enjoying a second youth today. The city has literally been transformed thanks to regeneration projects by famous architects and moved decisively onto the travel map of France and Europe after 2013 and its designation as European Capital of Culture. Sun-drenched (with an average of 300 sunny days), colorful and authentically Mediterranean, Marseille is a destination for all seasons.
What to see
Old Port
The Vieux Port, the old port, remains Marseilles signature landmark. It is the citys most photographed spot and the one that sets its pulse. Stroll around the entire horseshoe, from the star-shaped St-Nicolas fort guarding the southern side of the harbor to Fort St-Jean on the northern side. Here youll also see one of the citys most popular new attractions, the mirror canopy, by renowned British architect Norman Foster.
Mucem
At the old port, next to Fort St Jean, lies an architectural marvel that forms part of Marseilles revival since 2013: the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations (MuCEM), with a wealth of exhibits related to the Mediterranean. Designed by Algerian-born architect Rudy Ricciotti, it boasts two striking buildings, a lovely garden and a restaurant-café.
Château dIf
Take the boat from the old port to visit the small islet Chateau d’If with the fortress-prison where the Count of Monte Cristo was held in the eponymous novel written in 1844 by Alexandre Dumas.
Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde
Climb to the citys highest point and to Notre Dame de la Gare, the grand basilica with the golden statue of the Virgin on its bell tower, a symbol of the city. Its interior is adorned with vivid frescoes, mosaics and works of art, while the exterior offers spectacular views over the city. You can take the bus or the little train from the old port or walk about 30 minutes.
Le Panier
Marseille has its own Montmartre - and that is the Le Panier district, which lies north of the Vieux Port. In the oldest and most picturesque part of Marseille you will discover a charming world filled with graffiti, small shops and artists workshops, bistros, delicatessens and cafés with a laid-back pace. Its worth stopping at the baroque La Vieille Charité, the 17th-century almshouse that today houses the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology, the Museum of the Arts of Africa, Oceania and the Americas, the International Center of Poetry of Marseille, cinema and exhibition spaces.
Longchamp Palace
Following Longchamp Avenue you will reach the namesake palace with the impressive fountain and the gorgeous park. Here you can visit the Museum of Fine Arts and the Natural History Museum.
What to try
In the local cuisine, fresh fish take pride of place, with the famous fish soup bouillabaisse (μπουγιαμπέσα) taking center stage. In the restaurants of the old port and on La Canebière you will taste the traditional signature soup, as well as mussels, oysters, prawns, stuffed or fried squid, and Mediterranean dishes that smell of the sea. The city also has a deep love for pizza.
Marseilles local markets are full of delicious treasures. Wander through the labyrinthine maze of outdoor stalls at the Marché des Capucin in the Noailles district. Whether its seasonal fruit and vegetables from Provence or Middle Eastern halva or North African spices, this open-air market reflects multicultural Marseille. The journey through the worlds flavors continues at the ethnic restaurants of Cours Julien.
Shopping
No one leaves the city without taking home savon de Marseille, the traditional hard soap, made with a 600-year-old recipe, with vegetable oils and seawater from the Mediterranean. It is sold throughout the city. Visit one of the traditional workshops to see up close how the famous Marseille soap is made and to learn about its history and method of production.
Nearby excursions
From Marseille you can visit the resort of Cassis with its crystalline turquoise waters, as well as the impressive Calanques National Park which consists of fjords of unique beauty with high cliffs and small beaches. Most of these are accessible only by sea (excursion boats depart from Marseilles old port). A day trip to Aix-en-Provence is also worthwhile, a small and beautiful city with old houses, maze-like alleys and little squares.
