France's Oldest City and Its Mediterranean Heart
Marseille is a port city on the Mediterranean coast of southern France, the capital of the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. It was founded around 600 BC by Greek traders from Phocaea as Massalia, and the Vieux-Port, its old harbour, has been the city's centre ever since. Today it is France's second-largest city, a place of strong character, multicultural food and energetic neighbourhoods that win visitors over with their frankness and warmth.
The skyline is anchored by Notre-Dame de la Garde, the hilltop basilica known as the Bonne Mere, which looks over the harbour and the sea. At the harbour mouth, the MuCEM, a museum of Mediterranean civilisations opened in 2013 when Marseille was European Capital of Culture, links to the old fort of Saint-Jean through a footbridge. Le Panier, the oldest quarter, climbs in pastel lanes of street art, ateliers and cafes, and the Palais Longchamp adds a grand nineteenth-century flourish.
Bouillabaisse, the Calanques and Island Views
Food is Marseille's signature: bouillabaisse, the saffron-scented fish stew, is the classic order, alongside panisses, sea urchins, fresh fish at the Vallon des Auffes and the sweet orange-blossom navettes, biscuits from the city's oldest bakery. Cafes serve pastis in the old harbour at the end of the day, and the markets around Noailles offer spices from across the Mediterranean. The city's multicultural kitchens give it one of France's most exciting food scenes, from North African couscous to modern bistros.
Nature is on the doorstep. The Calanques National Park, a dramatic coast of white limestone cliffs and turquoise inlets, begins just beyond the city, with boat trips and walking trails leading to hidden coves. Boats also run to the Chateau d'If, made famous by The Count of Monte Cristo, and to the Frioul islands. Le Corbusier's Cite Radieuse offers architecture lovers an icon of modernism. Nearby, the French Riviera and St Tropez stretch east, while Corsica lies across the sea.
Read the full Marseille guide on Visit Travel Group, or see VisitMarseille.co.uk on Visit Travel Group.