Marseille

Marseille is the second largest city in France, after Paris, with a population of 860,363 within its administrative limits on a land area of 240 km. Located on the southeast coast of France on the Mediterranean Sea, Marseille is France's largest commercial port and largest French city on the Mediterranean coast. Marseille is the capital of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, as well as the capital of the Bouches-du-Rhône department.

Quick facts

- The oldest city in France, founded 2,600 years ago.
- 2nd most populated French city: 860,363 inhabitants.
- Surface area: 240 km2 including 100 km2 of natural areas.
- Sea front: 57 kilometers.
- Climate: 300 days of sunshine per year.
- Average temperatures: Spring 19°C / Summer 25°C / Fall 14°C / Winter 12°C.
- Transport: 2 subway lines, 2 tramway lines, 1000 bicycles in 130 stations, 85 bus lines, nearly 10,000 parking spaces in 15 parking lots.
- France's leading cruise port and freight port.
- There are currently 104 hotels (6026 rooms).

Sights

City of art and culture, Marseille will surprise you with its many wonders. The traditional and the contemporary go hand in hand in this city with a history that goes back 26 centuries. Visitors to Marseille will experience a trip through the ages, from the city's Greek and Roman origins, to the medieval religious foundations and up to modern times with the major architectural achievements of the 21st century.

  • The Old Port (Vieux-Port): In 600 B.C., the Greeks from Phocaea in Asia Minor landed in the Lacydon calanque. Throughout Antiquity and the Middle Ages, the city was established only on the northern shore of the port. Expansion toward the south only began in 1666, due to the influence of Louis XIV.
  • Notre-Dame de la Garde: Rising 154 meters above the sea, the "Garde" hill is Marseille's highest point. The basilica, whose Madonna and Child protect the city and its inhabitants, was built between 1853 and 1864, when it was consecrated.
  • Cathedrals the Old and the New Major: Located in the Panier district, they are both classified historical monuments. The first dates from the 5th century. The second was built during the rule of Napoleon I in the Romanesque-Byzantine style.
  • Palais Longchamp: a hymn to the glory of water, this monumental palace and water tower is closely related to the construction of the Durance canal. It is considered to be one of best examples of Second Empire architecture in Marseille.
  • Islands of the Frioul and the Château d'If: A limestone silhouette off the coast of Marseille, the four islands that make up the Frioul archipelago point toward the shore: Pomègues, Ratonneau, If and Tiboulen. Alexandre Dumas made the Château d'If famous, using the island as the prison setting for his hero, the Count of Monte Cristo. The castle is a former fortress that was built under the rule of François I in order to defend the city.
  • Palais du Pharo: the mythical palace of Napoleon III who wanted to reside right on the water, the Pharo palace is one of the Phocaean city's landmarks. Towering above the sea, surrounded by vast gardens, the building is an ideal location for seminars and leisurely strolls.
  • Château Borély and its park: Formerly the property of the Borély family, it was built in 1766. Part of the estate was purchased by the city in the middle of the 19th century. Among the attractions in the 17-hectare park are a lake, French gardens, a rose garden, a botanical garden, shaded lawns and bicycle paths. The site is highly appreciated by many of Marseille's inhabitants. The castle is currently undergoing renovation work.