Capital of the French Riviera, Marseille is one of the most beautiful cities in France, with a great cultural variety, lots of tourist attractions, an excellent cuisine and a great landscape over the Mediterranean. Founded by the Greeks in the 7th century BC, Marseille still bears the traces of that ancient civilization even in its present-day name. Marseille supposedly comes from the word Massalia. The city used to be the first Greek port in the Western part of the continent, and it was included in an economic alliance and protectorate relationship with the Roman Republic. Later it served as a link between the empire and Gaul.
The Chateau d’if In Marseille
It was on the basis of the Greek city that the Romans further developed Massalia, and the ruins are still visible today, included in many tours of the city. Later, Marseille came under the influence of the Holy Roman Empire, the rule of Charlemagne, and only in the 15th century became part of France. It is from Marseille, that The French Revolution knew its first beginnings, and the famous song, now France’s national hymn, La Marseillaise was composed. Present day Marseille is a great cultural city, with impressive museums and highly charming sights, not to mention plenty of leisure activities. A guided tour around the city is well worth taking the time out for.
One focal point of attraction is the Old Port of Marseille; bombarded by the Nazis during World War II, it was reconstructed and now welcomes thousands of tourists every day. Not only is it guarded by two impressive forts, Fort St. Nicolas and Fort St. Jean, but this is also one of the best places to eat in town. The Belgian Quay is the open market for fresh fish, and most of the restaurants in the area provide some excellent traditional dishes such as fish soup for called bouillabaisse. The quays on the shores of the Mediterranean are a great spot to relax, enjoy the sun and generally just chill out.
Since we are so close to the harbour, you have to visit Saint Mary Lighthouse, an impressive sight that watches over the seas from its seventy feet height. Though it no longer is in use, it is open for visitors and it’s part of Marseille’s cultural heritage. Several TV shows broadcast all over the world have been shot here. You can also enjoy a boat trip on the pleasant waters of the Mediterranean and get a better and unique view of the white limestone Lighthouse from the sea side. This edifice also impresses at night when it can be viewed from the distance due to electrical illumination that has been installed there since the 1920’s.
The Cathedrale de la Major Basilica
For a great insight into the history of the city there is no better place than Marseilles History Museum; it contains important vestiges from the Greek and Roman era and the only entirely preserved 6th century boat hull in the whole world. You should visit this museum in parallel with another similar sight: The Art Museum. Exhibits from Provence millennial history are on display in several galleries within the Longchamp Castle. A peculiarity of the place, that tourists simply love, is the aquarium, considered one of a kind in this part of Europe. You’ll find not only animals specific to the Mediterranean, but some species come from all of the five oceans.
Marseilles doesn’t come short of religious sights either, but the most important and rewarding one is the basilica Notre Dame de la Garde. Situated in one of the city’s hilly areas, this church is representative for the Neo-Byzantine style and is a place of pilgrimage, particularly in August at the time of the Assumption. What you’ll definitely find impressive is a statue of the Holy Virgin that is also considered the protector of the entire city. Enjoy your stay!