Marseille (France) – the most detailed information about the city with photos. Marseille’s main attractions with a description, guides and cards.
Contents
City of Marseille (France)
Marseille is one of the largest cities in France and the capital Provence – Alpes – Côte d’Azur region. It is the largest port Mediterranean located in the southeastern part of the country on shore of the Gulf of Lyon. Marseille is the most ancient and French multinational city that has a lush southern temperament. Its population is a fusion of several cultures: the French, Italians, Spaniards, Arabs, Comorians. But it is this multiculturalism, vibrant urban life and some recklessness makes Marcel such an enchanting place.
Many probably know about Marseille thanks to the famous series films Luc Besson’s “Taxi”.
- Geography and climate
- Practical information
- Story
- sights
- Video
- Maps and guides
- Comments and reviews
Geography and climate
Marseille is located in the south-east of France on the shores of Lyon. Gulf of the Mediterranean Sea near the mouth of the Rhone. The city is located on the coastal hills. In the vicinity there are many beaches and rocky bays (calanques). The climate of Marseille is Mediterranean. The summer is hot and dry, and the winter is quite mild with rare frosts.
Streets of marseille
Practical information
- The population is more than 860 thousand people.
- The area is 240.62 km².
- Currency – Euro.
- Visa – Schengen.
- The language is French.
- Time – Central European UTC +1, in summer +2.
- The international airport is located 30 km from the city.
- Marseille can be reached by high-speed trains from Paris, Lyon, Strasbourg, Nice, Frankfurt, Geneva and Brussels. There is night train to Barcelona.
- Bars and pubs are concentrated in the old port, La Plaine and La Joliette
- The most famous traditional dishes are bouillabaisse (fish soup) and aïoli (garlic sauce with vegetables and cod).
- Cheap food: kebabs along the Canebière and snack bars around the Cours Belsunce.
Story
Marseille was founded in the 7th century BC. by the Phocian Greeks under called Massalia. The settlement quickly turned into a thriving trading city that founded its trading posts around Mediterranean coast and valley of the Rhone. Further Massalia was an ally of Rome, while not supporting Pompey the Great in the conflict with Julius Caesar. After that, the city was captured by Caesar’s troops, lost the entire merchant fleet and gradually fell into disrepair.
Old port
A new round of development and prosperity of Marseille fell on Middle Ages. In the 10th century thanks to the dukes of Provence and the Cross the city began to play an important role in trade and transit freight. In 1481, Marseille, along with all Provence, became part of France. In 1720-1722, a plague raged in the city. During epidemic killed more than 50% of the population.
Streets of Marseille
During the Great French Revolution, Marseille supported Republicans. Therefore, it is no coincidence that the anthem of the French Republic called “Marseillaise”. Marcel again declined in the period Napoleonic wars. In the future, the situation has changed the opening Suez Canal, which turned the city into the largest port The Mediterranean.
sights
Old port
The old port is one of the oldest and most charming places. Marcel This old harbor with serene blue waters and hundreds boats and yachts gives you the opportunity to feel the atmosphere of the city and touch his story. Also the old port is one of the best places. for walking and gastronomic adventures. This is where you can try the most delicious and real bouillabaisse.
Notre Dame de la Garde
Notre-Dame-de-la-Grad – impressive basilica in neo-Byzantine style which is one of the most iconic the sights of marseille. The church is built on top of a hill. and is visible from almost anywhere in the city. This hill in antiquity was used as an observation point, and in the Middle Ages a small church was built here. Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde has a beautiful marble facade (made of white and green limestone) and luxurious interior. The top of the bell tower crowned by a huge gilded Madonna. It also opens from here stunning view of marseille.
De la mayor
De la Mayor – the huge cathedral in neo-Byzantine style, located in the northwest quarter of Le Panier. Built between 1852 and 1893 from a mixture of white and green limestone cathedral harmoniously combines Romanesque and Byzantine styles. The interior is richly decorated with marble and mosaics, and in the crypt there are tombs of bishops. Cathedral de la Mayor is one of the largest religious buildings of the 19th century.
Basilica Saint Victor
Basilica Saint-Victor – one of the oldest buildings in Marseille, the origins which go to the era of the Carolingians. The church is built on the site Early Christian abbey and resembles a medieval fortress. Towers were added in the 11th and 14th centuries.
Old hospital
The old hospital (Vieille Charité) is a historic building from the 18th century. In the center of the hospital complex is a chapel, built between 1679 and 1707, which is an excellent example Italian Baroque architecture. Now here are located exposition of the Museum of Modern Art.
Castle If
If castle is one of the most famous sights. Marseille, a powerful fort on the island of Friulsky archipelago of the same name in the Mediterranean. Located 4 km from the city and is available on ferry that departs from the old port. Castle If is known thanks to the novel by A. Dumas “The Count of Monte Cristo”. The fortress was built in the 16th century during the reign of François I. Soon after this fortification was turned into a prison. At 17 century, there were imprisoned Huguenots (Protestants). Now The castle is available to the general public.
Old city Marseille
Old Town (Le Panier) – a colorful old neighborhood located on the hills above the old port. Is historical and cultural center of the city, inhabited since Antiquity. This a quarter with steep narrow winding streets and quaint pastel buildings gives you the opportunity to experience the authentic atmosphere old marcel
La Canebière
La Canebière – a lively boulevard and one of the main streets Marseille with many monumental buildings of the 17th and 18th centuries.
LeCalanques
Le Calanques – famous rocky bays in the vicinity of Marseille with beautiful nature and turquoise sea.
Fort Saint-Jean
Fort Saint-Jean was founded by the Knights of Malta. Huge square tower to protect the port dates back to 1423, the tower lighthouse – 1644 year. The fort itself was built by order of Louis Xiv.
Town hall
Town Hall – a beautiful building in the style of Baroque architecture, built in the 17th century. This place has been used by traders since 13 century.
Place Thiars
Place Thiars is a charming square located on site. old arsenal and warehouses.
Video
Maps and guides
Tourist Card
