Marseille is the second largest city in France and one of the oldest polities in the country. The industrial and port city borders on one of the most charming areas of France, the Cote d'Azur. According to Marseille-Tourisme, 862.000 people live in the city. A total of 1,2 million people live in the community of Marseille Provence Métropole. At the political level, Marseille is the capital of the Bouches-du-Rhône department.
Article overview Marseille
Marseilles panorama seen from the cruise ship
In the past, Marseille had a bad name. The city has been associated with filth, crime and gang warfare. Gripping French feature films added to the bias. - Those bad times are a thing of the past. The city is now inviting, tidy and lovable. The reward: In 2013, Marseille shared with the Slovak city of Košice "European Capital of Culture".
Symbol of the 2013 Capital of Culture year - the MuCEM
Marseille - some history
The time the city was founded is indefinite. Greek merchants regularly landed in the sheltered bay on the Gulf of Lion. The city is believed to have originated between 620 and 600 BC. In the 2nd century BC The Roman period began. The Romans were followed by Goths, Franks and Saracens. Marseille has been under French care since 1481.
And what about that Marseille on yourself? There is historical evidence that during the French Revolution, fighters from Marseille sang the French national anthem when they entered Paris.
Marseille - the center of southern France
The city owed a strong population and economic growth to the independence of Algeria in 1962. Tens of thousands of French Algerians, so-called "Pieds Noirs", moved to Marseille. This migration movement initially caused a strong economic upturn.
The city walls at the Place Sadi Carnot
More than 50 years later, Marseille is the economic, scientific and cultural center of the south of France. The city has France's largest port. Shipping companies and major vehicle and aircraft manufacturing companies are based in Marseille. The machine, metal and food industries are further focal points.
Container ship in Marseilles Europort
The city is a crucial transportation hub. The high-speed route Méditerranée of the TGV ends there. The international Aéroport Marseille Provence is served by many airlines. The city is also a ferry and cruise port. Ferry lines connect Marseille with Corsica and the Maghreb.
The city has been a university location since the 15th century, and the city's cultural life is rich. The city has many important museums and is an event center. A wide variety of events take place in Marseille throughout the year.
Pharo Palace - Marseille's cultural and events center
Marseille - a tourist destination of importance
Due to its mild climate and 300 days of sunshine all year round, the city is a worthwhile travel destination. The urban area covers an area of 240 square kilometers. Too much for a short stay. The good news: the main sights are in the center. They can be easily reached by public transport, especially by the excellently timed trams.
Boulevard La Canebiere
Cruise ships call at the port all year round. The cruise ships dock in two areas. Large ships become the three terminals of the MOle Leon Gourret headed in Port Maritime. These quays are about eight kilometers from the center. Ships under 200 meters in length are running Port La Joliette on. This berth is within walking distance from the center.
Cruise ship MSC Bellissima in Marseilles port
Southern France's metropolitan area is definitely worth a visit. We count them among those cities that can be discovered independently of organized excursions. Read more under Marseille sightseeing.