Marseille is a maritime city in southern France, located on the Mediterranean coast. It is the oldest city in France, founded around 600 BC by Greek traders from Phocaea. Throughout its history, Marseille has been a major center of trade, commerce, and culture, and has played an important role in the development of the Mediterranean region.
During the Roman period, Marseille was an important commercial hub and was known as Massilia. It played a vital role in the trade between Rome and the East, and was also a center of learning and culture. The city was sacked by the Visigoths in the 5th century, but was later rebuilt and became part of the Frankish kingdom.
In the Middle Ages, Marseille was a key port in the Mediterranean, and was an important center of trade between Europe and the Middle East. The city also played a significant role in the Crusades, serving as a base for the Templars and the Hospitallers.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, Marseille became a major center of commerce and naval power, and was the main French port for trade with the Levant and the Ottoman Empire. The city was also a center of the French Resistance during World War II, and was heavily bombed by the Germans.
Today, Marseille is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, and is home to numerous museums, art galleries, and historical landmarks. It is also a major center of commerce and industry, and remains an important port for trade and shipping in the Mediterranean region.
25 fun and best things to do in Marseille.
- Explore the Old Port: The Old Port is the heart of Marseille, and it’s a great place to walk around and soak up the atmosphere.
- Visit the Notre-Dame de la Garde: This beautiful basilica offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the sea.
- Take a boat tour of the Calanques: The Calanques are a series of rocky cliffs and inlets that offer some of the most beautiful scenery in the region.
- Walk along the Corniche: This scenic road offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the city.
- Explore the MuCEM: The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations is a fascinating museum that explores the history and culture of the region.
- Visit the Château d’If: This historic fortress located on a small island off the coast of Marseille is famous for being the setting of Alexandre Dumas’ novel, The Count of Monte Cristo.
- Try bouillabaisse: This traditional fish soup is a must-try dish in Marseille.
- Visit the Palais Longchamp: This grand 19th-century palace is home to a museum and beautiful gardens.
- Go to the market at Noailles: This bustling market offers a wide range of food, spices, and other goods.
- Relax at the Plage du Prado: This beautiful beach is a great place to soak up the sun and enjoy the Mediterranean.
- Visit the Cathédrale de la Major: This impressive cathedral is a beautiful example of 19th-century architecture.
- Explore the Panier district: This charming historic district is full of narrow streets, colorful buildings, and small squares.
- Take a walk in the Parc Borély: This large park offers beautiful gardens, a lake, and a chateau.
- Visit the Jardin des Vestiges: This archaeological garden features ancient Greek and Roman ruins.
- Take a trip to the Frioul Islands: These beautiful islands off the coast of Marseille offer hiking trails, beaches, and historic sites.
- Explore the Cours Julien: This trendy neighborhood is full of street art, boutiques, and cafes.
- Visit the Musée Cantini: This museum features a collection of modern and contemporary art.
- Go to the Marseille Jazz Festival: This annual festival, held in July, is a great way to experience live music in a beautiful setting.
- Take a Segway tour of the city: This fun and unique way to explore the city allows you to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time.
- Try pastis: This traditional anise-flavored liqueur is a popular drink in Marseille.
- Go to the beach at Pointe Rouge: This beautiful sandy beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean.
- Visit the Musée d’Histoire de Marseille: This museum tells the story of the city from ancient times to the present day.
- Take a cooking class: Acquire knowledge on how to cook traditional Provençal dishes in a fun and hands-on class.
- Explore the Vallon des Auffes: This charming fishing village is a great place to relax and enjoy a seafood meal.
- Attend a soccer game: The Olympique de Marseille is one of the most popular soccer teams in France, and attending a game is a great way to experience the city’s passion for the sport.
10 places similar to Marseille and their locations
- Nice, France: This city on the French Riviera has a similar Mediterranean climate and coastal setting, as well as a charming Old Town and beaches.
- Barcelona, Spain: Barcelona is a vibrant coastal city with a rich cultural heritage, Mediterranean climate, and stunning architecture.
- Athens, Greece: Like Marseille, Athens is an ancient port city with a rich history, a vibrant street life, and a blend of European and Mediterranean cultures.
- Dubrovnik, Croatia: Dubrovnik is a coastal city with a similar Old Town, as well as a strong maritime heritage and scenic surrounding.
- Tel Aviv, Israel: This coastal city has a similar Mediterranean climate, a bustling port, and a mix of old and new architecture and cultures.
- Naples, Italy: Naples is a historic port city with a similar culinary culture, as well as ancient ruins, lively streets, and stunning views of the sea.
- Lisbon, Portugal: Lisbon is a coastal city with a rich maritime history, colorful neighborhoods, and a similar blend of European and Mediterranean cultures.
- Tangier, Morocco: This Moroccan port city has a similar mix of cultures and history, as well as stunning views of the sea and lively markets.
- Beirut, Lebanon: Beirut is a coastal city with a similar blend of European and Mediterranean cultures, as well as a vibrant nightlife and a rich culinary scene.
- Antalya, Turkey: This coastal city has a similar Mediterranean climate, scenic beaches, and a rich history, including ancient ruins and a charming Old Town.
