Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MARSEILLE
POP 858,902
Marseille is a rich, pulsating port city bubbling over with history, cutting-edge creative
spaces and hip multicultural urbanites. Since Greek settlers came ashore around 600 BC,
waves of immigrants have made Marseille (now France's second largest city) their home.
Marseille's maritime heritage thrives at the vibrant Vieux Port (Old Port), where fresh-
off-the-boat catches are sold each morning. Along the coast, seaside roads and cycling
tracks veer around sun-scorched coves and sandy beaches.
A feast of world cuisines, shops, music and cultural celebrations ensure the pace never
slows in this busy city, where the mistral wind blows.
History
Around 600 BC, Greek mariners founded Massilia, a trading post, at what is now Mar-
seille's Vieux Port. Marseille became part of France in the 1480s, but its citizens embraced
the Revolution, sending 500 volunteers to defend Paris in 1792. Heading north, they sang a
rousing march, ever after dubbed 'La Marseillaise' - now the national anthem. Trade with
North Africa escalated after France occupied Algeria in 1830, and the Suez Canal opened
in 1869. After the World Wars, a steady flow of migration from North Africa began and
with it the rapid expansion of Marseille's periphery.
MARSEILLE IN…
Two Days
Start at the Vieux Port (
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) with breakfast at La Caravelle (
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)
and a waterside stroll to the brand
new Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée (
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)
. Lunch at La Passarelle (
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)
then hike up to the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde (
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)
or explore Le Panier (
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)
, not missing
the Centre de la Vieille Charité (
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)
. Dine at nearby, excellent Le Café des Épices (
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).
On day two, take in magnificent turquoise waters at Les Calanques (
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)
, or catch a boat to revel in
Monte Cristo intrigues at Château d'If (
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)
. Reward your exploration with
bouillabaisse
(
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)
in
postcard-pretty Vallon des Auffe (
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)
.
Four Days
Make art and architecture the centre of the third day, taking in Palais de Longchamp (
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)
and other galler-
ies (
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). In the evening, visit Au Petit Nice (
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)
in artsy cours Julien for an aperitif, before dinner
at La Cantinetta (
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)
. On the fourth day, take your own picnic and sail to the Îles du Frioul (
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)
to
