Official Language:
French
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Currency:
EUR
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Population:
Approximately 807,000 people call Marseilles home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Marseilles France: The Marseilles in mediterranean climate on the coast is similar to a sub-tropical one with a 61°F/16°C as annual average temperature in June average is 77°F/25°C and can vary between 70-86°F/21°C-30°C. Long warm summers with temperatures reaching 95°F/35°C . The weather is sunny and very hot during the summer vacation months.
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Cruise ships dock at the Port of Marseille. City center is only 15 minutes away, Local Transportation in Marseille Metro subway lines run underneath Marseille, providing an easy way to get around the city. Buses also do a fairly good job of getting you around. However, taxis are relatively inexpensive, and most of your sightseeing will be done in a concentrated area. Contact Marseille Taxi (tel. 04/9102-2020) for a cab.
Marseille is France's second largest city, but it often goes unnoticed and unvisited by travelers who choose to spend their time in France either in Paris or along the sunny beaches of St. Tropez, Cannes, and Nice. They are missing out on one of France's most diverse cities, both in terms of people and activities.
Marseille has a fascinating history. Founded by the Phoenicians in the sixth century BC, Marseille has long been one of the more important port cities in the world. During the Middle Ages, the city was a focal point of the Crusades, as access to Marseille's port was an important stop on the way to the Holy Land. During the reign of the French monarchy, its strategic importance was reemphasized as a military stronghold. Even today, Marseille's port is the second busiest in all of Europe, trailing only Rotterdam.
A famous local legend revolves around Les Trois Maries, or The Three Marys. St. Lazarus awoke the three saints, including Mary Magdalene, and brought them ashore in Marseille, in order to Christianize the area. More recently, an army of French volunteers from Marseille marched to Paris during the French Revolution. Their battle song, La Marseillaise, became the country's national anthem. (If you're having a problem remembering how it goes, think of the opening notes of the Beatles classic, All You Need Is Love.)
Today, Marseille faces the same problems as any growing city. Crime is an issue, as is racial tension between the native French population and the arriving North African immigrants. Twenty-five percent of the population in Marseille is of North African descent, and that number is growing. But the city has come to embrace its newfound diversity, and is eager to put its best foot forward to attract a piece of the ever-growing tourism industry.
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Attractions |
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This stop on your cruise vacation will take you to Marseille, the first French port, the first Mediterranean port and the second European port for goods. Marseilles is the capital of Bouches-du-Rhône département, and was founded over 2,500 years ago. By train Paris is only 536 miles away. Marseille happens to be the second largest city and the largest commercial seaport in France. Marseilles is now a colorful, lively and prosperous modern city.
Provence
Begin at Saint Rémy de Provence, which basically links the Arles area and the Provence of the Popes. This may appear to be a farming town but it is in fact the tourist route. Philosopher Nostradamus lived here but was born in St. Remy.
Aix en Provence & Cézanne's Workshop
It is home to one of the best universities, attracting students from all over the world. The name Aix, comes from aqua (the Latin for water) and is filled with numerous. You will also find the "Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins," which was thought to have healing powers by the Romans back 2000 years ago. It also features Paul Cezanne's workshop.
Avignon & Les Baux
Travel to Avignon, a walled city with Gothic towers, palaces and churches surrounding the town square. Visit Palais des Papes, the "Vatican" of Europe . Back in the fourteenth century this was home to the Papacy after Rome was thought to be immoral and unmanageable. From the palace we will descend to the famous Avignon bridge over the Rhone River. Lunch is served in Avignon. Visit the village of Les Baux de Provence built on a rocky spur in the Alpilles range and offering great views of the country side and vineyards.
Cassis
A typical harbor city and is famous for fishing and fresh seafood. The beaches here are beautiful.
After your cruise ship docks near the industrial area of the harbor, head on out for the Vieux Port, the Old Harbor and heart of the city. Two forts, St. Nicholas and St. John guard the entrance to the port. Here you will find
the beautiful cathedral of Notre-Dame. The inside of this cathedral has mosaics, mural paintings, and multicolored marbles. Take a shore excursion or rent a car and visit Aix en Provence, the home of Paul Cezanne, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Romanesque St. Sauveur Cathedral, and the 17th century Town Hall. Be sure to to go through the very scenic Les Baux, a quaint village of cobblestone streets, ancient stone houses, and medieval ruins high atop the Alpilles Mountain Range.
Historic sites to see: Cathedral of the Major, La Vieille Charité (old quarter of Panier), Notre Dame de la Garde (a 19th century basilica), The Jardin des Vestiges (ruins), the Palaces of Longchamps and Pharo.
Shopping
For shoppers you will want to visit Prado Avenue. Small shops in Les Baux and Aix en Provence offer fragrant soaps, perfumes, art, pottery, and local handicrafts. The nearby vineyards in the area of Bandol sell locally produced wines.
Beaches
Cassis is a popular summer
resort with small beaches and the bonus of seaside boutiques and cafés.
The Musee d'Historie de Marseille (Centre Bourse, tel. 04/9190-4222) reminds visitors that Marseille is an old and historic town, with exhibits and artifacts recalling its days as the Greek city of Massalia. The Musee des Beaux-Arts (Place Bernex, tel. 04/9114-5930) has a diverse collection of paintings, mostly by French artists. David and Rubens are two artists whose work deserves mention here. The Musee de la Marine (7 La Canebiere, tel. 04/9139-3333) highlights Marseille's days as a main shipping hub, a distinction it still holds today. Only Rotterdam can boast of a busier port than Marseille in all of Europe. The Musee du Vieux Marseille (Rue de la Prison, tel. 04/9113-8900) concentrates on the city's more recent past and its connection to the surrounding area.
A visit to Marseille's cathedrals begins with the Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, (Rue Fort-du-Sanctuaire, tel. 04/9113-4080). A thirty-foot statue of the Virgin Mary rises above you. The view from the church is one of the highlights of Marseille, with the city and the sea spreading out below. The 18th Century Cathedrale de la Major (Place de la Major, tel. 04/9190-5357) is a major landmark, measuring over 450 feet long. Alexandre Dumas fans will recall the Chateau d'If (04/9159-0230). It was here that Dumas Edmond Dantes was imprisoned, before his daring escape and triumphant revenge as the Count of Monte Christo.
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More Information |
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Marseille's tourist office (4 La Canebiere, tel. 04/9113-8900) will get you started, with detailed maps and brochures, along with suggested itineraries. Marseille likes to promote its beautiful museums and ornate cathedrals, putting its most cultured foot forward.
Web: http://www.francemonthly.com/n/1002/index.php
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