Welcome to Marseille,the oldest city in France, loved for its history,art, architecture and café culture. Oh, and don’t forget to pack your camera,swimsuit and walking shoes Marseille has the mostwonderful historic sites, sunny beaches and sublime hiking tracks along thedramatic Mediterranean coastline.
Start your day in the bustling city centre, the VieuxPort. Taste the coffee and brunches that the local publicans havespent the past century proudly working into an art form. Make the best of thesites and stroll through Le Panier, the old town just north of the harbour.Explore the museum La Vieille Charité and then visit the Hotel de Ville toadmire the magnificent baroque exterior. Take the Petit Train from the northside of the harbour to the magnificent Basilica Notre-Dame de la Garde, whereyou will be rewarded with heavenly views of the city.
Visit the impressive Opéra de Marseille and thegalleries and theatres that line the bustling thoroughfare, Canebière. Gothrough to the tourist office and see which events and festivals are takingplace during your visit in Marseille. Immerse yourselfin the district of Noailles,an exotic experience in the bazaar-like atmosphere of the African markets.
Discover the great outdoors around Marseilleby walking or boating along the southern coastline and enjoy the beautifullimestone sights of the Calanques National Park. Check out Chateau d'If, aformer island prison made famous by the novel, The Count of Monte Cristo byAlexandre Dumas. Spend a lazy afternoon in Parc Borély and see the amazingchateau and its botanical garden before going to Plages du Prado or PlageBorély to enjoy a drink at sunset by the sea.
The majority of best views are within walkingdistance of Vieux Port, but buses and boats leave regularly to take you to theplaces that are a little further away. There are also railway connections tovirtually anywhere in France, and from various railway junctions in CentralEurope. Ferry services also connect the town with Corsica, Sardinia and NorthAfrica. Marseille Provence Airport is one of thebusiest airports in France and has connections to most major European airports.
