The historic port

Historically, it is the heart of Marseille activities, the centre of the city and the backdrop for all festivals, tourism, and yachting.

There is a fish market every morning on Quai des Belges from where starts a famous street called "la Canebiére" which is marked by XVIIIe and XIX century building facades.


The "Corniche"

This route, overhanging the sea, follows the coast along the beach from Catalans to the Prado sea-side resorts; it offers beautiful views across the bay of Marseilles.


The Islands

The port of Marseilles is crescent-shaped and calm with many islands : The Frioul, which you can visit by taking a boat from the vieux port, Maire island, Chateau d'If island, are famous because Alexandre Dumas in his books wrote about a prisoner, The Count of Monte Cristo.

The island is classified as a historical monument and can be visited (departure from the Vieux-Port. For information call 04 91 59 02 30).
This environment makes Marseille a very attractive place for diving activities and yachting or sailing.


The "Calanques"

Along the coast from Marseilles to Cassis, you can find limestone cliffs that tower above the sea such as the calanques of Callelongue, Marseilleveyre, Sormiou, Morgiou, Sugiton, En-Vau, Port-Pin and Port-Miou, which also offer beautiful views and famous places for hiking, climbing, swimming or diving.


The "Ferry"

Originally, it was a steam ship with a propeller and a helm at each end. It crosses the historic port from the Town Hall to the "Place aux huiles" and was immortalised by Marcel Pagnol (famous author of books and movies).


Architecture

The families of Marseilles have marked the architecture of the city in eclectic ways, from the avenue Pierre Puget (XIX century) to the so-called "la cité radieuse", a spectacular mass of concrete on stilts built by the Architect Le Corbusier, the contrast is impressive.


The "Pharo"

The Pharo was built by Napoléon III and is located on a promontory which dominates the entrance of the port of Marseille.
Moreover, it is a congress hall and a public park which is open to all visitors.

Basilique Saint-Victor

It is the oldest monument in the city, and many concerts of sacred music take place there.
Information service : 04.91.33.25.86


Markets

Typical to the region of Provence, markets are excellent places for shopping.
The Fish market : you may find one at the historic port and quai des Belges, open every day.
Flower market : Meilhan street, on Tuesday and Saturday and on Friday on the Prado.
Food products : every day on the Prado and on Sunday and on Saturday in "la Plaine".
Capucins market : you can find all kinds of products and it is open every day except on Sunday.


The "Cabanons" (Cottages)

Small houses, or cabins, hardly comfortable set along the sea coast, they are places for relaxation and for those who want to take advantage of nature. You can still find some in places like : Vallon des Auffres, les Goudes, Callelongue or in the Calanques.


The maregraph

Since 1897, the reference 0, from which all altitudes in France are calculated, is found in Marseilles, on La Corniche, the Marégraph measures the level of water wich gives this level 0.

Basilique "Notre Dame de-la-Garde"

Inextricably linked to the image of Marseilles, the colline de la Garde originally held three functions : as a lookout post, a military zone, and a place of worship and pilgrimage.
The view of Marseille from Notre Dame is breathtaking, every visitor to Marseille should come here to take in the splendour of the setting sun and to admire its brilliance reflected across the surface of the Mediterranean sea.


The "Jardin des vestiges"

Ancient Massilia has left nothing to show for its monumental history; the past having inexorably ceded its place to the present. Time never stands still.
The "jardin des vestiges" is the principal testimony to the past, it is an archaeological museum of the ancient port. The museum of history presents collections issuing from excavations, scale models and pieces of wreckage.
For more information : 04.91.90.42.22.


The "Vieille charité"

Built by Pierre Puget, it is a testimony of XVII and XVIII century architecture. Currently, it is a cultural centre housing both a museum of Mediterranean archaeology and a museum of African art.
For more information : 04.91.14.58.80.

"Longchamps" palace

A beautiful palace dedicated to the glory of the sea, it also houses a fine arts museum.

The park covers 17 hectares with play areas, and it is the best place to go for a walk
Information service : 04.91.14.59.30.
Museum of history : 04.91.14.59.30.


The "Panier"

A very famous area in Marseilles, in Antiquity it was inhabited by fishermen, ropemakers who lived off the sea.
The tourist office publishes a brochures with a map and suggestions for visiting.

Marseilles Tourist Office Information service : 04.91.13.89.00 Visiting the city Public walking tour: 6 € for one person Guided tour with a theme: 4 € for one person. L'Histobus : a guided bus tour lasting 3 hours. Museum pass : valid 15 days in the local museums: 7,5 € for one person. Culture Office : 42, La Canebière information service: 04.91.33.33.79

Marseilles : the city of football

The Velodrome stadium holds 60 000 places. Inside the stadium there is the museum of OM, the club of Marseilles.
As the saying goes "between Marseilles and the ball it is a love story !".


Festivals and shows in Marseilles

January : "La pastorale"
February : Chandeleur procession at the abbey St Victor.
March : very important carnival in Spring
April : Celebration of the Seas. International festival of contempary music.
May : Massilia cup, horses blessing and spring fair in Berre.
June : nautical exhibition, Marseille festival, garlic fair, Saint Eloi day, musical festival
July : petanque world cup "la marseillaise", ball competition, (six days in Provence), Marseille islands festival, sailing, tour de France, international folklore festival.
August : procession of the Virgin (of le Panier), pilgrimage of Notre Dame, sounds and lights in Marignane.
September : View on the docks, Marseille international fair, Juris cup (sailing) and provençal festivals in Marignane.
October : Fiesta of the south, antique dealers exhibition.
November / December : Christmas figures exhibition "santons"...


The soap of Marseilles

It is an ancestral recipe. Today only three soap firms remain : the Sérail, soap manufactured in the south and Marseille soap company manufacturing soap of a minimum 72 % oil.


Biscuits

Dry biscuits called "navettes" flavored with the aroma of orange blossoms, boat-shaped, supposedly paying homage to the Saintes-Maries.