Marseille

Marseille is the oldest city in France dating ever since 600 BC when the Greeks built here one of the first trading ports in Western Europe. The quickly evolving settlement was the site of naval battles during the Roman conquest, the Visigoths attacks and the Frankish kings occupation. Marseille became the first settlement to be given city status in France nowadays growing up to be the second largest metropolis and the largest commercial point in the country.A muse for French authors and artists from all over the world, Marseille is a romantic destination with a great historical background.

A City of Superlatives

Marseille is the second largest city after Paris, having the third largest metropolitan area after Paris and Lyon. The largest city located on the South coast of the Mediterranean has a population of 1,420 000 people. The largest trading point linking France to the North African colonies of Algeria, Morocco or Tunisia was also named the capital of the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region and the capital of the Bouches-du-Rhone department.

Artist's Inspiration

The Bay of Marseille, part of the Frioul archipelago and mainly the island called the Chateau d'If has provided inspiration to the French writer Alexandre Dumas in the creation of his novel ''The Count of Monte Cristo”.

The name Marseille was also made famous in the mid 15th century through the French tarot, previously called the ''Tarot de Marseille” or through the tradition of making hand-painted figurines called ''santons” (little saints).

The oldest city in France is designated to be a European Capital of Culture in 2013. Whether you choose 2013 to see the cultural and the most attractive underlined because of this great title or care to visit on your own, Marseille will not break your faith.

Walk, Look, Eat

Observe the preservation of old monuments like the 17th century Saint-Jean fort incorporation two other touristic sightseeing spots the 12th century Commandry of the Knights Hospitaller of St. John and the 15th century tower of Rene the 1st. Admire the sunrise and sunsets in France's largest commercial port, learn more about the past and the present in the Historical Museum and inhale a dose of culture in Marseille's opera house. Feel the romantic French atmosphere in a green spot like the Pierre Puget Park or the peace of the 19th century Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la Garde.

Remember to try the French cuisine popular all over the world and if you want to attend a Marseillian tradition, join the Santon Festival held on the last Sunday in November ever since 1803.

Marseille is the oldest French city which has evolved to be an elegant metropolis with an important and undeniable past. It is a destination who can please everyone looking to relax or find the French romance, a spot where scientists follow the footprints of the past and a place where adventure comes in different forms.