About
Marseille is France's great Mediterranean port city, set in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in the south of the country. It is a place where long history and everyday city life sit side by side, and it is often known in English as Marseilles. Its older name, Massalia, is a reminder of how far back its story reaches.
What to see and do
- The Vieux-Port, the historic Old Port, is the heart of the city and a natural place to begin a visit.
- Notre-Dame de la Garde, the basilica on the hill above the city, offers wide views over the coast and the harbour.
- The multicultural neighbourhoods reward slow walking, with a varied mix of cafés, markets and shops.
- Bouillabaisse, the traditional Marseille fish stew, is widely served in the city's restaurants along the harbour and beyond.
What kind of visit it makes
Marseille suits travellers who enjoy a lively, working port rather than a polished resort. A visit works well as a few days of wandering on foot, with time at the water's edge in the evening and a climb up to the basilica for the view. The city's energy and mix of cultures give it a character quite different from other French cities, and visitors who like food, sea air and neighbourhood life tend to find plenty to occupy them.
