Founded by Greeks from Phocaea 600 years before Christ, Marseille is the oldest town in France! Also marked by the passing Romans, the city developed with a real intermingling of cultures around its old port (Vieux-Port) protected by its two forts, Saint-Nicolas and Saint-Jean. Heart of the city, the old port is an essential place to visit to soak up the atmosphere of its fish market and its lively quaysides, especially during the evenings where football matches take place with the team of the city, the Olympique de Marseille. This place is also where you can sample the famous local speciality, the bouillabaisse (fish soup). Famous street, the Canebière is also very popular in the city.
Very picturesque, the Panier district boasts typical tall houses with colourful facades and washing hung out on lines. Pretty and old shop signs decorate certain facades. The Vieille Charité, a hospice today containing the Mediterranean Archaeology museum and African, Oceanian and Amerindian Arts museum, and the Hôtel Dieu hospital are beautiful buildings of old Marseille.
The Fine Art museum of the city is in the sumptuous Longchamp palace. Greek and Romanesque remains are some of the features of the Vestiges garden.
Built in the 19th century, the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde basilica overhangs the city by 162 metres. From its square, the view of Marseille and its surrounding area is panoramic!
