France's Southern Capital of Marseille

If one city could be considered a miniature representation of the whole country of France, it would definitely be Marseille. The amazing wine, the savory food, the entire ambiance of this great southern French city is unlike that which you will find anywhere else in the world and your travel agents can book you right into the heart of this historic port town. From the bars and restaurants of the Place Thiars to the fish that are so fresh they are still moving at the quai des Belges fish market this city displays its uniqueness in every way.
The Vieux Port is the best place to begin a tour of the marvelous old port city. From there you can see the popular Notre Dame de la Garde, called Bonne Mère by the locals who believe it provides protection for the sailors on their dangerous journeys. The Canebière is the city's most famed street and the Quartier du Panier is the area of Marseille that is richest in heritage and history. Another must see spot is the fifth century Abbaye de Saint Victor which is maintained in remarkably good condition considering it's going on 1600 years of age. Your travel agent will demonstrate that no vacation is complete without taking a tour of one of several museums, five of which are Musée des Beaux Arts, Musée Grobet-Labadie, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, Musée de la Mode and Musée Cantini.
Marseille is a culinary wonderland which features the rustic, hearty tastes of land and sea. Not far from La Vieille Charité, in the Panier district, Le Panier des Arts offers a wonderous menu of local delicacies.On the opposite bank, the iconic Les Arcenaulx and La Côte de Boeuf are two restaurants where typical Marseille cuisine is not just served, but glorified. A Marseille gastronomic institution is located on the nearby Rue Sainte, the world-famous Patalain.
The coastal road features such great restaurants as the Chez Aldo, Châteaux de Marseille, Le Petit Nice and the Chez Michel (on the Plage des Catalans beach). Some of the finest and freshest seafood in the nation can be found at L'Epuisette and Chez Fonfon, or if you're in the mood for pizzas and mixed grills you can head for Chez Jeannot or Chez Etienne.
Finally, at the end of the day, the avenue Pierre Mendès-France, route de Cassis, rue Senac, Les Goudes and quai de Rive Neuve are the places to head for evening action where you can dance and drink the night away. Contact your travel agent for details on how you can join the party in Marseille!

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Things to See in Marseille, France

With a population of 1,604,000 as of 2007, Marseille is the second-largest city in France and number one port. Marseille takes pride in its uniqueness and diversity. Indeed it is not like the rest of France; being the major gateway from Africa, it has a Mediterranean flavor that may remind you more of Africa than Europe.
Marseille is by far the oldest city in France, dating back 2500 years. Its rough and tumble history is still evident today. Many travelers may consider Marseille to be a bit of a dirty and rough place, but at the same time it may also be seen as a colorful, exciting city. Marseille has recently been upgrading and smartening its image after decades of decay and decline. A newly completed train link to Paris is a big boost for the city, and many buildings are being renovated.
The Old Port is the main harbor and marina of the city. Fort St. Nicholas and Fort St. Jean are two massive forts that guard this section of the city. At the end of the harbor is the site of the daily fish market. Also lining the waterfront are dozens of cafés and restaurants, as this area is one of the main places to eat in the city.
The Central Bourse and the adjacent Rue St. Ferreol District is the main shopping district in Marseille. Also in the Central Bourse is the Marseille Historical Museum, which contains a preserved hull of a sixth century boat as well as Greek and Roman historical artifacts and records. Other noteworthy museums include The Musee Cantini, which features art work associated with Marseille as well as modern Art and includes some Picassos. The Musee de la Mode is a modern fashion museum featuring over 2000 designs covering the past 30 years or so.
Marseille's best known landmark is the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, which stands on a hill high above the city to the south of the port. It is famous for the massive gilded statue of the Madonna and Child which can be seen for miles out to sea.
Also worth visiting is the Le Painer section, which features narrow stone streets and stairways. This area was dynamited heavily by the Nazis seeking to rid the area of resistance fighters and Jews. Much of the spirit and energy of the region has survived however, including the beautiful 17th-century Hotel De Ville.
There are countless beautiful old buildings to be admired in Marseille. Some of the more notable ones are the Abbey of St. Victor, La Vielle Charite and the Opera House.

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Where to Go in Marseille France

The oldest city in France is Marseille, and it is also the second largest. Known as a port city of the Mediterranean, Marseille is a great place to visit if you are looking for a French town with a diverse and unique culture. Listed below are some of the places you should go to when traveling to Marseille:
• At the very heart of Marseille is the Vieux Port. This is a place where people go to find the best restaurants, high-end hotels, and the most happening clubs. You can do your shopping here, as well, and don't forget to buy one mini French flag to take with you home.
• Take a tour of the various museums found on the Centre de la Vieille Charité located along rue de la Charitée. Built in the 17th century, this place houses art from the ancient Greek and Egypt, as well as pieces from the American, Oceanic, and African tribes.
• If you wish to view Marseille from above, go to the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde found in the Rue Fort-du-Sanctuaire. The structure was built in the 19th century and boasts a mix of Romanesque and Byzantine architecture. The church's interior has breathtaking mosaics, and the bell tower itself has a statue of the Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus.
• Make sure to visit the restaurants in Marseille and taste their signature dish of bouillabaisse. Most restaurants will be pricey, but it is worth the expense, as the best and freshest ingredients from the sea are used.

Pollux Parker is an adventurer who loves discovering secret island getaways in each country he visits. Pollux also likes to collect French Flag and buy French Flag.

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