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Sunday, July 18th, 2010 | Posted by Editor - Blog News Service

Marseille Travel Guide

Marseille Travel Guide

Marseille Travel Guide

The following Marseille travel guide provides tourists with important information about this French city. Situated on France’s south east coast, Marseille is the oldest city in France and is the third largest metropolitan area. Regardless of this, Marseille retains a more traditional appearance with its coastal corniches, narrow streets and ancient architecture. There are numerous coves, rocky inlets, beautiful sun kissed beaches and bountiful restaurants which offers tourists a relaxing and interesting getaway.

History

Marseille has quite a complex history which began in 600 B.C when the city was first founded by Phoceans. But over the years, the city played home to Italians, Greeks, Russians, Spanish, Armenians and North Africans. It was during the 1480s that the city became a part of France , but it was quite rebellious at the time. The people of Marseille embraced the Revolution and in 1792 sent about 500 volunteers to defend Paris . As they headed north, they sang an inspiring march which was dubbed La Marseillaise and is now the national anthem of France . Since the 1830, the city has played a central role in trade. Today it is one of the most important and largest ports in Europe .

Culture

Marseille displays its different cultures through its art galleries, cinemas, maritime and historical museum and its opera house. All these make the city a regional center for entertainment and culture. Marseille has also played an important role in arts and literature with French poets and writers like Edmond Rostand, Pierre Bertas, Victor Gelu and Andre Roussin all coming from this city. A favorite haunt for many French artists is l’Estaque, which is a small beautiful port towards the end of the Bay of Marseille . Most of these cultural and historical sights can be found in Central Marseille.

Tourist Interests

Tourists may not fall in love with Marseille instantly, but the city does grow on you. It’s ideal for tourists who are not afraid of discovering a different kind of destination. There are a number of sights that tourists should visit when they are in Marseille. These include the Notre Dame de la Garde, la Palace Castellane, Musee des Docks Romains, Stade Velodrome, Parc Borely etcetera. There are also a few beautiful beaches like Plage des Catalans that tourists can visit if they want to sunbath and relax. One can get a wonderful experience of Marseille’s North African and southern European blend by visiting the colorful street markets. For a more exciting way to discover the beauty of the city, tourists can explore the Calanques where picturesque cliffs look like they’re falling into the sea.

Marseille is a popular French city and is one of the oldest cities in France. Every year many tourists visit Marseille. Things to do include sporting activities, beaches, parks and cultural performances. With it’s variety of attractions Marseille has something for everyone.

Aquacity

Aquacity is an activity suitable for the whole family. Available rides include the Wave Pool and Bumper Boats. Hygiene levels are maintained by treating the water. The water is kept at a temperature of 27C. When you tire of the rides you can take a relaxing swim in one of the pools. A suggestion is to take a picnic with for lunch. Alternatively there is a variety of food sold on the premises.

Beaches

There are beaches nearby to Marseille. Some of these include Prado, Pointe Rough, Les Goudes and Callelongue. Enjoy suntanning and swimming at the beaches or take part in the water sports on offer.

Stade Velodrome

Visit the football stadium to watch a local match. It may be difficult to get tickets but it is worth the effort if you are a football fan.

Golf

Golf enthusiasts can try out the Aix Marseille Golf Club. This is a 18-hole golf course. Another option is Golf Marseille La Salette, which is a smaller course.

Marseille Skate Park

Marseille Skate Park is a haven for skateboarders and in-line enthusiasts. There are a variety of skating areas and facilities on offer. Competitions are held here.

Parks

Parks in Marseille boast an abundance of activities. The friendly atmosphere of the parks offer the perfect venue for a family outing. At the parks you can enjoy scenic walks. Cycling and rollerblading are other options for activities. Parc Borely is a large park in marseille that is worth a visit as it has a go kart track. Parc Bdes Bruyeres has 2 lakes and a playground. At Parc Montredon Pastre you will find lakes, a canal and hiking trails. Pharo gardens has good views of the Old Port.

Squash

Set Squash club is located near Stade Velodrome. The center boasts 6 badminton courts, a large video screen television, a swimming pool and a gymnasium. Food and drinks are on offer at this club.

Calanque

Along the coastline are limestone valleys that you can explore. This area is good for hiking and rock climbing. Cosquer Cave is worth a visit. At Cosquer Cave you can view rock art.

Fish Market

The fish market is held every day at Quai des Belges

Opera de Marseille

This opera house was built in 1787. There have been many famous operahs performed at this venue. It is located near the old port. The operah house can seat 1,800 people.

Films

There are cinemas in the city including UGC Capitole, Pathe Madeleine and Cinema Le Prado. Marseille has also been the shooting site for many films such as the Count of Monte Cristo.

A thriving commercial port that has forged France’s economic, Marseille is beautiful hodge-podge of industrial activity and cultural landmarks. The Marseille Must Do’s Guide offers visitors information on the best places to see and activities to do in this enticing port.

1. Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde

Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde is an iconic church in Marseille that preens over the southern region of the famous Vieux Port. The Romanesque-Byzantine architecture is worth witnessing along with a breathtaking view of the sunset and the sea from the sprawling church terrace.

2. Musée d’Histoire de Marseille

This is one of the most visited spots of Marseille and is replete with untold tales of Marseille’s industrious spirit and cultural splendor. Learn about the early historical accounts of Greek sailors through the well-organized memorabilia and audiovisual exhibits. There is learning center as well that holds regular sessions on the history of Marseille. A Roman shipwreck unearthed from the museum’s site is a definite must see.

3. Plage du Prado and Plage de la Corniche

Take a bus from the old Vieux Port and head towards the shores circumscribing Marseille. Plage du Prado and Plage de la Corniche are beautiful beaches with gorgeous blue waters that are great for sunbathing and swimming. The picturesque Marseille cliffs provide a perfect background for beach-side revelry.

4. Cathédrale de la Major

One of the largest cathedrals of Europe, Cathédrale de la Major is a brilliant portrait of fine marble art and elegant mosaic floor designs. There are gigantic domes that envelope the structure and remind one of dome edifices in Turkey. The Cathedral is built on the archeological ruins of the Temple of Diana.

5. Musée de la Faïence

Watch some of the most exquisite pieces of porcelain in Europe at the Musée de la Faïence. The exhibits range from ancient Neolithic works to contemporarily crafted ceramics that were the pride of the tables of landowners during the late 18th century. The Museum is nestled in a Château Pastré that was constructed in 1864. Marseille is a buzzing port generously sprinkled with grand medieval architectural structures and fascinating museums exuding brilliant ancient European appeal. Marseille is not as fashion conscious as its other French counterparts but that only adds to its innate charm. The town is a must visit for its vintage persona.

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