Marseilles

About Marseilles

Proud to be different from the rest of France, Marseilles enjoys a rich culture of history and entertainment, all within the beautiful region of Provence. Marseilles is France's oldest and second-largest city after Paris, making it a popular place for tourists the world over.

Marseilles, a city of culture

This lively city has grown up in and around 111 different quarters – meaning culture is cosmopolitan when it comes to music and the arts. Each quarter has its own church and is a Provençal village of its own, meaning there is plenty to discover in the city of Marseilles.
Important in the arts, Marseilles has been the birth place of many French poets and writers, while artist Paul Cézanne often visited the Bay of Marseilles. Music is a must in Marseilles, and it can vary dramatically in this city – the main attraction until the late 1970s was opera, but rap and hip hop are also prominent here. Variety and richness of culture explains why Marseilles has been named as European Capital of Culture for 2013.

Marseilles' pretty port

Marseilles houses the largest commercial port in France, and was once the gateway to the Mediterranean. Vieux Port is the city's old harbour and this area is always buzzing with tourists and locals alike. They stroll around in the Mediterranean climate and enjoy the centre of dining in the city, with everything from fine seafood to pizza on offer.
Here you can indulge in the French national treasure of fish stew, bouillabaisse, which originated in Marseilles.