Marseille is a beautiful port city located in the south of France. It belongs to the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. This is the second most populated city in France after Paris, making it a bustling and entertaining city. It is also the most important commercial port in France and nowadays a very touristic city that offers an infinite number of charming places.
While it is true that some qualifiers have been associated with Marseille for years, this city has proven to be a perfect place for tourism, with its gastronomy, its historical areas and its character. Undoubtedly an ideal place for a break of several days that will allow us to get to know this French city.
Vieux Port or Old Port
The Old Port is one of the main places we should see in Marseille at different times of the day. This port was one of the most important in the Mediterranean since the time of the Greeks and it is still a place with a lot of commercial weight, although it is mainly a marina. First thing in the morning it is possible to see the fishermen selling fresh fish from the first catches of the day, something that is always picturesque and interesting if we are from the interior. In the afternoon it is the ideal place to taste gastronomy with delicious fish dishes and have a refreshing drink. In this area the old workshops and also the town hall have been preserved.
Cathedral of the Major
This cathedral has a Byzantine inspired style And that is why it is very original in France, since it is not like the other cathedrals that are inspired by Romanesque or Gothic. The cathedral is really picturesque and we will not see one like it in the whole country, so the visit is a must. It has limestone in two colors, which makes it look like a mosaic. It also has large domes. Inside there is a rich decoration with marble and mosaics. You can visit the inside quietly to enjoy this work so different from the cathedrals we are used to in Europe.
Notre Dame de la Garde basilica
This basilica of Our Lady of the Guard dates from the XNUMXth century and it has a neo-Byzantine style that reminds us a bit of the original Marseille cathedral, although in a different way. This Byzantine touch can be seen in these religious buildings in the city, which indicates that commercial past that brought so many influences to the city. This basilica is also located above sea level and has excellent views of the city and the sunsets, making it a must-see visit.
Abbey of Saint Victor
When Let's visit the Abbey of San Victor We should know that we are in front of one of the oldest buildings in the city. It was one of the most important religious centers in all of southern France, founded in the XNUMXth century. It has large towers and inside we can see the relics and the crypt area. Near this abbey there is also Four des Navettes, the oldest bakery in the city, where you can buy the best cookies.
Le Panier
This is one of the most interesting neighborhoods around Marseille, an old fishing district that today is a modern and alternative place. It is the oldest area of the city and in it we can see narrow streets, squares and beautiful buildings with a certain decadent air that makes this place even more special. In this area there is a lot of urban art, with numerous graffiti that will surprise us on our way. Must-see places like Place de Lenche, Place des Moulins or Grande Savonnerie, a place where you can buy the authentic and famous Marseille soap.
Fort Saint Jean
This fort stands at the entrance of the Old Port and it is an old construction that allowed to defend the port area, being created during the seventeenth century, although it maintained some existing structures. This place was not only defensive, but also served as a jail or barracks, so there is a great story behind it. This fort is connected by an original metal walkway to the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations.
Stroll down the Corniche
The Corniche is a walk of about four kilometers that goes from the Playa de los Catalanes to the Parque du Prado beach. It is a very beautiful promenade that has some points of interest such as the Villa Valmer or the Chateau Berger. From here you also get great views of the Castle of If. This fortress is located on an island in the bay of Marseille and can also be visited. This place served as inspiration for Alexander Dumas to write his work 'The Count of Monte Cristo'.