Marseille

Marseille, France

Marseille is the undiscovered jewel in the crown of France’s Mediterranean coastline. The rocky hills of Provence look down onto the ancient port and the thousands of boats docked in its clear blue waters. Countless artists have been seduced by the sunny climate and the hustle-and-bustle of the town. France’s second city has all you could ask for - beautiful beaches, ancient buildings, thriving arts, and a dynamic nightlife. Welcome to a place fiercely proud of its unique cultural heritage, dubbed "Planet Mars" by its youthful population.

Population:

Marseille urban area: 1 750 000

Currency:

Euro (EUR) €1 = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

Ambulance: 15
Police: 17
Fire: 18
EU Emergency Number: 112

Opening Hours:

Normal opening hours for shops are 10 am-7 pm from Monday to Saturday. Some shops might be closed over lunch. On Sundays shops are normally closed or have reduced opening hours.

Newspapers:

La Provence - www.laprovence.com
Marseille Plus - www.marseille-plus.fr
Le Monde - www.lemonde.fr
Le Figaro - www.lefigaro.fr

The City

Founded by Phocaean Greeks 2 600 years ago, Marseille is France’s oldest town, a melting pot of peoples and cultures, and a gateway to southern Europe and North Africa. Today, the city is still dependent on the port for its revenue and is dominated by fishing boats and people selling fresh produce.

Marseille is cut in half by La Canebière, one of the main shopping streets, which runs west to east from the Vieux Port. The city is divided into 15 arrondissements (districts), ranging from gentrified to run-down, and is famed for its fish-dominated culinary menu and its potent aniseed tipple, called pastis.

The exclusivity increases as you head further south to the corniche and Prado, the city’s best beach, with three kilometres of fine sand.

Do & See

Marseille is an urban cultural hot spot, a French city with historical and maritime museums, lovely architecture and beautiful nature in the form of parks and a stunning beach. Visit the main harbour and take a stroll around the Abbaye Saint Victor, explore the narrow streets of the old quarter, or make time for one of the beaches not too far from the city centre.

Dining

Marseille boasts a culinary tradition heavily influenced by its surroundings. Fish dominates, and one dish in particular - bouillabaisse. This fish stew combines a variety of fish with saffron, fennel and orange zest. It is served with rouille, a garlic and chilli-flavoured mayonnaise. Olive oil, herbs, fresh fruit and vegetables are also quintessential elements of Marseille cuisine.

Cafés

Numerous little shops and boutiques clutter the small streets in Le Panier, the oldest part of Marseille, whilst the trendiest spots are located in the south around the bohemian area of Cours Julien and Place Jean-Jaurès.