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Marseille offers you the legendary friendliness it derives from its people, the charms of sunny Provence, the authenticity of 2,600 years of history and experience of the world. Marseille combines the richness of a unique heritage, an intense cultural life, an exceptional site between hills and the Mediterranean: its harbor, its islands and its famous Calanques that the world envies. Marseille is a whole city that is committed with its professionals for the success of your stay.

The emergence of the city of Marseille as a true tourist destination is undoubtedly the most striking fact of this year. This affirmation of Figaro Économie is a consecration for the Phocaean city. Marseille is beginning to reap the fruits of its dynamism Moreover, as Dominique Guilleux, director of the Office du Tourisme et des Congrès, affirms, "the Mondial has made it possible to rediscover Marseille, the challenge is now to transform the esai by making it a tourist destination in its own right". Admittedly, the contribution of the World Cup is not negligible, but more than the increase in attendance that it has generated, it is the media impact and the policy of simultaneous development of several tourist sectors that explain these results.

Marseille, can claim a legendary hospitality, and an outstanding ability to promote high quality exchanges. Marseille is asserting itself as the capital of southern Europe and is positioning itself as one of the major congress destinations of the Mediterranean front.

Old Port of Marseille

The Old Port of Marseille, known as the "Vieux-Port" in French, is a historic and iconic harbor located in the heart of Marseille, France. Its history stretches back over 2,600 years, making it one of the oldest ports in Europe.

• Greek Foundation (c. 600 BCE): Marseille was founded by Greek sailors from Phocaea (in present-day Turkey) around 600 BCE. They established a trading post named Massilia on the northern shore of the Old Port. This marked the beginning of Marseille's maritime heritage.
• Roman Influence (c. 125 BCE - 5th century CE): Marseille became a prosperous Roman city, known as Massilia, and the port played a crucial role in the Roman Empire's commerce and military activities in the region. The Roman influence is still visible in some of the surviving structures in the city.
• Middle Ages (5th - 15th centuries): During the Middle Ages, Marseille faced various challenges, including invasions by the Visigoths and Saracens. It was also plagued by diseases like the Black Death. However, it remained an important Mediterranean port.
• Renaissance and Early Modern Era (15th - 18th centuries): Marseille experienced a period of growth and prosperity during the Renaissance. The port's importance continued to rise, and it became a hub for trade with Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. The construction of forts and fortifications around the port was undertaken to defend against pirate attacks.
• Revolutionary and Napoleonic Periods (late 18th - early 19th centuries): The French Revolution had a significant impact on Marseille. The city saw both revolutionary fervor and counter-revolutionary movements. During Napoleon's rule, the port was further developed for military purposes.
• Industrialization (19th - early 20th centuries): The 19th century brought about significant changes in the port's infrastructure. The construction of a new harbor, the "Bassin de la Joliette," in the 1840s expanded Marseille's capacity for handling larger ships and increased its industrial capacity.
• World War II and Reconstruction (20th century): Marseille played a strategic role in World War II. It was heavily damaged during the conflict, particularly during the Allied bombings in 1943. After the war, extensive reconstruction efforts were undertaken to restore the port and the city.
• Modern Era (mid-20th century - present): Today, the Old Port of Marseille remains a vibrant and bustling part of the city. While its role as a major commercial port has somewhat diminished, it has transformed into a hub for tourism, leisure, and cultural activities. The port area is lined with cafes, restaurants, shops, and hosts events throughout the year.

The Old Port of Marseille stands as a testament to the city's enduring maritime legacy and its ability to adapt to changing times while preserving its historical significance.

Top Tourist Attractions

The Old Port is a bustling and historic area with plenty to see and do. Here are some of the top tourist attractions around the Old Port:

• Vieux-Port: The port itself is an attraction, with its picturesque quays lined with boats and yachts. You can take a leisurely stroll along the promenade and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
• Fort Saint-Jean: This historic fort, built by Louis XIV in the 17th century, guards the entrance to the Old Port. It has been beautifully restored and now houses the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations (MuCEM), which is a must-visit in itself.
• MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations): This modern and architecturally stunning museum is dedicated to the cultures of Europe and the Mediterranean. It's located on the site of Fort Saint-Jean and connected to it by a pedestrian bridge.
• La Major Cathedral: Officially known as Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure de Marseille, this massive cathedral is an architectural marvel. It's a fusion of various styles, including Romanesque and Byzantine, and its striking green and white stripes make it instantly recognizable.
• Hôtel de Ville (City Hall): The Marseille City Hall is an elegant building located near the Old Port. It's worth a visit for its impressive architecture and the historical significance it holds for the city.
• Fish Market (Marché aux Poissons): Located near the Quai des Belges, this is a lively and colorful market where you can find a variety of fresh seafood. It's a great place to experience the local culinary culture.
• Old Charity (La Vieille Charité): This architectural masterpiece was designed by Pierre Puget in the 17th century. It was originally built as a hospice, and now it houses a museum, exhibition spaces, and cultural organizations.
• Panier District: This is Marseille's oldest district, located just north of the Old Port. It's a charming area with narrow, winding streets, colorful houses, and a bohemian atmosphere. It's a great place for a leisurely stroll.
• Abbey of Saint Victor (Abbaye Saint-Victor): This historic abbey, dating back to the 5th century, is located a short walk from the Old Port. It's one of the oldest religious sites in France and has an intriguing crypt.
• Pharo Palace (Palais du Pharo): Built by Napoleon III, this palace offers panoramic views of the Old Port and the city. It's surrounded by beautiful gardens and is a pleasant place to relax.
• Ferry to the Château d'If: While not strictly in the Old Port, taking a boat trip to the Château d'If is a popular activity. This fortress on an island is famous for being the setting of Alexandre Dumas' novel "The Count of Monte Cristo."

Remember to also explore the local markets, cafes, and restaurants around the Old Port to get a taste of the vibrant and diverse culture of Marseille.

Geography

The Old Port is situated in the heart of the city of Marseille, France. Here are some key geographic details about the Old Port:

• Location: The Old Port is located on the Mediterranean coast of southern France, specifically within the city of Marseille. Marseille is the capital of the Bouches-du-Rhône department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.
• Topography: The Old Port is situated in a natural harbor, which is partially sheltered by the Pharo and Fort Saint-Nicolas on the south side, and Fort Saint-Jean on the north side. The area around the port is characterized by a mix of flat terrain and low hills.
• Entrances and Exits: The Old Port is open to the Mediterranean Sea through a relatively narrow mouth, making it a well-protected harbor. Fort Saint-Nicolas and Fort Saint-Jean guard the entrances on the south and north sides, respectively.
• Surrounding Districts: The Old Port is surrounded by several historically significant districts:
• Le Panier: This is the oldest district of Marseille, located to the north of the Old Port. It features narrow, winding streets, colorful houses, and a rich maritime history.
• La Joliette: To the northeast of the Old Port, La Joliette is an area known for its 19th-century architecture and the modern business district, including the commercial and cultural complex known as "Les Docks."
• Endoume: Situated to the southwest of the Old Port, this district is known for its picturesque streets, historic churches, and the Vallon des Auffes, a charming fishing port.
• Pharo: Located to the west of the Old Port, Pharo is known for the Palais du Pharo, which offers panoramic views of the port and the city.
• Connections: The Old Port is well-connected to the rest of the city through a network of roads, including the Quai de Rive Neuve and the Quai des Belges. Additionally, there are numerous public transportation options, including buses and a metro system.
• Views: The Old Port offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, especially during sunrise and sunset. From certain vantage points, you can also see landmarks such as the La Major Cathedral and Fort Saint-Jean.

Overall, the geography of the Old Port of Marseille combines natural features, such as the sheltered harbor and surrounding hills, with historic architecture and urban development, creating a unique and picturesque setting.