Marseille is the second largest city in France after Paris, as well as the first port in France, sixth in the Mediterranean, and at the European level. Daughter of the sun and the mistral, Marseille is a chaotic and Mediterranean city, an incredible mix of races, cultures, flavors, and scents. It is one of those cities whose beauty lies precisely in living its life: the streets, the alleys, the people, the noise. Marseille is the ideal destination for a business trip, a weekend, or for a vacation with family, friends, or as a couple.
What are the must-see places in Marseille?
Old Port
The Old Port has always been the historical, cultural, and economic center of the city and is now a tourist port. With a slightly decadent charm, the port is the symbolic place, the soul, and the beating heart of the city. The Old Port is one of those places where you feel the breath of the city; teeming with life, from the early morning, it is populated by Marseillais and others, who gather to buy fresh fish offered by fishermen on makeshift stalls often on their boats.
Mucem
The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations, inaugurated in 2013, is located at the entrance of the port. It is the first major French museum entirely dedicated to Mediterranean culture and its interconnections with European culture. This magnificent structure, situated between the city and the sea, was built by the Franco-Algerian architect Rudy Ricciotti. Inside, in addition to permanent exhibitions, temporary exhibitions, conferences, and seminars are organized; there is also a space for children, a library, and a restaurant with a panoramic terrace.
The Calanques
The Calanques National Park, created in 2012, is the youngest natural reserve in France. Located at the gates of Marseille, it extends over three municipalities: Marseille, Cassis, and La Ciotat. It was created to protect biodiversity and the marine environment. The area includes many calanques, white rock cliffs with a bizarre and jagged shape, which reach into coves with clear, crystalline waters, creating wonderful contrasts with the deep blue of the sea. A postcard setting, an enchanted place whose beauty leaves a powerful imprint in your mind and heart.
Notre Dame de la Garde
It is an important and emblematic place of worship in Marseille. In Roman-Byzantine style, the basilica stands at the highest point of the city, at 154 meters altitude, south of the Old Port: a true watchtower, which has become a “spiritual guardian” watching over the land and sea.
What to eat in Marseille
You cannot leave the city without tasting a good bouillabaisse, the most famous fish soup of Provence, born here from the fishing tradition. But avoid restaurants in the most touristy areas and focus on the small restaurants in the alleyways.
Where to stay in Marseille
There are many options for accommodations in Marseille, including rental houses, B&B Hotels, and vacation homes. But if you want more information on where to stay in Marseille, we recommend visiting the following site: [https://www.hotel-bb.com/fr/ville/hotels-marseille](https://www.hotel-bb.com/fr/ville/hotels-marseille).
