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Marseilles a city on the Mediterranean
Marseilles is on the south east part of the departement called Bouches du Rhone, built between the sea and mountains in very contrasted landscapes. Marseilles has developed through centuries in a vast area from the mountains of L'Etoile and Sainte Baume to the Mediterranean on the south.
The large gulf well protected by Isles explains the sea vocation of the city and of its inhabitants since its origins (2500 years ago)
Marseille is the oldest city and the biggest harbour in France.
Large creeks called locally Calanques and numerous isles create mineral and marine landscapes.
Marseille a city of sunshine colours
Marseille situated in a plain at the mouth of rivers, surrounded with mountains gives a vision of a vast city open on the sea. The gulf and the isles offer a magnificient panorama with splendid colours all the year round.
The mediterranean climate of Marseille is rather warm and sunny in all seasons
The Mistral (strong wind) cleans the air from local pollution and is a great help for regattas.
Marseille was founded by the Phocaeans some six centuries BC ago.
(Phocaea was a greek city)
Romans developed the Phocaean settlement into a commercial hub, called Massilia. The city had a steady prosperity from the 15th to the 19th C with its harbours activities and local industries (Mainly the soap manufactures) Marseilles is a great harbour on the Mediterranean it's the gate to Africa ant eastern countries.
Its prosperity is linked to settlements overseas. At the present time, various urban projects aim to a new start with the grand programme called Euromediterranee.
The Comex Co with its research lab on undersea life comforts the idea of Marseilles as a great marine city.
The harbour is now a regular call for liners and sea cruisers.
The city is proud of its past, of its harbours. It is easy to discover the different layers of a long history from antiquity to nowadays : ancient port, Vieux Port, naval base ( 2 citadels at the entrance of the Vieux Port: Fort Saint Jean and Fort Saint Nicolas). Merchants' Harbour called La Joliette with a (nice view from the Palais du Pharo, fine Palace on a butt, built in the 19th C),
the quaint district called le Panier on a small hill in the centre of Marseilles there are vestiges of the ancient town, some beautiful classical buildings such as the Hotel-Dieu and the Vieille Charité, and good examples of mediterrannen houses and lodgings. The contrasts are of a certain interest.
The religious architecture covers several centuries, first la basilique St Victor (Vestiges of Christianity in medieval ages; well preserved crypts then the large church La Major (Roman and Byzantine styles); the cathedral Notre Dame de la Garde on the top of a hill offers a splendid panorama on the gulf; It is also a holy place of pilgrimages.
Some main streets have the "stamp" of Baron Haussmann's grand style in the 19th C Rue de la République, the railway station St Charles; the Palais Longchamp and its monumental fountains.
The 20th C architecture is enriched by "la Cité Radieuse" built by Le Corbusier on the BLD Michelet on a genial idea, the bar of buildings on the Vieux Port imagined by Fernand Pouillon; the new administrative Hotel du Département designed by William Alshop.On the sea front , you can see villas, follies, bastides such as villa Valmer; Villa Magdelone (Bd Michellet)
Museums in Marseille
La Vieille Charité a vast classical building on a quadrangle:rRich collections from archeological finds; objects representing African art, Pacific civilisation American tribes. Regular exhibitions, conferences, bookshop.
The museum of the Roman port and the museum of History in the Bourse shopping arcade, very near the Hotel Alizé tell much of the ancient past of the city (visit the archeological garden near the Bourse shopping arcade)The musée Cantini and the Museum Of Modern Art present collections of 20th C arts.
The museum Pastrée along the sea front in a natural environement exhibits faiences (pottery)To be seen as well the Museum of Beaux Arts in the Palais Longchamp; The Chateau Borely in beautiful gardens, the home of a wealthy citizen (rich furniture) called Maison Grobet-Labadie
The agenda of events in Marseille
There are festivals on particular projects which attract a number of citizens : regattas and boat exhibitions are in favour of sailing clubs.
The Fiesta del Sud celebrates latino musics; football matches (with the famous OM team); a good many theatres, the presentation of Santons in December; numerous festivals (Songs, dances in summer).
Nautical activities can be practised in the centre of Marseille : Sailing, surfing, swimming, kayak at the sea or nearly river. All types of sports are available as well as childrens' athletic entertainments.
Cooking recipes in Marseille
Sea products are the basis of mediterranean recipes: bouillabaisse, fish soup, barbecued sardines, sea shells, sea-urchins, violet shells.
The Pastis an alcoholic appetizer is a symbolic drink known all over the world.
Soap made in Marseille has natural, medical applications as a good cleanser and antiseptic.
Other delicatessen : the navette (a bun flavoured with orange juice), the pieds paquets (a meal with tripes and mutton feet), chocolate bars made in the Panier district.
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INFOS ON MARSEILLE