Marseilles
The dreamlike city in the south of France
Categories: Marseilles Provence France Mediterranean region
Marseille is located in the south of France on the Mediterranean Sea and is the country's most important port city. But Marseille also enchants crowds of tourists every year, and with good reason. On the one hand, the beautiful metropolis has a pulsating vibrancy, but has lost nothing of its original Provencal charm.
Marseille offers its guests not only a Mediterranean climate and beautiful beaches, but also a whole host of sightseeing attractions. For example, the beautiful city still offers early evidence in the form of floor plans of Greek buildings and a rustic Provencal city center.
© Boris Stroujko / Fotolia
The places of interest
Marseille has so many sightseeings and excursion destinations to offer to its visitors that only a few can be mentioned here. It is best to get an idea of the complete offer on site. History lovers will get their money's worth in the Panier quarter, for example. The largely original part of Marseille still contains floor plans of buildings from Greek times.
Furthermore, buildings from the 16th to 18th century can be viewed in the Quartier Panier in almost unchanged original condition.
The entire quarter exudes a historical charm typical for Marseille. Also worth seeing is the old port of Marseille. This alone is a sight to see, but from there, sightseeing trips to the surrounding islands can be made. The famous church Notre Dame de la Garde, which was built in neo-Byzantine style, should also be visited. From the viewing platform you have an excellent panoramic view of the whole city.
Museums
The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations was inaugurated when Marseille was named European Capital of Culture in 2013 and should definitely be on the itinerary. However, Marseille has a large number of museums for culture lovers of all kinds. Art lovers can visit the Museum of Fine Arts, natural history enthusiasts the Museum of Natural History. Also a museum about the history of Marseilles and a film museum are at the disposal of the museum lovers in Marseilles.
Nature
The National Park des Calanques offers the visit of the rare limestone formation on the shore. Here you can enjoy the rough nature of the Cote d`Azur on the designated hiking trails. Altogether the limestone formations have a lasting effect on the landscape around Marseille. The beaches are also characterized by this natural spectacle, where fine sandy beaches alternate with limestone cliffs, creating small bays in some cases.
© Roberto Lo Savio / Fotolia
As a tourist on the way in Marseilles
Marseilles has a well developed network of public transportation, so that you can easily reach the city and its sights without a rental car. Marseilles offers a wide range of gastronomy from traditional Provencal cuisine to international top cuisine and many bars, clubs and discos.
Marseille has an overall very large beach area on many beaches, so that usually a comfortable place can be found without being too cramped between the beach visitors. Marseille has a lot to offer to its visitors and is a guarantee for a varied and fantastic vacation in the south of France.
