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The oldest city in France - Marseille

Author: Ken.G
Category: Places to visit
The oldest city in France - Marseille – main image

The resort is called the most cosmopolitan center of France and at the same time the oldest city in the country. It is considered the gateway to the Mediterranean Sea. What city are we talking about?

If someone is planning to spend a holiday in France and wants to have a guarantee of a good holiday, he should consider a trip to Marseille. The Mediterranean climate of the city provides temperatures of 10-14 ° C in winter, and even 30 ° C in summer.

Apart from the favorable weather conditions, the resort also tempts with a wealth of tourist attractions. After all, it is the oldest French city, and in terms of the number of people inhabiting it, it ranks second. These are not all the advantages of Marseille - it is the largest commercial port in the country and one of the most important on the continent. Tourists come here from all over the world, attracted by the rich culture and history that is over 2,500 years old. The uniqueness of the city is emphasized by the fact that it was chosen as the European Capital of Culture 2013 .

Variety of Marseille

The architecture of Marseille clearly shows cultural influences from Africa and southern Europe. A significant part of the inhabitants are immigrants - they settled there, among others Italians, Moroccans, Algerians, as well as visitors from Turkey and Tunisia. Believers of Catholicism, Islam, Protestantism and Buddhism live here. In short, the richness of cultures.

The biggest attractions of Marseille include the so-called Old Port, or Vieux port , used as a harbor for small vessels and fishing boats. There you can buy fresh fish, and also take advantage of the free ferry ride. Thanks to it, tourists can get to the island of Château d'If, where the shots for the movie "The Count of Monte Cristo" were shot.

Not far from the port is La Criee, the national theater where French interpretations of Shakespeare's plays are performed. After crossing a few streets, we come across a famous monument of sacred art - the Church of St. Victor . Beautiful inside and out, it has a rich collection of holy relics. Visitors to the city at the end of the year can listen to concerts organized in the church.

The city is exceptionally green. More than half of it consists of parks and gardens, including very old ones such as Jardin de la Colline Puget or Jardin des Vestiges. Those who like romantic walks by the moonlight should visit Parc Longchamp. At this time, the garden looks exceptionally beautiful, and its charm is given by the effective fountains.

The beauty of nature and the work of human hands

The Basilica of Notre Dame stands on a hill over 160 meters high. Locals also refer to it as La Bonne Mere ("good mother"), so when searching, you can ask someone for directions using that name. The tower of the basilica is decorated with an 11-meter statue of the Madonna and Child, and the interior of the building is covered with marble and mosaics. There is also a rich collection of coins and photographs. On the occasion of visiting the temple, you can see the wonderful panorama of the city stretching from the hill.

In a short distance from Marseille, between it and Cassis, there is an absolutely unique place. They are Calanques , fancy geological formations found only in this area. Beautiful, picturesque valleys formed as a result of cracks in the limestone rocks. Due to their beauty, they are called Mediterranean fjords. There is no access to some of them from the land side, but it does not deter tourists.

Where to stay

There are many campsites waiting for those wandering through France in their own car. About 20 km southwest of Marseille city center is Camping - Caravaning Les Cigales . The town of Cassis is a 15-minute walk away. For a place for a motorhome, we will pay 5.30 euro / day, and the accommodation costs 7.70 euro. There is wireless Internet in the campsite.

While relaxing on the French coast, be sure to get acquainted with the simple, but delicious Marseille cuisine. Sitting in a restaurant overlooking the sea, let's try fish soup or pesto. There is beauty in simplicity.

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Ken.G
Ken.G

A writer by profession, a passion of a cat. One day he will see what is behind the Urals - good to Vladivostok. So far, when he can, he enjoys the sun of the countries of southern Europe. And it's also fun;)

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Places to visit
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