Founded by ancient Greeks in 600 BC, Marseille is the oldest city in France. Through several wars, the port-city changed hands between the Greek, Romans (under Julius Caesar), Visigoths, Franks, and finally merged with France in 1482. Naturally, a fusion of cultures, Marseille was selected the European Capital of Culture in 2013.
The Vieux-Port
The Old Port or ‘Vieux-Port’ is the city’s most popular place. Once a center of maritime activity with a capacity of more than 1000 ships, it was destroyed in World War II. The Port is now used as a Marina, and is surrounded by a string of museums.
Overlooking the Vieux-Port is the century old Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde. Built on the city’s highest point, locals believe the Norte-Dame watches over sailors, fishermen, and the people of Marseille!.. and for tourists, it provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
Farther out in the Bay of Marseille is the Frioul archipelago; a group of 4 gorgeous white limestone islands, perhaps the remnants of the Calanques National Park.
Cap Frioul
With a population of just 150, this secluded island set has some of the best sandy beaches and beautiful creeks.
Château d’If - the 16th century fort, also served as a state prison (built 4 centuries before the Alcatraz, California)
Quaint pastel buildings with typical shuttered windows
Knock Knock!
Whoever it is, use the doorbell please.
Colonnade of Palais Longchamp
Cathédrale La Major from Mucem
MuCEM - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean – incased in a 72 meter concrete lace cube!
Sunset at Port du Frioul
Palais du Pharo
Mirror Pavilion - a dramatic 46x22 meter reflective stainless-steel canopy at Vieux Port.
Designed by Norman Foster as part of the Old Port’s redevelopment plan of 2009.
Marseille also made it to Time magazine’s list of 'World's Greatest Places of 2022', sharing the tag with 49 other extraordinary destinations to explore.
- - - - -
Visited in - September 2022
Distance - 800 kms from Paris
Transit - 3.5 hours in TGV Ouigo (seriously high speed!) train
I have known Marseille from its football traditions. Great to learn its cultural importance. Very beautiful city and well captured. Those door bells and shuttered windows bring me some good memories from Old Calcutta.
Awesome Journey details....
Kudos Priya! 👏👏
Your pictures and write up paint an alluring picture of the vibe of the city.
Well captured and encapsulated!
Keep em coming!
Lovely pictures. Excellent coverage.
Wonderful. Nice write-up and clicks