Marseille

💡 About Marseille

Marseille, France's oldest city and its great Mediterranean port, was founded by Greek sailors around 600 BC and has been a gateway between Europe, Africa and the Middle East ever since. Sun-drenched, gritty and endlessly diverse, it is a world away from the polished elegance of Paris.

At its heart lies the Vieux-Port, the ancient harbour where fishermen still sell their catch each morning, watched over by the golden statue of Notre-Dame de la Garde atop its hill. The city tumbles down to a coastline of dazzling white limestone cliffs and hidden coves known as the Calanques.

Marseille is a melting pot of cultures, shaped by waves of immigration from Italy, Armenia, North Africa and beyond. This diversity fuels a vibrant food scene, a legendary football passion for Olympique de Marseille, and a rich musical culture that made the city a capital of French hip-hop.

Proud, rebellious and fiercely independent, Marseille has an authenticity that captivates. It is the birthplace of bouillabaisse, the famous Provençal fish stew, and a city whose raw Mediterranean energy is impossible to resist.

⭐ Known For