Built on multiculturalism, revolution and a Mediterranean
climate, Marseille stands as one of Europe’s most intoxicating coastal
metropolises. France’s second city divides opinion – its wild-at-heart
spirit is an enthralment to many and anathema to others – but for the
majority of the 1.6 million people who call it home, it is the source of
an intense pride.
The cascading hills and white limestone cliffs of the Calanques provide an attractive backdrop to the urban throng, but more emblematic of the city are the souk-like backstreets of the town centre, the boisterous bartering at the fish market and the packed crowds at FC Olympique de Marseille’s home stadium. It might be in the south of France, but any dreams of Provençal calm are best realised elsewhere.
The hub of Marseille is the Vieux-Port, a harbour with some 2,600 years of history, while adjacent neighbourhoods such as Le Panier and Belsunce still offer up warrens of washing-webbed lanes perfect for exploration on foot or by bike (the city now has a hugely successful public bicycle system, usable by tourists). Nearby, the tree-lined central avenue of La Canebière crackles with activity day and night, while a short ferry ride offshore reveals Marseille’s other face – the Iles du Frioul, a rocky archipelago perfect for walkers and bird-spotters. The views back across town are spectacular.
The cascading hills and white limestone cliffs of the Calanques provide an attractive backdrop to the urban throng, but more emblematic of the city are the souk-like backstreets of the town centre, the boisterous bartering at the fish market and the packed crowds at FC Olympique de Marseille’s home stadium. It might be in the south of France, but any dreams of Provençal calm are best realised elsewhere.
The hub of Marseille is the Vieux-Port, a harbour with some 2,600 years of history, while adjacent neighbourhoods such as Le Panier and Belsunce still offer up warrens of washing-webbed lanes perfect for exploration on foot or by bike (the city now has a hugely successful public bicycle system, usable by tourists). Nearby, the tree-lined central avenue of La Canebière crackles with activity day and night, while a short ferry ride offshore reveals Marseille’s other face – the Iles du Frioul, a rocky archipelago perfect for walkers and bird-spotters. The views back across town are spectacular.
