About
Marseille was founded by Greek sailors in 600 BC and is one of the oldest cities in Europe. It has been a trading port for 26 centuries and consists of several ports and harbours. The Fos Port is the main French trading seaport for cargo, where big and small passenger ferries depart from different locations bound for other Mediterranean ports or North Africa.
Marseille Cathedral
The Vieux Port (Old harbour) is most charming and picturesque. It is lined with cafés and restaurants, and fishermen come and sell the catch of the day straight off their boats.
Restaurant with a view
For a fabulous view over the Vieux Port (particularly at night), go to the Sofitel Hotel. Either book a room with a harbour view (5th or 6th floor) or go for a drink on the terrace of the third-floor bar. For an unforgettable nighttime view, book a table at the Les Trois Tours restaurant on the 7th floor (make sure to ask for a table by the window), which offers a fresh and beautiful Mediterranean menu.
For a fabulous view over the Vieux Port (particularly at night), go to the Sofitel Hotel. Either book a room with a harbour view (5th or 6th floor) or go for a drink on the terrace of the third-floor bar. For an unforgettable nighttime view, book a table at the Les Trois Tours restaurant on the 7th floor (make sure to ask for a table by the window), which offers a fresh and beautiful Mediterranean menu.
The old harbour is flanked by imposing forts and fortresses, built-in 1660 under Louis XIV.
MUCEM museum and restaurant
In 2013, Marseille was designated the European Capital of Culture, and the MUCEM museum (pictured below on the left of the St Jean fortress.. a modern building with a lace-like concrete shell) was inaugurated last June to mark the occasion. Dedicated to the cultures of Europe and the Mediterranean, it's also a great place to eat. The restaurant is located on the top floor and has beautiful views over the sea (it is divided into two sections, the more serious 'La Table' and the bistro-style 'La Cuisine')
MUCEM (left) and St Jean fortress (centre)
In 2013, Marseille was designated the European Capital of Culture, and the MUCEM museum (pictured below on the left of the St Jean fortress.. a modern building with a lace-like concrete shell) was inaugurated last June to mark the occasion. Dedicated to the cultures of Europe and the Mediterranean, it's also a great place to eat. The restaurant is located on the top floor and has beautiful views over the sea (it is divided into two sections, the more serious 'La Table' and the bistro-style 'La Cuisine')
MUCEM (left) and St Jean fortress (centre)
St Nicholas fortress
Château d'If
The Château d'If (pictured below left) was built in 1560 as a fortress. Its most famous use was as a prison, which inspired the novel 'The Count of Monte Christo', by Alexandre Dumas'. Contrary to the Dumas story, no prisoner has ever escaped from the Château d'If.
Corniche JF Kennedy
About twenty minutes from the Vieux Port, the 'Corniche de JF Kennedy' coastal road meanders along the seashore. The pedestrian walkway gives you breathtaking views over the Mediterranean and its rocky beaches.
The Vallon des Auffes bay
If you cross the corniche, you can explore tiny streets and alleyways lined with cottages, as well as fishermen's creeks and bays.
The Old Harbor (Vieux Port)
