Discovering the vibrant harbor city of Marseille
Founded 2,600 years ago, Marseille is the oldest city in France. White the south of France is associated with luxury holidays, beaches and famous party hot-spots like St. Tropez, Nice and Cannes, there is much more to this fascinating region. Be sure to visit Marseille, a fun and open-minded city. Along with impressive architecture and a vibrant culture, Marseille offers good weather, boasting an average of 300 sunny days per year.
The capital of Provence, Marseille is less picturesque than Paris and Lyon, and might not match your preconceived notions of France. The houses are old, the streets less neat and graffiti is common. However, Marseille has its own unforgettable soul. This city fascinated visitors with its liveliness and unique coastal culture.
Visiting Around
Given its geographical proximity to North Africa and the changes wrought by immigration, Marseille’s identity has been shaped by a mix of cultures. In the largest harbor city in France, reminders of Africa are everywhere, including in the hot breezes blowing over sun-drenched hills and bright, undulating red roofs like the Mediterranean waves.
Along the vast boulevards lined with high dated palms, and between high-end boutiques. There are still tea-houses, Moroccan restaurants and Tunisian bakeries cramped into small alleyways. Sometimes, the streets are perfumed with African hookah pipes being smoked in street-side cafes.
The mix of France and African culture is evident in the music. Along with the immigrant community, many French fans love rai and gnawa tunes from Algeria and Morocco. Music shows and other activities are sponsored to support Maghreb music. In contrast to Paris, where people of different origins often live in segregated communities, here, North Africans, Armenians and Jews mingle and take pride in being Marseillaise.
People of various origins and culture are contributing to the kaleidoscopic shades of this city. Travel to Noailles to discover the vibrant atmosphere of a typical Moroccan market in the heart of Marseille. The air is filled with the smells of herbs and condiments sold by Turks, Algerians, Tunisians, etc.
Like France’s other major cities, Marseille boast impressive architecture, most notably Notre Dame de la Garde. Built on a high hill, the cathedral is a symbol of the city. A gilded statue of Mary carrying baby Jesus stands 9.7m-high and glints in the sun. Many consider this statue to be scared and believe it protects local sailors. Again, this statue reminds us the city’s culture, racial religious diversity.
Marseille’s enchantment comes from its salty air and the hustle and bustle of a port city. While Paris is elegant and reserved, Marseille is never short of fun, mixing the culture essences of France and Africa.
