The first and immediate impact Marseille makes is that it is first and foremost a port town, and has been for centuries.  Consequently, it is a rich melting pot of cultures, with large communities from North and Central Africa, the Caribbean and Indochina adding to the rich diversity.  The capital and gateway to the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, it is France’s third largest city.  Perhaps comparable to Naples or Genova in neighbouring Italy, Marseilles is a city that visitors passionately love or hate.  Indifference to it would be near impossible.   

See:

• Vieux Port – The old port houses a large marina, fish markets and restaurants.  It is protected by the imposing forts of St Nicolas and St Jean.
• Notre-Dame de la Garde – Built on the highest natural point in Marseille, this ornate Neo-Byzantine church was built in the mid 19th century.
• Chateau d’If – Just off the coast of Marseille is the rocky Frioul Archipelago.  The island of If, the smallest of the group, is dominated by a chateau built in the mid 16th century.  Originally built as a defence of the city, it became one of the most feared prisons in France.  It featured in Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Christo. 

Experience:

• Food – Lyon may be the French food capital, but Marseille is certainly a food lovers’ paradise.  Take your tastebuds on a journey from Senegal to Vietnam, Algeria, and back to France via the Caribbean.  Don’t miss Marseille’s famous seafood soup – bouillabaisse.  There are just not enough meals in the day here.

Secrets of the City:

• Music – Another aspect of Marseille’s cultural landscape greatly influenced by its large migrant population is its music.  Apart from traditional world music, it is also known for its modern urban music scene. 
• “The Lunatic’s House” – Construction of this building began in 1947, perhaps the most famous project of influential Swiss architect Le Corbusier.