From 600 BC, when ancient Phocaeans set out from Ionia in Asia Minor to establish a new Greek colony, until it became the most important trading port of the French kingdom, Marseille has always been a crossroads of immigration and trade, with an enviable multiculturalism in its DNA.

Paul Melas, Maurice Bezar, Eric Cantona, and Zinedine Zidane were born there. A revolutionary character always seemed to be present there. Due to this fact, King Louis IX of France placed cannons in the fortress of Agios Nikolaos which were aimed permanently at the Old Town as a reminder to the disobedient Massalos of the power of the central government. During the French Revolution, Marseille sent a large number of troops to Paris. The national anthem of France, La Marseilleise, comes from the chants they sang in the streets of burning Paris.

Since 1962, Marseille has become the largest center for the entry for immigrants, mainly from Algeria, to Europe. Today Marseille has the highest percentage of foreigners of any city in France, with 1/3 of its population consisting of Africans and Arabs, but also Spaniards, Italians, Turks and Chinese. A mosaic of different cultures and influences in a city that has changed dramatically in the last seven years, thanks to its renovation, which has so far cost 7 billion euros.

Marseille is the most important port city of France and the third most important in Europe. Located in the Gulf of Lion, and with a population of about 820,000, it is the second largest city in France after Paris, and belongs to the wider historical region of Provence. There is so much that can be said about it that we have chosen to present it to you as a guide, highlighting some of the city’s heavyweight attractions. Enjoy your stay!

Βasilica Notre Dame de la Garde

Visible from virtually everywhere, the «good mother» (la bonne mere) of the locals, is famous for its wonderful murals, and impressive mosaics. And the view will compensate you. You can get there by taking a bus or train from the old port, otherwise you can enjoy a thirty-minute walk.

Chateau d’If

A castle and former prison, which inspired Alexandre Dumas’ famous adventure novel «The Count of Monte Cristo» in 1845. If you can come to the island if by ferry from the old port. Notice what political and religious prisoners have carved into the prison walls throughout the 19th century.

Le Panier

Pretty Le Panier, which is Marseille’s answer to Montmartre, is a picturesque neighborhood with beautiful terracotta-colored buildings. In ancient times it functioned as a market (panier means basket), while for many years it was a hive for outlaws. It has now evolved into a bohemian artists’ hangout, with antiques, bookstores, galleries, souvenir shops and a subtle scent of local soap hovering in the air.

Centre de la Vieille Charite

The UNESCO World Heritage Site in Panier was designed by the famous architect from Marseilles, Pierre Puget. A former asylum for the poor, it now houses two museums.

Abbaye St-Victor

Built in the 5th century, it is one of the oldest buildings in the city. It is worth a stop, entering the old port.

Le Corbusier’s Unite d’Habitation

A city within a city, as envisioned by Le Corbusier in 1952. The 12-storey concrete apartment building hides a restaurant, a hotel, a post office, shops and a gym with a rooftop pool.

La Canebiere and Escale Borely

Take some time to wander around La Canebiere, a famous street near the old port with a plethora of shops and restaurants. In the evening head to the seaside area of Escale Borely for food and drink.

Cassis and Calanques fjord

The tourist resort of Cassis with its crystal clear blue-green waters promises an unforgettable dip, while within walking distance are the uniquely natural Mediterranean fjords of Calanques, which are a must-see up close. They are just a 20-minute drive from Marseille.

Βouillabaisse

Marseille is home to the famous soup, which was originally made by the families of fishermen with the unsold fish of the day, to eventually become the most famous fish soup in the world. Look for the local La Cagole de Marseille beer with the retro bottle and, finally, sweeten it with navettes (traditional cookies with orange juice) and croquants marseillais (almond cookies).