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Marseille

Experiential journeys will make you a storyteller
About Marseille
Located in the camargue region of southern France, near the mouth of River Rhone, Marseille is known as the second most populous city of the country. Founded by Greek settlers in 600 BC, Marseille is also believed to be the oldest city of France. The flamboyant multicultural port city of Marseille is known popularly for its well-preserved history, rich culture, marvellous architecture, and pristine beaches. Marseille is packed with a myriad of monumental and heritage landmarks including Palais Longchamp, Cathédrale La Major, and Abbaye Saint-Victor.

A plethora of parks and gardens including Parc Borély and Calanques National Park also adorn the city. With exuberant open-air shopping destinations like La Canebière, Marseille is a great destination for shoppaholics. There are also many other exciting things to do in Marseille, such as exploring the Egyptian and classical antiquities at La Vieille Charité, taking a hiking trip at Calanque de Port-Miou, sunbathing at the picturesque beaches of Massif des Calanques, and sipping some coffee & enjoying the breathtaking views at Old Port.

Marseille experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers and cool and windy winters. The best time to visit Marseille is during the months of April, May, September, and October, when the weather is pleasant and balmy, perfect for moving around the city and exploring all the popular places to visit in Marseille. The warm and mild weather during these months is also suitable for visiting the beaches of the city and engaging in all the fun and thrilling water activities, such as kayaking, swimming, sailing, scuba diving, and windsurfing.
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Marseille FAQ's

What are the famous places to visit in Marseille?

1. Palais Longchamp: One of the best places to visit in Marseille, the Palais Longchamp was constructed in 1862 to mark the establishment of the Canal de Marseille to direct water from the Durance River to the city. Built over a period of 30 years, this magnificent building flaunts a spectacular architecture and houses the Natural History Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts.

2. Cathédrale La Major: Dating back to the 19th century, Cathédrale La Major flaunts a stunning Romanesque-Byzantine style architectural design. The cathedral features a beautiful facade adorned with multi-coloured stones. Some of the prime attractions inside the church include the marble statue of Saint Veronica, the statue of Joan of Arc with her sword, and the intricate mosaics.

3. Parc Borély: Dating back to the 17th century, Parc Borély is the most beautiful garden in France and one of the best places to visit in Marseille for people seeking peace and serenity. This place features a total of 3 breathtaking gardens - a botanical garden, a French garden, and an English garden.

4. Basilique Notre-Dame De La Garde: Nestled on the top of a hill, Basilique Notre-Dame De La Garde offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Marseille city and its picturesque port. Visitors can either take a 150-metre steep walk or board the tourist train to get to the top and see the gigantic statue of the Virgin Mary and soak in the sweeping views.

5. Canebière: La Canebière is a 1-kilometre long flamboyant shopping street that connects the Reformed Church to the Old Port. Lined with many food outlets and shops on both sides, this is one of the most sought-after places to visit in Marseille amongst shoppaholics. You can also see many heritage monuments here including the Noailles Hotel and the Opera.

6. Château d'If:Located off the Marseille coast, in the Mediterranean Sea, Château d'If lies in the Frioul Islands archipelago. It was originally built as a fortress in 1524 to protect the city of Marseille against foreign invaders. One of the most recommended places to visit in Marseille for history buffs, Château d'If features old gun platforms and cells of former political prisoners.

What are the best things to do in Marseille?

1. Visit the Picturesque Calanque de Port-Miou: Pay a visit to the only calanque in the Cassis district, the Port-Miou and spend some time marvelling at the whooping 1,400-metres long cove encompassed by high-rising cliffs. Offering excellent hiking opportunities, this is one of the best places to visit in Marseille for adventure enthusiasts.

2. Explore the Collections at La Vieille Charité: One of the most recommended activities to do in  Marseille for culture enthusiasts is to visit the iconic La Vieille Charité, which was originally built as an almshouse by the local sculptor and architect Pierre Puget. You will enjoy exploring the extensive collection of Egyptian and classical antiquities housed here.

3. Spend Some Time at the Old Port of Marseille: Spending some good time at the iconic Old Port is one of the most favourite things to do in Marseille amongst all kinds of travellers. You can spend your time here, taking a ferry ride, exploring the local fish market, admiring some heritage buildings like Maison Diamantée and the Sainte Marie lighthouse.

4. Enjoy Some Adventures at Massif des Calanques: If you are seeking some off-beat activities to do in  Marseille, pay a visit to the postcard-perfect Massif des Calanques. Here, you can spend your time enjoying many adrenaline-pumping activities like kayaking and hiking. You may also want to sunbathe on one of the many pristine beaches and soak in the views of the fjords and serene turquoise waters.

5. Visit Abbaye Saint-Victor: Taking an exploration tour of the age-old Abbaye Saint-Victor is one of the most sought-after things to do in Marseille for all history buffs. Once you are here, see the crenellated walls and towers, the 11th century tombstone of Abbot Isarnus, and sarcophagi dating back to the 4th and 5th centuries.

6. Enjoy a Fun Day Out at Calanques National Park: One of the most enjoyable things to do in Marseille is heading on a day out to the breathtaking Calanques National Park. Here, you can spend your day enjoying a myriad of super fun and thrilling outdoor activities including hiking, rock climbing, swimming, and kayaking. You can also go cruising and explore the fjords and breathtaking scenery.

Why is Marseille famous?

Marseille is famous for its pristine beaches, stunning calanques, rich history, awe-inspiring architectural wonders, winding streets, and delicious cuisine. The city is also popular as a watersports hub, offering a wide array of fun and thrilling water activities, including kayaking, swimming, sailing, scuba diving, and windsurfing.

Is Marseille a beautiful city?

Yes, Marseille is a very beautiful city, adorned by bountiful untouched natural beauty and well-preserved man-made architectural marvels. The spectacular fjords with sparkling turquoise waters, the magnificent heritage buildings, and lush parks make Marseille a truly picturesque city.

What is the best time to visit Marseille?

The best time to visit Marseille is during the months of April, May, September, and October. During these times of the year, the city experiences pleasant and balmy weather, which is perfect for moving around the city and enjoying all the fun things to do in Marseille. The warm weather during these months is also suitable for visiting the beaches and enjoying water sports.

Is Marseille worth visiting?

Yes, Marseille is totally worth visiting, thanks to its rich, well-preserved natural history, culture, and architecture. The huge number of heritage monuments, architectural marvels, ancient churches, pristine beaches, and picturesque parks make Marseille a favourite holiday destination amongst travellers.

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