Marseille: A City Alive With Charm, Vibrancy And Culture

Marseille is the second largest city of France after Paris and third largest metropolitan area after Paris and Lyon. The thirty thousand year old city is famous for its trading, culture and business; its sea port is the largest in France.

Marseille features in more than twenty five Hollywood movies.

Marseille has many tourist destinations which attracts more than a million visitors every year. Blessed also by the Mediterranean climate of hot in the summer and mild in the winter, Marseille has much to attract the tourists. Marseille is famous for its traditional fish soup called Bouillabaisse, which visitors must try whilst they are there. This article explores five tourist attractions in Marseille.

1.Old Port of Marseille:

The Vieux-Port (or Old Port of Marseille) is a natural harbour situated at the end of the Canebiere of Marseille. Opened in the 6th century BC, the harbour has around 3500 berths with an area of 2 million meter². The Vieux Port is beautifully visible in night-lights with its old lighthouse. In addition, the area is famous for its culture, nightlife, cafes and bars.

2.Notre-Dame de la Garde:

The Basilica is the highest natural point of Marseille, which is situated on the south side of the Vieux Port. The Assumption day of August 15th every year sees thousands of pilgrims and visitors travelling to Marseille. The Notre-Dame de la Garde is a Catholic Church built with limestone in the year 1864. The architecture is marvellous, especially the Bell Tower, its side walls, transept, dome, the statue of Virgin and the crypt of interior side.

3.La Vieille Charite:

Formerly an Almshouse, La Vielle Charite is now running as a Museum and Cultural Center and is situated directly in the heart of the city. Built between 1671 and 1749, the building now consists of Mediterranean Archaeology in the first floor; art of Africa, Oceania and Amerindia in the second floor as well as a research library and a school of advanced studies in the social sciences, etc.

4.Chateau d’lf:

This Chateau is a fortress and a prison situated in a small island about a mile offshore in the Bay of Marseille. The three storied building was a prison, which opened for public from 23rd September 1890. Tourists can visit here by using one of the boats from the old Port of Marseille. The old fortress has been featured in many films and TV programmes.

5.Abbey of St. Victor, Marseille:

The oldest Church of Marseille was built in the 5th century. It is a remarkable monument of Marseille which memorizes the incidents of the martyrs of Marseille. The fortress like designed Church is open to everyone. There is no entry fee for visitors; so a visit to this Abbey is highly recommended for your tour of Marseille. 

Conclusion

Marseille is a beautiful city with a wide variety of tourist destinations both inside and outside the city. You could also visit the Phare de Sainte Marie, this lighthouse is situated in the Vieux Port. Also of interest are the Musée d'Histoire, the Marseille historical museum, the Palais de la Bourse, the chamber of commerce and The Musée de la Mode a modern fashion museum, etc. in Marseille.

Whatever you do enjoy your time in Marseille, visit http://www.comparecarhire.co.uk to find cheap hire cars in Marseille.

Image Credits: Wikipedia and couscouschocolat.