Marseille

Marseille is France's second largest city geographically and the third largest in terms of population. It is a city with an incredibly long history dating as far back as 600 BC. It is a modern multicultural city on account of its large North African population.

Highlights of Marseille include Notre Dame de la Garde, a magnificent castle structure overlooking the old port section of the city from a hill. The structure, which is built in the Roman-Byzantine style, dates back to 1853 and is notable for its multi-coloured dome and bell tower.

The old port section of the city, or Vieux Port, is its most historical part and features the Bas Fort St Nicholas, which sits at the entrance and dates back to the 13^th century. Nearby is La Canabiere, an area chock full of restaurants, cheap hotels, shops selling tourist souvenirs and some slightly less than respectable bars. From La Canabiere, the area merges with Cours Belsunce and it is here that the city's liveliest scene can be found.

Cultural attractions in the city include its large collection of museums, some of the most famous of which are the Grobet Labadie Museum (Musée Grobet Labadie) with its royal furniture and objects of artistic importance, Cantini Museum (Musée Cantini) with its modern art, the Museum of Fine Arts (Musée De Beaux Arts) housed in the magnificent Palais Lonchamps and the Earthenware Museum (Musée de la Faience) with its porcelain collection.

For a day out away from the urban sprawl, head for one of the region’s beautiful beaches. The beaches in Prado and La Corniche are perhaps the most popular, offering fine sands, clean water and plenty of seaside amenities. Alternatively, take a trip to Saint Tropez to see how the other half lives or to Cannes, the venue of the world famous annual film festival.

Marseille Provence Airport is the main air gateway to the city and sees flights from all over France as well as from European and transatlantic destinations. Train connections between Marseille and other major French cities are excellent, while the well designed road network makes bus travel or driving your own vehicle viable alternatives.