Marseille
Marseille, located on the south-east of France, is the capital of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and Bouches-du-Rhone and a city that offers sun on a silver platter.The town is sorrounded by the Mediterranean on the west side,enclosed by the mountains of L'Estaque, Garlaban on the east side, the Massif de l'Etoile on the north, the Massif de Saint-Cyr on the southeast and the massive Marseilleveyre on the south.
The population of Marseille reaches 851,420 inhabitants, which makes it the second most populous city in France after Paris. Founded around 600 BC by Greek sailors from Asia Minor Phocaea, known as Massalia, the city still a very important seaport for the exportations, the first French port and the fourth in Europe, thanks to its location.
I/ Attractions to see in Marseille
1/The Vieux Port
In this city you can have a quiet walk in the “Vieux Port” , a nice seaside in the centre of the city, have a pastis (traditional alcohol-based orgeat) in one of the cafes in front of the sea, read La Provence and support the OM football team.
2/Les Calanques
If you feel curious, you can visit one of the jewels of the city, such as “les calanques”, perfect seafront for a walk or even a picnic. You will appreciate the almost transparent turquoise sea and the garrigue , the typical vegetation of the region. If you have time, my advice is to take the boat tour in the morning and spend the afternoon lying on the beach.Another jewel is L'archipel du Frioul, the archipelago of Frioul. It consists of four islands, all up to 200 ha, located about 4 km off the coast of Marseille: you can reach it by sea, enjoying a magnificient landscape.
3/ Notre-Dame de la Garde
You also can visit Notre-Dame de la Garde, also known as “Bonne mere”,a Roman Catholic Church. It’s located on a rocky limestone, elevated 13 meters thanks to the walls and foundations of an old fort. You will appreciate the panorama from the basilica, a 360 degree view over the city.
4/Museums
You can also see museums of the city, such as the Museum of Fine Arts, which has collections of ancient art (drawings, paintings, sculptures,), the museum of fashion, the Phoenician Museum of Archaeology, the History Museum of Marseille, the Museum of Old Marseille which exhibits traditional Provincial objects (figurines, costumes), the Cantini Museum which houses collections of modern art and contemporary Art, and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Marseille.The theatre and dance are very well represented, both in distribution in many places but also in terms of creation, with many companies such as the National Ballet of Marseille or the National Theatre...
Feel free to visit the region which is one of the most beautiful regions of France, my advice is to rent a car for the weekend and visit Aix en Provence and Avignon , charming and typical cities.
II/ Fun and facts about Marseille
1/ People from Marseille , has a strong accent, l’accent chantant.
2/ You should try The pastis, THE alcohol of the city.
3/ You also should try la bouillabaisse, a seafood soup and a very typical meal
4/ In the city, you will see many people playing football in the street.
5/ You can also meet many people with blue and white t-shirt, it is the color of the local football team.
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