Marseilles is an ancient city which was
founded by the Phoenician in around 600-BC where its medieval winding
streets and charming old trade port are just some of the remnants of the
gone era.
Marseilles is a Provencal city with vitality, centered around
26-century-old port, with a vibrant downtown, big parks, a
medieval-village-style neighborhood, downtown shopping and wonderful
seafood.
Marseilles, situated in southern France, is the second largest city of the
country after Paris. It is a major seaport and an important commercial and
industrial center. The city is linked by canal with the Rhone River and is
served by extensive rail and air transport.
Fact File
Country : France
Population : 807,071 (1999 census)
Languages : French
Area : 31,400 sq km
Climate : the city has a mediterranean climate, with light winters
and warm summers. Annual rainfall is 750 mm, and the sun shines more than
3000 hours per year.
Official Currency : Euro; 1 Euro = 52.443 Indian Rupee = 1.2047 US $
= 0.678141 GBP (subject to change)
Location : Marseilles is the part of the region of Provence. It is
the second largest in France and largest commercial port in the city.
Getting There
By
Air : The city has an airport which makes it accessible from various
cities in France, from anywhere in Europe and also from all across the
globe.
By Trains : The city has an excellent system of railways which
provides for a safe and quick journey to and from the city.
Subway : Opened as a subway system in 1977, and is connected to most
major European cities by rail, road, air, or boat.
Getting Around
By Road : Buses, cars and taxis provide a very comfortable way of
moving around the city.
Accommodation
The city has some of the very good hotels to cater to the needs of the
tourists who visit the city either for business or for leisure. Mentioned
below is the list of some of the accommodations in the city:
3 star hotels in the city are:
Hotel Vieux-Port
Hotel Bompard La Corniche
Hotel Select Gare St Charles
Hotel Marseille Bonneveine Prado
Hotel Mascotte Vieux Port
2 star hotels in the city are:
Hotel Kyriad Vieux Port
Hotel Campanile Marseille Saint Antoine
Major tourist attractions
Vieux-Port : This old harbor is the reason for Marseille's existence
and is surrounded by the Old Town and the two 17th century forts. A ferry
crosses the port throughout the day.
Museum
of the Roman Docks : The museum is located in the Vieux-Port and has the
remains of ancient docks and commerce.
The Town Hall : A 17th century Baroque building looking out over the
old harbour.
La Canebiere : This is the main street of the city, which slopes
upwards from the Vieux-port and is animated and cosmopolitan.
Chateau d'If : This is now a nearby island but was once a fearful
prison and Alexandre Dumas had his fictional character the Count of Monte
Cristo imprisoned here. Visitors for the island start from the Quai de
Belges in the Vieux-port.
Basilica of Notre Dame de La Garde : This is the 19th century
Romano-Byzantine church which is placed high above the south side of the
Vieux-port. From its terrace there are great views of the city and the sea.
The Bourse : This was once an Old Stock Exchange but now is a naval
museum.
La Jardin des Vestiges : Part of the museum of local history, this
exhibits ancient remains, including a surprisingly well-preserved 3rd
century ship.
Other attractions:
Palais de Longchamps : Houses the Museum of Fine Art
(Musee des Beaux Arts).
Marseille Shopping : Great shops are present in the 1ere
arrondissement (1st neighbourhood) around the old port and going away from
the port, up a hill, La Canabiere is full of bustle and the products of the
Mediterranean, north and south.
