Places to visit in the second largest city of France
With a bustling center, a vibrant port, and several eclectic sights, Marseille is an exuberant multicultural city located about 480 km from Paris, France. One of the venues for the Olympics slated to be held this summer, Marseille is in the Provence region in the south of France, accessible by a three-hour train journey from Paris.
Marseille is the second largest French city and the main commercial port of the French Republic. The city was designated as the European Capital of Culture in 2013.
Ancient Port And Old Quarter
Dating back to as early as 600 B.C.E., the city is said to have been discovered by Greek settlers from Phocaea who called it Massalia. It was known as Massilia to the Romans and flourished during the colonial period, becoming one of the most prosperous cities in the region during the 19th century.
The old port stands as a symbol of Marseille’s history and is a great place to start your exploration of the city. Also called Vieux Port, this is a focal point of Marseille and is abuzz with activity. The entrance to this port is guarded by two forts—the Saint-Nicolas and Saint-Jean fort. Take a stroll along the port while enjoying the magnificent view of the boats and don’t miss the daily fish market. You can also shop for fresh produce like fruits, vegetables, gingerbread, cookies, and honey. Later walk around Fort Saint-Jean and climb up the turret to soak in some panoramic views of the surrounding cliffs and the city.
Marseille’s old quarter is the ideal place to also spot historical buildings like the Chamber of Commerce, City Hall, and Opera house. Close by you will see one of the most important museums of the city, the Mucem which is an ode to the history, culture, and civilization of the Mediterranean.
Cathédrale La Major
From Saint-Jean fort, take a short walk to reach another famous landmark in Marseille, the Cathédrale La Major which has been built in the Byzantine and Roman Revival styles. While it was originally built in the 12th century, the grandiose structure as it stands today was built in the 19th century. The architectural style reflects the city’s multicultural reputation, and even the materials used are sourced from different parts of Europe. For instance, the green stone is from Florence, mosaics from Venice, and onyx from Tunisia.
The exterior façade of the church is richly decorated with sculptures of Christ, the Apostles, Saint Peter, Saint Paul, and the Saints of Provence. The cathedral is a majestic symbol of Marseille with its total length being a whopping 469 feet. The main dome of the cathedral is almost 231 feet high. With a seating capacity of 3000 seats it is one of the largest cathedrals in France.
La Panier District
Arguably one of the most popular places in Marseille is the heart of the oldest district, La Panier which translates into “the basket” in English. Located atop a hill, this place is replete with narrow winding streets, quaint cafes, engaging street art and colorful store shutters. The district is full of artsy stores, design studios and unusual shops.
The stepped streets are full of character and spring a surprise at every corner. It is a haven if you are an art lover and the paintings all over are sure to leave you inspired.
The place is akin to an open-air museum with some murals prompting you to smile while others allow room for contemplation. It is the perfect place to have a meal or a drink while savoring the distinct local culture of the city. The Maison Diamantée (Diamond House), the Cabre Hotel, the Place de Lenche (Lenche Square) and the Place des Moulins (Mills Square) are some of the culturally and historically significant places in La Panier.
Notre Dame de la Garde
Marseille Basilica is one of the most important sights that Marseille has to offer. Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, as it is also known, is located on top of a hill on the southern side of the city and is split into two levels, the crypt below alongside the upper church. The church built in the Romano-Byzantine style was completed in the 19th century.
The gold-leaf statue of Madonna and Child is a highlight here, apart from the models of ships hanging from the vault, which make a compelling sight. While the climb to the Basilica can be quite steep, the place can also be reached by bus and the tourist train.
