Holiday in Marseille

What makes Marseille special as a destination?

Marseille, founded around 600 BC by Greek seafarers, is the oldest city in France and the second largest after Paris. The port metropolis on the Mediterranean coast combines 2,600 years of history with a vibrant, multicultural energy that is unmatched in France. The Vieux Port, the historical heart of the city, is now characterized by fish restaurants and the futuristic sun sail pavilion by Norman Foster. The Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde towers over the highest hill in the city and offers a breathtaking 360-degree view over the rooftops, the harbor, and the nearby Frioul Islands. There lies the Chateau d’If, the fortress island that Alexandre Dumas made the setting for his novel “The Count of Monte Cristo.” The MuCEM (Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean) at the old harbor is an architectural masterpiece with a delicate concrete facade. The Le Panier district, Marseille's oldest neighborhood, enchants with narrow streets, street art, and small studios. The Calanques — fjord-like rocky inlets southeast of the city — are part of the national park and offer turquoise water between white limestone cliffs, ideal for hiking, climbing, and swimming. The Bouillabaisse, Marseille's legendary fish stew, tastes best in the restaurants at Vieux Port. With 300 sunny days a year and a vibrant cultural scene, Marseille is an underrated gem.