The south of France is becoming more and more popular with tourists. Cities with romantic names have been attracting travelers for many years now. The most attractive are Nice and Cannes. Marseille, a city in France with an unusual relief and an interesting history, does not go unnoticed. It is the largest port in the country and the entire Mediterranean. The settlement is located on the shores of the Gulf of Lion, near the mouth of the Rhone River. Last year, Marseille was recognized as the European Capital of Culture. The city is the capital of the Bouches-du-Rhone department.
Terrain features
Marseille (a map of the city is presented below) is located in peculiar tiers on the coastal hills. They, in turn, separate it from the rest of the country. The beaches of Marseille are very popular. Among them are Prado, Corbière, de Love, de la Battry, Forten. Calanques are quiet rocky bays. There are a lot of them on the Marseille coast. There are all conditions for swimming, diving, rock climbing and sailing.
Weather conditions
Mediterranean climate prevails here. Marseille (France) is located on the same latitude as Sochi. For this reason, the temperaturehere is the same. Mostly winters are mild. Some years are remembered for severe cooling, which was accompanied by slight or moderate frosts. Sunny weather persisted during some winter periods. It is more typical for the southern part of the Mediterranean. Snow falls almost every winter. Quite heavy rainfall is sometimes observed here. Snowfalls in Marseille are not uncommon. In summer the weather is stuffy and hot. There is practically no precipitation during this period. Autumn comes relatively early here. At this time the weather is rainy. There is practically no velvet season as such.
Historical information
The city was founded by the Phocians. This happened as early as 600 BC. It was originally called Massalia. There is a legend about the creation of the city. It is inextricably linked with the love story of the Greek Protis and Hyptida, who was the daughter of the king of the Ligurians.
The king hoped to marry his daughter. To this end, he ordered to organize a magnificent feast. Hyptida chose Protis as her suitor. According to legend, the couple received part of the coast as dowry. This is where the city was founded.
Gradually, Massalia began to turn into a major shopping center. Many trading posts were based on the coast. The independent republic was in alliance with Rome for a long time. This protected her from the interference of other tribes and protected her trading interests. Later, during military clashes, the city was destroyed by Roman troops. He still retained his independence, but his influence was greatly weakened.
The city startedrevived only in the X century. In many ways, this was facilitated by the efforts of the Dukes of Provence. Later, the settlement was included in the French kingdom. At the beginning of the 18th century, there was an outbreak of a plague epidemic. Only about ten percent of the population survived. According to various sources, between 40,000 and 60,000 people died during that period.
During the revolution, the city supported the Republicans. Therefore, the French anthem was called "La Marseillaise". The city's economy was significantly undermined during the continental blockade arranged by Napoleon. With the opening of the Suez Canal, Marseille came to life again. In many ways, this was facilitated by the development of the colonial activities of the state. During World War II, Marseille (France) was a major center of resistance.
Local Features
Marseille is considered a very ancient city. It has a long history. During this time, a great cultural diversity has been formed, which was greatly facilitated by the dynamic atmosphere of the settlement.
Guests can visit the market in the Old Port. Here, local fishermen sell their catch. You can also walk along the roads along the waterfront. From here there are picturesque views of the calanques. The beauty of the rocky sea bays is amazing. La Plaine and Cours Julien are popular meeting places. The Plön market is open every Saturday and Thursday. Here you can buy a wide variety of goods. This area is the best for spending time with children on playgrounds or for choosingnovel in one of the trendy bookstores. There is a cafe for every taste. In them, visitors can relax with a cup of cappuccino and watch what is happening outside the window.
There are many places in Marseille that culture lovers should visit. The Longchamp Palace, Notre Dame de la Garde and the Museum of Mediterranean Archeology are worth seeing.
Walking around Marseille leaves a lasting impression. Many city buildings are the fruit of the work of the famous architect Le Corbusier. The extraordinary terracotta roofs stand out in particular. They create such a special atmosphere in the city. Marseille Provence Airport is very close. For this reason, guests can start their vacation almost immediately, without having to languish in a long trip to the hotel.
Hotels in Marseille
This is the place that millions of tourists from all over the world dream of visiting. Marseille is able to impress almost everyone with its beauty. The uniqueness of the architecture is truly captivating. An equally important advantage is the favorable climate. Currently, there are more than sixty hotels in the city. Tourists are offered both budget hotels and luxury apartments. The following establishments are the most popular:
1. InterContinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu.
2. Best Western Bonneveine Prado.
3. Residhome Marseille Saint-Charles.
Each tourist, guided by personal preferences, will be able to find the perfect place to stay. SPA hotelsMarseilles open their doors to those who love deep relaxation and sunshine. Most often, such establishments receive the highest customer ratings. This means that guests can be sure that they will receive the best service for their money. You can easily find a room in hotels with swimming pools. Most often, the range of services already includes a stay in the children's room and the use of a mini-bar. Some establishments have their own fitness centers and gyms.
This extraordinary French city is visited by crowds of tourists every year. Many people want to feel its special atmosphere. In order to make it most convenient to get acquainted with local attractions, it is best to settle in the central part of the city. In any case, guests will not be limited in their choice. They offer standard hotels, mini-hotels and luxury apartments. Almost all establishments have a free Wi-Fi zone.
Cafes and restaurants
Can a vacation be considered a success if national dishes are not tasted properly? There is an opinion that you cannot feel the atmosphere of the city without tasting the local cuisine. Guests who share this view prefer to stay in hotels with their own restaurants. In this case, you can order delicious dishes directly to your room. There are such hotels in almost all areas of the city.
Holidays with children
Those who are attracted only by democratic prices should take a closer look at hotels on the outskirts of Marseille. As a rule, renting rooms in hotels in the central part of the citynot cheap.
Adults often relax with their little guests in budget establishments. Families with children are best to look at specialized hotels. They have playrooms where caregivers will work with the child. Babysitting services are also available.
Attractions
The symbol of the city is the Cathedral of Notre Dame de la Garde. In summer, tourists can take part in a detailed one and a half hour tour of the monastery. It is conducted in French. The approximate cost of the service is up to three euros. You can climb to the roof of the building for a fee. It offers stunning views of Marseille (France).
Abbey of St. Victor are very close to the cathedral. There are amazing catacombs that are open to the public. If Castle and the Friuli Islands can be reached by tourist boats. They depart from the Old Port.
Marseille has two cultural centers: Place Jean Jaurès and Cours Julien. These are favorite places for local youth. Interesting books can be purchased there. In addition, informal fashion shops, cafes and clubs are open on the territory of these squares. A large market unfolds on Saturdays and Thursdays. It is located on Place Jean Jaurès. Chateau d'If is a former prison. It is located on a small island. It was him that Alexandre Dumas shrouded in romantic secrets in one of his works. The building is currently open to the public. Free time is best spent on the calanques. To do this, you need to get on the boat andsail west. Some call the calanques the French fjords.
What is recommended to do when you arrive in Marseille (France)?
1. Visit the Arab quarter. Here, tourists get the impression that they have landed on the shores of North Africa.
2. Visit restaurants located in the Old Port. They serve delicious fish dishes.
3. View the shining city of Le Corbusier. Being here leads to certain philosophical reflections.
4. Wander into the Chateau d'If and experience the life of the Man in the Iron Mask in every detail.
Additional information
You can book a room in almost any hotel in Marseille. However, it is worth doing this in advance. This service is provided by both cheap and expensive hotels.
Des Catalagne is Marseille's most popular beach for tourists. It is located in close proximity to the center of the city in question.
