Marseille

The old harbour at the end of the Canebière is still today the heart of the city. The fish market, the fishing boats and yachts, the bars and restaurants along the quays create an vibrant atmosphere. Access to the port is guarded by two fortresses, Fort Saint-Jean and Fort Saint-Nicolas. After an extensive renovation of the port, the promenade became a pedestrian zone in 2013. Particularly noteworthy is the elegant steel pavilion designed by architect Norman Foster, which reflects the coming and going of tourists from all over the world.

Marseille, the oldest city in France, was built 2'600 years ago on three hills. "Le Panier" is the site of the first settlement of Marseille and thus the oldest quarter of the city. Its village character and its steep alleys are reminiscent of Montmartre in Paris. Despite many renovations, it has retained its authentic charm and enchanted by its maze of alleys, its quiet squares and tightly packed houses. Small bistros, cafés, restaurants, boutiques and studios make for lively activity. A museum and cultural centre is located in the Vieille Charité, a former hospice for the poor.

La Major Cathedral, a majestic blend of Byzantine, Romanesque and Gothic styles, is as gigantic as St Peter's Basilica in Rome. At the port it welcomes cruise tourists in the new Euroméditerranée district, one of Europe's largest urban renewal projects: the "Halles de la Major" market halls are a true temple of gastronomy, terraces and shops are being built on the docks, and the two skyscrapers by Jean Nouvel and Zaha Hadid are now shaping the skyline. Right opposite, the Basilica Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, affectionately called "Bonne Mère", continues to watch over the city on its hilltop.

The MuCEM, Museum of the Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean, has changed Marseille's appearance, improved its image and made the city an important cultural metropolis. It displays collections and special exhibitions dedicated to Mediterranean civilizations. The cubic and glazed building with its filigree concrete structure is situated on an artificial peninsula in the Old Port and is already one of the most visited museums in the world.

In Marseille, a metropolis located directly on the waterfront, a city trip can be perfectly combined with a weekend by the sea. Discover the calanques, majestic fjords and small bays with unique flora and fauna, which have been declared a National Park on a boat trip. Or small islands at the gates of Marseille, such as the rock island with the Château d'If, famous for Alexandre Duma's novel "The Count of Monte-Christo". The Plage du Prado beach with its park extends 3 km to the south and can be reached by metro, the sandy beach Les Catalans is in the middle of the city.