MARSEILLE · FRANCE

Marseille, the second-largest city in France and the oldest, founded by the Greeks around 600 BC, is a true crossroads of the Mediterranean. With more than 2,600 years of history, it has always been a city of trade, cultures, and exchange, giving it a unique cosmopolitan character.
At the heart of the city lies the Vieux-Port (Old Port), where fishermen still bring in their daily catch, framed by lively cafés, seafood restaurants, and bustling markets. Overlooking the city is the iconic Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, a symbol of Marseille, offering breathtaking views of the rooftops, coastline, and surrounding mountains.
The city is known for its diverse neighborhoods, from the historic Panier district, with narrow streets and colorful facades, to the modern architecture of Le Corbusier’s Cité Radieuse. Marseille is also a city of art and culture, home to the MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations), the Palais Longchamp, and numerous galleries, theaters, and festivals throughout the year.
Nature lovers find paradise in the Calanques National Park, a stretch of dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and hidden coves just minutes away from the city center, perfect for hiking, boating, and swimming.
Marseille’s cuisine is another highlight — a blend of Provençal flavors and Mediterranean influences. The city is world-renowned for bouillabaisse, the traditional fish stew, along with fresh seafood, olive oils, herbs, and wines from nearby Provence.
Dynamic, authentic, and welcoming, Marseille is a city that combines tradition with modernity, sea with mountains, and local life with international openness. Whether for history, gastronomy, nature, or simply its relaxed coastal lifestyle, Marseille remains one of the most fascinating destinations in southern Europe.