Marseille

Things to Do in Marseille

The port city of Marseille has a long history as a trading hub. Since 600 BC, it has been the crossroads of immigration and trade. Its heart is the Vieux-Port, a harbor lined with boats selling fishmongers’ catch.

Old Port

The Old Port of Marseille is a historical, yet lively district of the city. It has been a natural harbour since antiquity and was the centre of trade and commerce for centuries. A bustling fish market sets up in the mornings. You’ll find small fishing boats, pleasure craft and yachts.

There are several hotels with excellent views of the port. One hotel, the Sofitel, has a spectacular rooftop terrace that provides a panoramic view of the port. However, it’s not guaranteed that you’ll have a room with a view.

If you’re looking for something to do, you can visit the Museum of Mediterranean Culture, also known as MuCEM. This museum is housed in a magnificent building on the water’s edge. It offers a range of permanent and temporary art exhibitions.

Another must-see attraction in the Old Port is the Cathedrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure de Marseille. It’s built on the site of churches dating back to the 5th century.

Another popular destination is the Bourse, formerly a stock exchange. Here you can browse exhibits and public events.

The Old Port has a lively fish market every morning. Several cafes and restaurants provide good dining options. For a low-priced meal, try La Cigale.

If you want to spend a day sightseeing, consider visiting the Calanques National Park. It’s a 520-square-kilometer area of limestone cliffs and coves. Visit in spring, summer or fall.

Visitors can go kayaking in the park or hiking.

Marseille old port

Cathedrale La Major

When you visit Marseille, one of the best things to do is to visit the Cathedrale La Major. This church is one of the oldest in Marseille. It was built between the 12th and 19th centuries. The building is decorated with mosaics and white marble imported from Carrara.

You can go inside the cathedral and find a 12-meter-high statue of the Virgin Mary. There are also opulent side chapels.

You can enjoy a view of the city from this hilltop. In addition to the view, you can see the famous Arc de Triomphe, which is a four-meter-high replica of Michelangelo’s David.

Marseille is one of the oldest cities in France. It was originally a port city. As a result, the streets are filled with narrow stone alleys. These were used as a place of hiding by Jewish communities and Resistance fighters.

Today, this area is an eclectic mix of old and new. This area is perfect for those who like to explore on foot.

Another popular tourist attraction in Marseille is the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde. This basilica is a memorial to the victims of plague. If you are in the city on a Sunday, you can attend mass at the basilica.

The New Major Cathedral is another beautiful structure in Marseille. It took forty years to complete this building. Its design incorporates Roman and Oriental influences.

Marseille has a very distinct cultural identity. While it is still a French city, it shares its beautiful Mediterranean shores with Barcelona.

Longchamp Palace

There are so many things to do in Marseille that it’s hard to choose just a few. This Mediterranean city offers a wonderful mix of history, food, culture, and shopping. It’s also a great place to visit for families.

One of the best things to do in Marseille is to visit the historic Longchamp Palace. The palace, which was built in 1860, features a neo-baroque facade, high ramparts, and a marble staircase. You can also take a tour of the museum.

Another unique thing to do in Marseille is to visit the Arab-Andalusian Garden. It features a large terrace, a cafe, and a fountain.

Other things to do in Marseille include visiting the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology. This museum focuses on Egyptian and Middle Eastern antiquities, as well as Greek artifacts.

Another must-see in Marseille is the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations. As part of the city’s redevelopment, this museum is a comprehensive overview of the region’s history and culture.

The park surrounding the palace is an official Notable Garden of France, so you’ll definitely want to check it out. There are several playgrounds, an observatory, and an open-air movie theater. A small Natural History Museum is also located at the palace.

For a more in-depth look at Marseille, you can also check out the Museum of African, Oceanian, and Amerindian Arts. Here, you’ll find a wide range of artwork from the 16th century to the present.

Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts in Marseille is home to a diverse and unique collection of works. The museum showcases a range of different artworks, including paintings from the 17th to 19th centuries, as well as contemporary art. Founded in 1802, the Museum of Fine Arts in Marseille is one of the oldest exhibition venues in the city.

Located on Boulevard Longchamp, the museum houses a varied collection of French, Italian and European masters. Also on display are Neolithic art, Italian Renaissance drawings, 18C feience and European-school drawings.

The museum also features a number of temporary exhibitions. In addition, it hosts themed tours for visually impaired visitors. If you’re looking to see some of the most famous works of the 19th century, the museum is the place to go.

Aside from the permanent exhibition, the museum also hosts several other events. It also offers guided tours of the museum for EUR4 per adult.

During the Second World War, Marseille was a center of resistance. The museum honors the heroes who fought in the war.

The Museum of Fine Arts in Marseille also holds temporary exhibitions. These are open for a limited time, and charge a fee. Some of the most popular temporary exhibits include the Andy Warhol exhibition, Cody Choi and Alfredo Jaar exhibition.

Aside from the permanent collection, the Museum of Fine Arts in Marseille has several other galleries. These include the Musee des Civilisations d’Europe et de la Mediterranee, which features world-class exhibits.

La Vieille Charite

La Vieille Charite is a 17th-century baroque almshouse. It is now a cultural center and museum. The building’s symmetrical facades feature Corinthian columns, an Italian Baroque dome and arcades. There are three floors of galleries and shops.

Marseille’s Old Port is an atmospheric and lively area. This historic port has been trading for nearly two thousand years. Today, it has a lot of restaurants and bars to offer visitors.

Another unique thing to do in Marseille is to visit the Arab-Andalusian Garden. The garden features a large terrace, a petanque pitch and a cafe. You can also get a stunning view of the city.

The Marseille Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology focuses on Greek antiquities and Egyptian art. Some of the highlights are an archaeological dig site, a 23-meter-long ship hull from the 3rd century and a library of historical books.

Marseille’s oldest garden is a popular spot for runners and cyclists. In fact, you can run or cycle through the park’s winding paths among trees.

The Arc de Triomphe was designed to commemorate the signing of the Peace of Paris treaties. However, it wasn’t finished until 1839.

Marseille’s cathedral is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. Inside, you’ll find a 12-meter-high statue of the Virgin Mary. During the construction of the building, archaeological remains were discovered.

You can also experience the city’s history at Victor of Marseille Abbey. This working Catholic church is named after a 14th-century Christian martyr.

Chez Fonfon

Chez Fonfon is one of those places in Marseille that makes a very good bouillabaisse. It’s the sort of place that serves up a hefty dose of gastronomical goodness for a reasonable price. The restaurant also serves up a great deal of other French fare.

It is located in a fishing cove called the Vallon des Auffes. While this isn’t exactly in the heart of the city, the surrounding area does have some very nice views.

There’s a reason that this fabled restaurant has been dubbed the Michelin-trained ‘best of the best’ in the city. The staff are friendly and attentive. Aside from the excellent food and service, the surroundings are a breath of fresh air.

The menu at Chez Fonfon offers a selection of Mediterranean cuisine in a cozy and comfortable setting. Some of the dishes on offer include a fish soup, fruit sorbet, daurade, and other culinary delights.

It’s no surprise that the chef at Chez Fonfon has been awarded two black knife and fork symbols. This is a sure sign that he knows what he’s doing.

There’s a reason that the bouillabaisse of the day at this restaurant is touted as the best of the best. It is made with fish caught in the local waters.

The ol’ fashioned bouillabaisse has been around for a while, but the baffling name has been attributed to a dish created in the early 1700s. At Chez Fonfon, the dish is made from a blend of various types of fish. It’s a simple cooking process that maximizes the flavor of the fresh fish.

Photos: marseille.hu

 

Europe