More and more popular with tourists is the south of France. Cities with romantic names have been attracting travelers for 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 village is located on the shores of the Gulf of Lyon, near the mouth of the Rhone. Last year, Marseille was recognized as the cultural capital of Europe. The city is the administrative center of the department of Bouches-du-Rhone.
Terrain features
Marseille (a city map is presented below) is located in distinctive 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, Corbières, de Love, de la Buttree, Forten. Chambers are quiet rocky bays. There are a lot of them on the Marseille coast. There are all conditions for swimming, diving, climbing and sailing.
Weather
The Mediterranean climate prevails here. Marseille (France) is located on the same latitude with Sochi. For this reason, the temperature regime is the same. Winters are mostly mild. Some years were remembered by a serious cooling, which was accompanied by small or moderate frosts. During some winter periods, the weather was sunny. It is more characteristic of the southern part of the Mediterranean. Snow falls almost every winter. Sometimes quite heavy precipitation is noted here. Snowfalls in Marseille are not uncommon. In summer, there is stuffy and hot weather. There is practically no rainfall during this period. Autumn comes relatively early here. The weather is rainy at this time. There is practically no velvet season as such.
Historical information
The city was founded by the Phocians. This happened back in 600 BC. It was originally called Massaliah. 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 the organization of a magnificent feast. Hyptida chose Protis as her suitors. According to legend, the couple received a part of the coast as a dowry. Here the city was founded.
Gradually, Massalia began to turn into a large shopping center. A lot of trading posts were based on the coast. An independent republic has long been in alliance with Rome. This protected her from the interference of other tribes and protected her commercial interests. Later, during the military clashes, the city was destroyed by Roman troops. He still maintained independence, but his influence was greatly weakened.
The city began to revive only in the X century. In many ways, the efforts of the dukes of Provence contributed to this. Later, the settlement was included in the French kingdom. At the beginning of the XVIII century there was an outbreak of a plague epidemic. Only about ten percent of the population survived. According to various sources, from 40 to 60 thousand people died in that period.
During the revolution, the city supported the Republicans. Therefore, the French anthem was called "Marseillaise". The economy of the city was significantly undermined during the continental blockade imposed by Napoleon. With the opening of the Suez Canal, Marseille came to life again. In many ways, the development of the colonial activity of the state contributed to this. During World War II, Marseille (France) was a major center of resistance.
Local features
Marseille is considered a very ancient city. He has a long history. During this time, a great cultural diversity managed to take shape, which was greatly facilitated by the dynamic atmosphere of the village.
Guests can visit the market at the Old Port. Here, local fishermen trade their catch. You can also walk along the roads along the promenade. From here, picturesque views of the egg can open. The beauty of the rocky sea bays is amazing. A popular meeting place is La Plain and Cours Julien. The Captive Market is open every Saturday and Thursday. Here you can buy a wide variety of products. This area is the best suited for spending time with children on playgrounds or for choosing a novel in one of the fashionable 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.
Marseille has many places that culture lovers are advised to visit. It is worth visiting the Longschamp Palace, Notre Dame de la Garde and the Mediterranean Archeology Museum.
A walk around Marseille leaves a lasting impression. Many urban buildings are the fruit of the work of the famous architect Le Corbusier. Unusual terracotta roofs stand out especially. It is they who create such a special atmosphere in the city. Marseille Airport "Provence" is located very close. For this reason, guests leave almost immediately, they don’t have to languish on a long trip to the hotel.
Hotels in Marseille
It is this village 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 fascinating. An equally important advantage is the favorable climate. Currently, the city has more than sixty hotels. Attention tourists are presented both budget hotels and luxury apartments. The following establishments are 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. Marseille spa hotels open their doors to those who love deep relaxation and the sun's rays. Most often, such institutions receive the highest customer ratings. This means that guests can be sure that they will get the best service for their money. You can easily find a room in hotels with pools. Most often, the package of services already includes a stay in a children's room and use of a minibar. Some facilities have their own fitness centers and gyms.
This unusual French city is annually visited by crowds of tourists. 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 choice. At their service are standard hotels, mini-hotels and luxury apartments. Almost all establishments have a free Wi-Fi zone.
Cafes and restaurants
Is it possible to consider a vacation a success if national dishes are not tested properly? It is believed that you can not feel the atmosphere of the city without tasting the local cuisine. Guests sharing this view prefer to check into hotels with their own restaurants. In this case, you can order delicious dishes directly to your room. Such hotels exist in almost all areas of the city.
Vacation with children
Those who are attracted only by affordable prices should take a closer look at the hotels on the outskirts of Marseille. As a rule, renting rooms in hotels in the central part of the city is not cheap.
In budgetary institutions, adults often relax with small guests. For families with children, it is best to look at specialized hotels. They have game rooms where teachers will be engaged with the child. Babysitting services are also available.
sights
The symbol of the city is Notre Dame de la Garde Cathedral. In the summer, tourists can take part in a detailed hour and a half excursion around the monastery. It is conducted in French. The approximate cost of the service is up to three euros. The roof of the building can be accessed for a fee. It offers stunning views of Marseille (France).
Abbey of St. Victor are located very close to the cathedral. There are amazing catacombs that are open to the public. You can get to If Castle and the Friulian Islands by tourist boats. They depart from the Old Port.
Marseille has two cultural centers: Place Jean Jaures and Cours Julien. These are the favorite places of local youth. Interesting books can be purchased there. In addition, informal fashion stores, cafes and clubs are open on the territory of these areas. A large market unfolds on Saturdays and Thursdays. It is located in Jean Jaures Square. If Castle is a former prison. It is located on a small island. It was him that Alexander Dumas shrouded in romantic secrets in one of his works. Currently, the building is open to the public. Free time is best spent on the bowls. For this you need to board a boat and sail west. Some call the Kalanca 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 were on the shores of North Africa.
2. Visit the restaurants located in the Old Port. Delicious fish dishes are served there.
3. Look at the Radiant city of Le Corbusier. Staying here leads to certain philosophical thoughts.
4. Wander into the castle of If and imagine the life of Man in an iron mask in all its details.
Additional Information
You can book a room at almost any Marseille hotel. However, it is worth doing this in advance. This service is provided by both cheap and expensive hotels.
Des Catalan is the most popular beach for tourists in Marseille. It is located in close proximity to the center of the considered city.