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Hotel ListingsPullman Marseille Provence 13722 Marignane France Marignane, 13728 FR
Best Western Marseille Aeroport Z I Couperigne Vitrolles, 13127 FR
Ibis Marseille Aeroport Bp 119 Marignane, 13729 FR
Novotel Aeroport Porte 24 Rue De Madrid Vitrolles, 13127 FR
Mercure Lancon de Provence
Autoroute A7
Lancone de Provence, 13680 FR ...more hotels |
ABOUT MARSEILLEMarseille, in southeastern France, is France’s oldest city. It was founded by Greeks in 600 BC as a trading post. Since Marseille is along the Mediterranean Sea’s border, it had the perfect location for trade and it is now France’s largest commercial port. As Marseille continues to grow (it is currently the second largest city in France), it keeps its rich culture and history.
There is a lot to see and enjoy in Marseille, but one of Marseille’s must-see sights is the Romano-Byzantine Cathedral of Notre Dame de La Garde. This impressive nineteenth century cathedral is decorated on the inside with murals and marble. The giant bell is eight feet high and on top of the bell tower stands a thirty foot golden Virgin.
Another popular attraction is the Chateau d’If. This island off the coast of Marseille is the scene for Alexandre Dumas’s book The Count of Monte Cristo. The castle on the island became a prison, and tours are now offered throughout it. Visitors can catch a glimpse of Chateau d’If from the tourist attraction Palais du Pharo. This building was built in the nineteenth century for Napoleon III. The interior is extravagantly decorated but the views outside of the Palais du Pharo towards the ocean are breathtaking.
One last attraction is the La Cathedrale de la Nouvelle Major. This cathedral was also built during the nineteenth century under Napoleon III. It cost fourteen million gold francs. This astonishing building houses elaborate sculptures and offers a unique view of the sea.
Marseille prides itself on its rich culture. The Opera House hosts six to seven operas a year and the Ballet national de Marseille has been performing there since 1972. Marseille also has historical and maritime museums. One of the museums in Marseille, the Musée d’Histoire, has historical records from both the Greeks and the Romans. It also displays the hull of a sixth century boat; it is the best preserved hull in the world. The museum of modern art, Musée Cantini, features art connected with Marseille and art by Picasso.
Along with a rich history and preserved culture, Marseille also offers spectacular beauty. Visitors can enjoy beaches, the warm water of the Mediterranean Sea and the Marseilleveyre Mountains. These mountains run along the coast, and they will become France’s eighth national park in 2011. There is also shopping, golfing, and sports like windsurfing that can be enjoyed in Marseille. Marseille offers something for anyone to enjoy from beaches to historical sights to operas to shopping. |