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Marseille is the undiscovered jewel in the crown of France's Mediterranean coastline. Rocky Provencal hills look down onto the ancient port and the thousands of boats docked in its clear blue waters. Painters and other artists have all been seduced by the sunny climate and the hustle and bustle of the town. France's second city has all you could ask for - beautiful beaches, ancient buildings, thriving arts and a diverse and dynamic nightlife. Welcome to a place fiercely proud of its unique cultural heritage - Planète Mars.
Founded by Phocaean Greeks 2,600 years ago, Marseille is France's oldest town, a melting pot of different races and cultures and a gateway to southern Europe and North Africa. Today, the city is still dependent on the port for its revenue and is dominated by fishing boats and people selling the day's fresh produce. Marseille is cut in half by La Canebière, one of the main shopping streets, which runs west to east from the vieux port. The city is divided into 15 arrondissements, ranging from gentrified to run-down, and is famed for its fish-dominated culinary menu and its potent aniseed tipple, pastis. Numerous little shops and boutiques clutter the small streets in Le Panier, the oldest part of Marseille, whilst the trendy spots are located in the south around the bohemian area of Cours Julien and Place Jean-Jaurès. The exclusivity increases as you head further south to the corniche and Prado, the city's best beach, with three kilometres of sand.
Marseille today actually occupies twice the amount of land space as Paris. In spite of the difficulties inevitably associated with life in a large city, it is bustling, always fascinating, and unlike any other in France. The arts are coming alive in Marseille! An abandoned, former cigar factory has been named La Friche la Belle de Mai, and has opened recently as a 164,000 square foot space entirely dedicated to dance, theater, music, film, visual arts, and literature. There are rooms for rehearsals, performances, workshops, a radio station, and lounges for conversation.
The city is a showpiece: a medley of brilliant white stone rising above a picture perfect seaport framed by enormous neo-Byzantine churches. The winding alleyways of the old town reveal ancient buildings painted in broad strokes of saffron and robin's-egg blue. It provides the perfect setting for its film industry, because there is nothing artificial about Marseilles. The town is filled with real beauty and raw energy. In 1998 the World Cup was held in Marseille with four players on the winning French team being natives of the city.
Marseilles will always be known for its beaches, for its 35 miles of gorgeous coastline, and for its superb bouillabaisse. It is emerging now as a dynamic creative center for musicians, filmmakers, theater directors, and fashion and furniture designers. The exciting story of this new Marseilles is now unfolding. What a perfect time to visit!
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