Marseille is the second largest city in France and its biggest port. This city is different than the other cities of France as it is has a strong flavor of the Mediterranean Sea and of Africa than of Europe. This city is one of the ancient cities of Europe having more than 2500 years of history. The city has a rough and tumultuous history and still you can find the traces and signs of the roughness in the city and its people. Until recently Marseille was considered to be a dull and dirty city. Now that image has to been changed for the best as the city is fast catching up with other modern cities to become a new and smarter city.

Marseille being one of the ancient cities has a rich history behind it and it has many landmarks and interesting places to visit for a visitor to this city. With many changes that have occurred in the city, it has become one of the best tourist destinations in this part of France. Among the many important places to visit, the Calanques Marseille-Cassis is one of them and it is a conducted tour to the Marseille bay and the fjord like inlet called the Calanques. The cruises take you non-stop for two hours past many of the islands and you can go closer to the steep limestone cliffs that tower over the sea. This will be an unforgettable experience for you and your family.

If you like all things old ancient (and prehistoric), then you will definitely want to include the Cosquer Caves on the island of Morgiou. These underwater caves play host to some of the world’s oldest prehistoric cave paintings. Another important place to visit is the Abbaye-Saint Victor. This situated on the southern bank of Vieux-Port above the dry dock, helped much in the development of Christianity in the Mediterranean region in the past centuries. Pope Urbain V added more fortifications to this abbey. In the present times it is the venue for many of the religions and music concerts.

The other attractions include the Old port, that happens to be the marina of the city and you have to see the Fort St. Nicholas and Fort St. Jean that are very important landmarks as these forts guard this part of the city. On the harbor road adjacent to the fish market you have many restaurants and bars that cater to a wide variety of customers.

For those who like to shop you can go to the Central Bourse and Rue St. Ferrol District which are the main shopping centers of the city. For history lovers you can go to the Marseille Museum that has many art pieces and exhibits as old as the 6th Century. The other museums and art galleries worth visiting are the Musee Cantini, which features art work associated with Marseille as well as modern Art and includes some Picassos. The Musee de la Mode is a modern fashion museum featuring over 2000 designs covering the past 30 years or so.

The best landmark of this city is the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Grade that stands on a hill on the south of the Port. This has the world famous Statue of Madonna and child that can be seen from miles away on the sea. There are countless beautiful old buildings to be admired in Marseille and no doubt this city offers the best vacation to its visitors.

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Category: Travel
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