Marseille is the third largest city and the largest seaport in France with an urban population of about 874,600 after Paris and Lyon. The metropolitan area has a population of about 1.89 million, after Paris and Lyon.
Surrounded by limestone hills on three sides, the city enjoys beautiful scenery and a pleasant climate.
The southeast of Marseille is close to the Mediterranean Sea, with deep water and wide harbour, no rapids, and dangerous shoals, and 10,000-ton ships can pass unimpeded.
In the west, there is the Rhone River and the flat valley to connect with Northern Europe, so the geographical location is unique. The whole port consists of four major port areas: Marseille, Lavera, Fosse, and Rhône-Saint-Louis, with an annual cargo volume of 100 million tons, making it the largest gateway for foreign trade in France.
The main tourist attractions are Yves Island, Notre-Dame de Garde, Marseille Museum of Fine Arts, Marseille Old Port, and the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations. Marseille has a Mediterranean climate, and the climate is generally pleasant throughout the year, but it will be relatively cold from December to January, and frost will appear in some places.
Let's take a look at the most worthwhile tourist attractions in Marseille, France.
1. Old Port of Marseille
Located in the centre of Marseille, the Old Port of Marseille is the centre and essence of the entire Marseille region. It is a unique scenic spot, not only because it is the origin of Marseille, it was the third largest port in the world 200 years ago, and more importantly Yes, the pure Marseille style can only be seen here. In addition, the Old Port is also the life and entertainment centre of the Maasai people.
The Old Port area is a famous gourmet district, and most of the restaurants in the port serve a famous Marseille delicacy - bouillabaisse.
2. Château d'If
The Château d'If is located on the Isle of Ife in the western sea of Marseille, about 3.5 miles away from the old port of Marseille. It is a square building with a side length of 28 meters. There are three cylindrical towers with wide shooting holes in the city wall. The Château d'If was originally proposed by King Francis of France to strengthen the defence of Marseilles.
3. Longchamp Palace
Palais Longchamp is located on Boulevard Zoo in the fourth district of Marseille. It was once the palace of Napoleon III. The site of the original palace was a water diversion project reservoir, and Longchamp Palace was built to commemorate this project. Built in the 1860s during the reign of Napoleon III, it is a water tower that combines Baroque, Roman, and Oriental architectural styles.
4. St. John's Bastion
St. John's Fort is located at the entrance of the Old Port of Marseille. It was built in 1660 under the supervision of Louis XIV. At the same time, St. Nicholas Fort was built on the opposite bank of the Old Port.
The two fortresses were built to deal with local uprisings against the governor and to supervise the administrators, not to prevent foreign enemies and defend the city. Now it is used as a museum to record the history of that time. Visitors can also overlook the city from a high place, and the scenery is very beautiful.
