Marseille General Info

General Information

Overview of Marseille's Old Port

The City

Founded by the Phoenicians in 600 BC, Marseille is one of the oldest cities in Europe. The town is a far cry from the Cézanne paintings and Provençal clichés of sleepy villages and "pétanque" players. With around one million inhabitants, Marseille is actually the third largest city in France in terms of population and the largest in terms of area. Its population is a real melting pot of different cultures, with a very large proportion of North African immigrants, as well as Spanish and Italians. Though Marseille boasts fewer historic “sights” than other French cities, there’s still plenty to do. From colourful markets (like Noailles market) that will make you feel like you are in Africa and the Calanques (a natural area of big cliffs falling into the sea), to the Vieux-Port (old harbour) and the Corniche (a road along the sea), Marseille definitely has a lot to offer.