Marseille
Marseille
Founded nearly 26 centuries ago, Marseilles is the oldest city in France, a mosaic of old and new with a dozen villages and eight islands, each offering a world of enchanting discoveries. At nearby Avignon, visit the magmificient Palace of the Popes and the hilltop Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde. Explore ruins of 13th century Palais Longchamps and colorful "Old Harbour" where you can browse open-air markets.
Attractions
For the best view of the city, there's only one place to go: Notre Dame de la Garde. Entirely covered in gold leaf, it towers over Marseille at an impressive 500 feet tall (154 meters.) Throughout the years, it has served as a lookout post, a military zone and a place of worship.Activities
Stroll around the Old Port, or Vieux Port as the locals say, which was once known as the gateway to the Mediterranean. Here you'll find the popular theatre, Théâtre National de la Criée, as well as many cafés and restaurants lining the streets. See the amazing history of the city - 26 centuries worth - at Musée d'Histoire de Marseille. Walk through Cours Julien, a pedestrian square with a beautiful water garden and fountain, as well as trendy shops, cafés and theatres. Visit Le Prado south of the city where you'll find Parc Borély, a magnificent city park with numerous ponds, a botanical garden and a greenhouse.Shopping
The best shopping can be found off of the city's main thoroughfare and most famous street, La Canabiere, east of the Old Port. Look for Rue St. Férrol, between Rue de Rome and Rue Breteuil, for everything from designer clothes to books and CDs.Food
If there's one local specialty, it's bouillabaisse, or fish soup. The recipe is up to a bit of interpretation, with many chefs using the freshest catch of the day in addition to plenty of garlic, saffron, onions, tomatoes and other spices.Currency
The Euro (EUR), the currency of the European Union, is the official currency of France. Many stores and restaurants also accept major credit cards, which usually offer you a good exchange rate. When shopping, remember there is a Value-Added Tax added to most purchases.Weather Forecast
Sailing Calendar
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