Marseille: Amidst Sea, Hostels and Culture!

Travel in the capital of Provence

Marsaille is, without a doubt, the capital of the Mediterranean, where Europe meets Magreb. Marseille is the oldest city in France and has the abundance of resources that only a unique city such as this can have. There is a vibrant cultural life, located between sea and hills , Marseille shines unders the sun and enjoys a worthwhile location.

It was founded in 600 BC by Greek sailors from Focea. The city was named Massalia, and was considered France's second largest city and it enjoyed it's histrocal importance of having France's first seaport.

Signs of the city's dynamics can be attributed to it's unprecedented growth in tourism and commerce. Since the inception of the TGV(high speed train), you can now arrive from Paris in just 3 hours, there are various cruise ship layovers and there is a continual develeopment and improvements to the seaport.

Marseille is a lively and cosmopolitan city, eager in preseving it's traditions and lifestyle. The art of living in Marseille is torn between speaking “The Marsaillais” and learning the regions' dishes which are recognized worldwide for it's traditional recipes and flavors; Fish soup(bouillabaisse), pieds et paquets and other dishes that combine the Mediterranean flavor.

The most famous places are: la Canebiere, le vieux port(the old port) or the Velodrome stadium(The temple of Marseilles' football). In order to discover Marseille's beauty and enjoy it's overabundance, you must not hesitate to leave the city's centre and all of it's distrcits in the surrounding area (there are over 100 districts) and they are all “small quaint towns” , each with it's own church and traditions. The most famaous towns are Carrello, La Belle de Mai, Mazargues, Roucas Blanc e Saint-Giniez. Some towns are known for their beaches (La Vielle Chapelle), some known for artists who derived inspiration from their beauty(in L'Estaque, Cezanne and Braque) and others for their sea ports(La Vallon des Auffes, La Pointe Rouge, Le Vieux Port).

The wealth of it's cultural abundance has deservedly won Marseille the title of “The City of Art and History”. The most famous religious building, which is inseperable from the city itself is, Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde ' la Bonne mère , the Basilica situated on a hilltop, 162 m above the city offers it's guests a unforgettable view of the city and the sea. You can also discover the beautiful island of Frioul and it's castle château d'If (The Count of Monte Cristo's legend is born here). In addition, Marseille has 20 Kilometers of seacoast, « les calanques » , where striking white limestone cliffs offers the opportunity to dive into clear water.

Marseille simply has an unforgettable charm!

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