Marseille is a special place

The sun, the sea, the history, the people - Marseille is one of the most exciting and cosmopolitan cities in Europe.

Ancient port, holiday hot spot, dynamic business centre and cultural melting pot, Marseille is all of these things and more.

Stunningly located in the south of France where the mountains of Provence meet the Mediterranean sea, the city has a light and colour all of its own. What makes Marseille special is its people. Fiercely independent, multi-cultural, loud, friendly and passionate, they give the city a vitality and magnetism.

Marseilles is the oldest city in France, founded in 600 BC by Greeks from Phocaea. However, it is not living in the past. The city is undergoing a massive regeneration programme and will be the European City of Culture 2013. The docks are being revitalised, a new tram system has been introduced and the city is gaining an international reputation for cutting-edge art, music and culture.


For tips about getting to Marseille and what to do when you get here, visit our blog www.sunnymarseille.com

Highlights from your apartment

Watch the Vieux Port come to life every morning at the daily fish market just a short stroll from your apartment.

Sample Marseille’s famous bouillabaisse fish dish – Miramar restaurant is reputed to be the best place to try it and only five minutes walk away

Explore the city by bicycle from outside your apartment - Marseille’s ‘le velo’ scheme operates from Place aux Huiles

Take a 15 minute bus ride (No. 83) from Place aux Huiles to the Prophete, Prado or Point Rouge beaches

Walk or catch the bus (No. 60) to the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde and marvel at the view

Board the free ferry from Place aux Huiles to the Panier quarter across the Vieux Port

Take a cruise from the Vieux Port to Les Calanques, the stunning coastline just outside the city with steep cliffs, narrow inlets and crystal clear waters

Take a boat trip from the Vieux Port to Chateau d’If, immortalised by Alexander Dumas in his novel The Count of Monte Cristo.