Marseille centre and the "Vieux Port"
Settled on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, Marseille was first established by the Phoenicians, over 2600 years ago. Ever since the foundation of this port, the city has remained a mix between its antique influences - thanks to the Greek and Roman periods - and modernity, with the blending of new skyscrapers and innovative buildings in the urban area of the 2nd French city.
Walks like no other
Enjoy walking in the streets of Marseille where many monuments such as Notre Dame de la Garde, the Forts Saint Jean and Saint Nicolas, the Pharos Palace, Saint Victor Abbey and many more, iconic areas such as le Vieux Port (“old harbour”), the Velodrome stadium… and around the city, with one of the most beautiful French National Parks of the “Calanques” – limestone inlets caved in the coastline, all the way to Cassis.
A melting pot of cultures
Marseille, biggest French port on the Mediterranean Sea has always been a door to the new world: the city has become a melting pot of cultures of all influences. Famous for its pastis, bouillabaisse, aioli and pétanque, Marseille is one of France's most iconic cities in which you will never cease to be surprised!
Marcel Pagnol
Born in 1895 in the village of Aubagne, not too far from Marseille, Marcel Pagnol, who wrote his first play at the age of 15, later became an English teacher. What was first a hobby became his work, and after moving to Paris, Marcel Pagnol started writing and producing plays. Even though his first play (1924, “Les Marchands de Gloire”) was liked by critics, the general public did not recognise, yet, the talent of this young man. It is only a few years later that he became an icon in this industry thanks to the success of “Jazz”, “Topaze”, “Marius” and “Fanny”. Marius" for the Paris Theatre. Marius would also be later turned into a film in 1931, Pagnol's first film that became famous. Followed by "Jean de Florette" and "Manon des sources".
Pagnol’s love and veneration for the Provençal countryside and people comes out in all his novels and films.
