"France's Gateway to the Mediterranean " a Marseille Travel Page by Tom_Fields

Greek seafarers arriving from ancient Phoenicia founded this port city in the 6th century BC. It soon became a thriving center of trade between the eastern and western Mediterranean.

Today, it is France's second largest city, and its busiest seaport. Marseille is also one of the most beautiful cities I've ever seen. And, despite its famous place in history, it has relatively little tourism. With its unique blend of French and North African culture, it's hard to believe that this city is part of the same country as Paris and Strasbourg.

For most Americans, it's way off the beaten path. Well, actually the super-fast TGV can get you there from Paris in several hours. It's also the ideal base for day excursions into the other attractions of Provence. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit.