"WELCOME TO MY MARSEILLE PAGE ......:-) " a Marseille Travel Page by eden_teuling

The ancient city of Massalia was founded in 600 BC by Greek sailors who were seeking new territory and were attracted to this superb site with its deep harbour inlet (calaque) surrounded by protective and generous hills!

The town was built to the north of the harbour, called le Vieux Port, an enviable position....

Trade and fishing formed the corner-stones of rge city's wealth which expanded through the excellence of the Greek navigators.

Agriculture also developed and good wine was abundant in Massalia.

The name Massalia was later changed into Marseille but alas, the port became inexorably silted up in the 2nd Century!

For over 150 year the region PROVENCE was divided in two parts of which Arles and Marseille were the capitals.
Once again Marseille saw its trade and maritime activities prosper and its importance expand.

Then, during the 6th Century several epidemics of the plague decimated the population of Marseille.

Of course there is so much more Marseille history to talk about but I won't bother you with that....

Let me tell you that Marseilles was bombarded several times during the Second World War and that some districts around le Vieus Port were extensively damaged!! (Visit the Musée des Docks Romain.......)

Today Marseilles still keeps traces of its tumultuous past; this ancient city is today very active and attractive.

It has powerful charm which encourages us, you and me, to stroll through its old districts around le Vieux Port, in the gardens with the ancient ruins or the gardens of Longchamp Palace and, of course, on the esplanade of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Cathedral, overlooking the entire city!

MARSEILLE is a real MUST .....so atmospheric and charming!!

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These stairs are leading towards the old quarter of Marseille, built on 3 hills.

The tourist office can give you a folder with a walking tour through this part of the city. It also leads to the magnificent Cathedral that is situated high above the sea, which is a splendid place!

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OFFICE DU TOURISME
4, la Canebière (next to le Vieux Port)
MARSEILLE

tel.: 33(0)4 91 13 89 00

www.marseille-tourisme.fr

info@marseille-tourisme.com

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PLENTY OF SUNSHINE, BLUE SKIES....that is Marseille at the Mediterranean in the South of France.

This is a detail of the LONGCHAMP PALACE.

In the distance you can see the two spire of the Saint-Vincent-de-Paul church....(worthy of a visit, it is situated at the Canebière)

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