Marseille is the second largest city in France and the oldest in the country, it is a completely Mediterranean destination that combines history, culture and natural beauty.
This year, 2024, it will be one of the venues for the Olympic Games, as it will host the sailing events, since being a maritime city it is perfect for practicing this sport.
So on this occasion we want to share with you some options for activities you can do or places you can visit if you are planning a trip to this great sporting event.
Old Port
Vieux-Port, the heart of Marseille, is the perfect starting point to explore the city. You can stroll along its docks full of boats and enjoy the fresh fish markets in the morning and even watch the fish auction after the fishermen return. From here, you can take a ferry to other points of interest in the city.
Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde
This impressive basilica is located on top of a hill, offering panoramic views of the entire city and the Mediterranean Sea. The church, known locally as “La Bonne Mère”, is a place of pilgrimage and a protective symbol of the Marseillais.
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Le Panier is the oldest neighborhood in Marseille and is full of narrow streets, steep stairs and historic buildings. This charming district is perfect for getting lost and discovering craft shops, cozy cafes and colorful murals.
Mucem (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations)
The Mucem, inaugurated in 2013, is a modern museum dedicated to Mediterranean cultures. Its contemporary architecture and interactive exhibitions make it a must-see for history and culture lovers.
The museum is also worth visiting to admire its incredible lace architecture and walkways that offer unrivaled views of the Vieux-Port and the Lighthouse Palace. You can also take the opportunity to visit Fort Saint Jean, a monument to which it is attached, a former military site that played an important role in the history of Marseille.
The museum is open every day, except Tuesday. From May 3 to July 5, 2024 it opens from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; from July 6 to September 1, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and from September 2 to November 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The entrance price is 11 euros. If you want to know all the details to visit this place, visit the official museum page.
Château d’If
Famous for being the setting of the novel “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas, the Château d’If is a fortress located on an island in the Bay of Marseille. You can take a ferry from the Old Port to explore this historic prison and enjoy the sea views.
Calanques National Park
For nature lovers, the Calanques National Park offers impressive landscapes of white cliffs that fall abruptly into the turquoise sea. There are numerous hiking trails and hidden coves where you can swim and snorkel.
Some of the most spectacular routes are the Calanque d’En Vau and the Calanque de Sormiou. For diving lovers: the coves of Morgiou or Mounine. And for those who go with their family, they can visit Port-Pin or Marseilleveyre cove.
La Canebière
La Canebière is the most famous avenue in Marseille, comparable to the Champs-Elysées in Paris. This bustling boulevard is lined with shops, restaurants and cafes, and is a great place to observe local life.
Cathedral of the Major
This majestic cathedral, built in the 19th century, stands out for its atypical architecture, half Roman and half Byzantine. Its impressive façade, mosaic-decorated interior, dome and impressive arcades make it one of the most notable buildings in Marseille.
Beaches
Marseille has 21 beaches, all of them exceptional, however those that cannot be missed are:
Prado Beach, the largest in Marseille and popular for its golden sands and crystal-clear waters, is also surrounded by almost thirty hectares of green spaces, making it the ideal place to enjoy various leisure activities.
The beaches of Corbières – L’Estaque, located in the northern districts of Marseille, these three beaches offer beautiful panoramic views and are ideal for families. Its advantages are easy access, shaded areas, gentle slope to the sea, fine sand and pebbles. Other advantages are the supervised bathroom and the offer of facilities and services to spend a pleasant day.
Plage des Catalans, with its fine sand, its services and proximity to the Vieux Port and the center of Marseille, is a popular and lively beach.
Prophet Beach: Marseille’s emblematic beach, it is a favorite of Marseillais and tourists, with shallow waters perfect for children, a free beach volleyball court, a first aid station and practical services. It is an ideal place to enjoy an aperitif with friends or a picnic at the end of the day. Or take advantage of the nearby restaurants.
Radiant City
Designed by the famous architect Le Corbusier, this residential building is a masterpiece of modern architecture. It offers guided tours that allow you to explore its innovative design and learn more about life in this iconic building.
Marseille is a city that captivates with its rich history, vibrant cultural life and natural beauty. These ten places and activities are just a sample of everything this fascinating city has to offer. So pack your bags and venture out to discover the magic of Marseille.
For the Fudis around the world
In Marseille you eat very well, so you will find many culinary options, just be sure to try the soups Bouillabaisse and Pistou Soup. The bouillabaisse It is made with a variety of Mediterranean fish, seafood and vegetables, seasoned with Provençal herbs and spices. It is best enjoyed hot, with its creamy texture, iodized flavor and intense rouille sauce.
Soupe au pistou is a summer soup, served hot or cold, made essentially with vegetables, legumes and small pasta, to which a touch of pistou is added.
If you are meat lovers, don’t miss Pieds paquets and Daube provençale. The first is a meat-based stew (salted lamb legs and pork intestines), it is appreciated for its meat that melts in the mouth and its spicy seasoning based on garlic, onion and parsley.
The Daube Provençale is a meat stew marinated and simmered in red wine.
Marseille, being a destination by the sea, the fish and seafood options are endless, you will find sea urchins, supions (small squid) and shellfish, as well as sardines, mullet, mackerel, scorpionfish, etc. There is also poutargue, a highly prized Provençal caviar made from salted and dried mullet roe.
And if you are looking for something refreshing, try pastis, an alcoholic drink served with cold water and ice cubes, as a refreshing aperitif.
Without a doubt, Marseille is an excellent destination to visit if you are in France, so if you have the opportunity, don’t miss it.
Source: https://alanxelmundo.com/lugares-para-visitar-en-marsella/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lugares-para-visitar-en-marsella
