Remember that Massalia? It’s the ancient Greek name for Marseille. Right here we stand before Morre de Can a natural cape. Marseille is the oldest city in France. It was founded around 600 BC by Greek settlers. These settlers came from Phocaea now Foça Turkey.
Marseille is France’s second-largest city. It boasts a population of over 870000. The city is a melting pot of cultures due to its long history as a port. Marseille’s openness to the Mediterranean Sea shaped its cosmopolitan character. The city has strong cultural and economic connections to Southern Europe the Middle East North Africa and Asia.
The city’s motto says it all. “The city of Marseille shines from its great achievements.” Marseille certainly has a lot to be proud of. Marseille experienced a commercial boom during the colonial period. This was especially true during the 19th century. The city transformed into a prosperous industrial and trading hub. Marseille remains the first French port today. It’s the second Mediterranean port and the fifth European port.
Marseille enjoys a hot-summer Mediterranean climate. Winters are cool and mild with moderate rainfall. Summers are hot and mostly dry. The Mistral a cold dry wind brings clear skies and sunny weather. Marseille basks in the most sunlight of any French city. It averages nearly 2900 hours of sunshine per year.
The Old Port lies at the heart of Marseille. This is where Marseille soap production started centuries ago. Overlooking the port is the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde. Locals call it “Bonne-mère”. It is a Romano-Byzantine church. It is also a beloved symbol of the city. The city has many museums. It is a major center of art and history.
Marseille has seen many waves of immigration throughout its history. Greeks Italians Russians Armenians and North Africans have all made their home here. Today about one third of the population has Italian roots. Marseille also boasts the second-largest Corsican and Armenian populations in France.
Marseille is also known for its unique culture. It holds itself apart from the rest of France. The city has a vibrant arts scene. It has a renowned opera house historical museums and lively music venues. The Tarot de Marseille is the name of the most commonly used tarot deck. It got its name from this city.
Bouillabaisse is Marseille’s most famous seafood dish. It is a flavorful fish stew. It contains at least three varieties of fresh local fish. Pastis is another local favorite. It is an anise-flavored alcoholic beverage.
Marseille has served as the setting for many films. The city has many ancient buildings and churches of historical interest. It was the European Capital of Culture in 2013. It was also the European Capital of Sport in 2017. Morre de Can and all of Marseille is ready to be explored by you.