Marseille is not only the oldest city in France, it is also a true beacon of history on the Mediterranean! Since its mythical foundation, it has reinvented itself over the centuries to become the vibrant metropolis we know today. Travel back in time with us, from the arrival of the Greeks to today’s great urban projects.
The mythical foundation of the Phocaean city
In 600 B.C., a Greek expedition from Phocaea, a small Ionian city, lands on the Provencal shores. Protis, a young Greek navigator, falls in love with this charming place, surrounded by hills. But that’s not all: he also falls for Gyptis, the daughter of a local chief, thus sealing the alliance between the Greeks and the Ligurians. Marseille was born under the sign of love and cultural exchange, a true gateway to the world.
The centuries of instability (5th – 8th century)
Marseille endured over the centuries periods of darkness marked by invasions, plundering, and even epidemics. Between the 5th and 8th centuries, the city went through difficult times. It was not until the 11th century that it began a renaissance thanks to a religious boom around the Abbey of Saint-Victor. The abbey became a major spiritual center, attracting worshippers from all over the region.
The rise of the trading Republic (12th – 16th century)
During the following centuries, Marseille developed thanks to an influential merchant oligarchy. With the increase in population and commercial activity, the city flourished. But this independence fueled the envy of the kings of France. In the 16th century, Francis I commissioned the construction of the Saint-Jean Tower, while Louis XIV ordered the building of the Saint-Jean and Saint-Nicolas forts to control the often rebellious Marseillais population.
The plague of 1720: a defining tragedy
At the beginning of the 18th century, an epidemic of plague ravaged Marseille, claiming nearly 35,000 lives. This hard blow did not prevent the city from rising with strength and launching major construction projects, including the famous Canebière. This central axis became the symbol of economic rebirth and the city’s dynamism.
The golden age of the Canebière and expansion (19th century)
The 19th century marks a new golden age for Marseille. The port becomes a global crossroads, attracting travelers and goods from all directions. The Canebière comes alive with elegant cafés, luxury hotels, and prestigious boutiques, while the city acquires new infrastructure. The tramway makes its appearance, connecting the rapidly expanding neighborhoods.
A city in perpetual evolution
In the 20th century, Marseille continues to develop, despite the trials of World War II and economic crises. The port, once flourishing, loses some of its luster, but the city adapts and turns to new sectors. Today, it is at the heart of the Marseille Provence Metropolitan Community, bringing together 18 municipalities around a common project of modernization and international influence.
Marseille today: a promising future
With such a rich heritage, Marseille continues to reinvent itself. The development of the Vieux-Port, the construction of the Mucem, and the rise of Euroméditerranée demonstrate its desire to open up to the world. More and more, the city attracts tourists, investors, and history enthusiasts. Marseille aims to be a place of encounters, cultural diversity, and economic dynamism, a bridge between its glorious past and a future full of promise.
