Marseille, an iconic city in the Southeast of France, enchants with its historical heritage, Mediterranean climate, and breathtaking landscapes. The capital of the Bouches-du-Rhône department, this millennial city is the perfect blend of modernity and traditions. Join us for a rewarding discovery of its neighborhoods, its unique geography, and its exceptional coastline!
History of Marseille: the oldest city in France
Founded around 600 BC by Greek sailors, Marseille (Massalía) is the oldest city in France. Since its creation, it has continually been a major port for trade in the Mediterranean, attracting influences and cultures from around the world. Today, it continues to be a key economic center, thanks to its Grand Port Maritime which makes it the largest port in France.
A mosaic of authentic neighborhoods
With over 850,000 inhabitants, Marseille is a cultural melting pot, composed of 111 unique neighborhoods. Each neighborhood, from Le Panier to Vieux-Port, from La Plaine to La Corniche, has its own atmosphere. The Panier district, for example, transports you into a maze of narrow streets and charming squares, while La Corniche offers you an exceptional panorama of the Mediterranean.
A geographical location between sea and mountains
Marseille is ideally located, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the west, and protected by massifs to the north, east, and south. This natural setting offers spectacular views, particularly of the massifs of l’Estaque, l’Étoile, Garlaban, and Marseilleveyre. This location allows Marseille to connect quickly to several major cities: 775 km from Paris, 316 km from Lyon, 204 km from Nice, or even 501 km from Barcelona.
A sunny Mediterranean climate all year round
With more than 2,800 hours of sunshine per year, Marseille enjoys a Mediterranean climate that attracts visitors in search of beautiful days. The city is also subject to the mistral, a dry and cool wind that blows about a hundred days a year, contributing to the clarity of the air and the clear sky. Despite its pleasant temperatures, Marseille sometimes experiences episodes of extreme cold and heat, making the city fascinating to observe throughout the year.
Iconic beaches and sublime calanques
Marseille has a maritime façade of 57 km, including 24 km of calanques, a true natural treasure. The calanques of Marseille, stretching from Pointe Rouge to Cassis, are a must-see for nature and sports enthusiasts. In 2012, the Calanques National Park was created to protect this jewel, covering 141,300 hectares at sea and 11,100 hectares on land.
The beaches of Marseille: relaxation and water sports
Marseille offers beaches for all tastes, from the plage des Catalans to Pointe Rouge, including the famous plages du Prado. These developed beaches are ideal for relaxation, but also for water sports such as scuba diving, which is very popular around the Frioul islands and around Planier island.
A discreet but essential hydrographic network
Marseille, despite its dense urban landscape, is traversed by several watercourses, including the Huveaune and the Caravelle stream. These coastal rivers, although not very powerful, are essential for the irrigation of the region. The wastewater, collected and treated by the city, is discharged into the sea, a process regulated to preserve the marine ecosystems.