Top Destinations in and Around Marseille, a port city in southern France

 Top Destinations in and Around Marseille, a port city in southern France

The oldest city in France, Marseille is also the second-largest after Paris and the capital of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.

Because of its location on the Mediterranean Sea's Gulf de Lyon, Marseille is a city where African and French influences harmoniously coexist. Marseille, France, is a city that will captivate you with its gorgeous blue waters and historic old town, and it is also known as the bridge between North Africa and Europe. Marseille is a vibrant port city with much to keep visitors busy for several days.

Marseilles is also an interesting site to visit because of its colourful, multiethnic heritage. Marseilles, known as the "bridge between Europe and North Africa," is home to a substantial Algerian emigrant population. Traditional Arab souks can be found just as easily as classic French bouillabaisse.

1.Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

Notre-Dame de la Garde, often known as la Bonne Mère by locals, is a Catholic basilica in Marseille, France, and the city's most recognisable emblem. It was the most visited place in Marseille and the scene of a renowned Assumption Day pilgrimage.

This majestic church is the most prominent landmark in Marseilles, situated on a breathtaking hilltop. The hilltop was utilised as an observation point in ancient times and as a pilgrimage chapel during the Middle Ages.

The Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, with its gigantic golden Madonna capping the belfry, is now a light for the faithful. The church, which was built between 1853 and 1864, has an extravagant Neo-Byzantine-style interior with light and dark marble arches supporting golden mosaic cupolas. The extravagant design creates a captivating impression.

2.Explore the Old Harbor that is Vieux Port ,Old Port of Marseille

Marseille's Old Port (Vieux Port) is home to a thriving yacht marina and a variety of trendy hotels, cafes, and restaurants providing fresh seafood such as mullet and lobster from the quayside fish market. Ancient Fort Saint-Jean, built in the 12th century, keeps guard over the port, while the nearby Saint-Laurent Church is a fine example of Romanesque architecture. Near the art deco Opéra de Marseille, you'll find a plethora of late-night dining and entertainment options along the city's pedestrianised streets.

In many ways, the Vieux Port can be seen as the symbolic beginning of Marseilles itself. Around 600 BC, this is where the city was established as a Greek harbour. The Old Port of Marseilles can be found in the western part of the city, next to the Canebière promenade, and is bordered by calm blue waters.

Taking a stroll around this waterfront will transport you to a lively Mediterranean port. The waterfront is a popular destination because it is home to some of the city's greatest restaurants serving traditional fare. The city's characteristic cuisine, a savoury fish stew called bouillabaisse, is served at many of the city's seafood restaurants.

The Quai des Belges, located on the eastern side of the harbour, is the site of a daily morning fish market. The Vieux Port was formerly a major shipping hub, but today it is mostly frequented by recreational and recreational fishing vessels.

3.MuCEM that is Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean

Marseille, France is home to a national museum devoted to the cultures of Europe and the Mediterranean. As part of Marseille-Provence 2013, which celebrated the city's status as European Capital of Culture that year, it was opened to the public on June 7. It was awarded the Museum Prize by the Council of Europe in 2015.

This vast museum spans three distinct locations and houses a wide variety of fascinating artefacts. Guests can learn about the rich history and culture of the Mediterranean through exhibitions, talks, and films.

The museum's newest addition is a stunning ultra-modern structure in a picturesque waterfront location. Here you can see both permanent displays and rotating exhibits. A high-end eatery is also available.

The vaulted halls of the 12th-century Fort Saint-Jean, a landmark important during the Crusades, house another part of the museum. Visitors at Fort Saint-Jean can stroll through Mediterranean gardens and take in breathtaking views of the seaside from the ramparts path.

The Conservation Center, our third location, gives visitors a glimpse of the museum's back-end operations.

4.Calanques National Park

The French national park of Calanques can be found in the region of Bouches-du-Rhône, in the south of the country, along the Mediterranean Sea. Established in 2012, its total size is 520 km2, only 85 km2 of which are dry land.

The Parc National des Calanques, located between the cities of Marseille and the picturesque fishing resort of Cassis, is a beautiful natural area where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Massif des Calanques Mountains. Majestic limestone cliffs form fjords ("calanque" means "cove") filled with blue pools of saltwater.

Calanques National Park is a fantastic destination for anyone who enjoy outdoor activities including swimming, kayaking, rock climbing, and hiking. Thanks to a well-developed trail network, sightseers may take in the area's pure natural beauty and breathtaking vistas of the shore.

The fjords are a haven for individuals who love to go sailing or on cruises because they offer picturesque journeys through peaceful maritime environments with breathtaking views.