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- Destinations
- Europe
- France
- Marseille
Marseille
Marseille is France's second largest and most ancient city. It
was founded by the Greeks in 600BC and was later conquered by the
Romans after becoming a thriving port and centre for trade. Today
it is littered with ancient sites and artefacts; mostly Roman
additions to the original Greek settlement.
Other than its colourful old harbour, the city does not have
much appeal in the way of architecture. It is characterised by
acres of slumlands and has a reputation for having a very active
underground criminal element. Marseille is, however, very down to
earth and lacks the pretension of most other French cities, with
plenty of attractions and pedestrianised squares to explore. The
city is also divided into arrondissements in the style of Paris,
which makes it relatively easy to get around on the metro.
The Old Port area is filled with restaurants, bars, hotels,
office blocks and a daily fish market at the Belgian Quay, giving
it a lively and sophisticated air. There are also a number of
decent museums, galleries, theatres and shops dotted about the city
that are worth visiting. Marseille is also famed for its Opéra: an
Art Deco opera house situated in the heart of the city that was all
but destroyed by fire in 1920. La Plaine is a trendy area filled
with cafes, bookstores and fountains, with a bustling market on
Thursdays and Saturdays, while Noailles' bazaar is a multi-ethnic
area filled with Indo-Chinese and Arabic shops.
The outgoing, friendly inhabitants of Marseille are a
cosmopolitan bunch, with diverse backgrounds including a number of
Italian, Spanish, and North African communities. There is far less
of the style and image consciousness evident in the rest of the
Cote d'Azur, creating a more North African flavour and a vibrant
atmosphere. Marseilles also acts as a good base for exploring the
nearby natural beauty of the calanques (or Mediterranean fjords)
and some excellent beaches.
Information & Facts
Climate
Marseille's climate is Mediterranean, with mild, dry winters and
warm, humid summers. July and August are the hottest time of year,
with temperatures averaging around 78°F (25°C), while January and
February are the coldest, with an average temperature of 51°F
(10°C). Marseille is also well known for its mistral, a cold,
strong wind that occurs mostly in winter and spring.
Getting Around
An efficent metro system operates in Marseille, and the city is
linked to Paris (a 3 hour trip) by the TGV. An extensive bus system
also operates in the city and its outlying suburbs. The central
part of the city, particularly the narrow lanes of the old sections
of town and the harbour, is easy to negotiate on foot.
Language
French is the official language.
Money
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency in France. Currency can
be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and some large hotels,
though you will get a better exchange rate at the ATMs. Major
credit cards are widely accepted, as are travellers cheques,
particularly in major tourist destinations. Foreign currency is not
accepted.
Time
Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between last Sunday in March and
last Sunday in October).