Marseille, France Hotels and City Guide

Bustling and cosmopolitan, Marseilles is one of France's biggest cities, and its busiest port.

A trader's dream, its seaside position led to its founding by Greek sailors in 600 B.C. and prominence in the 19th century as the principal port of the French empire. When the city's soldiers marched to the aid of revolutionary Paris in 1792 they were singing a song (composed elsewhere) that soon became the French national anthem - La Marseillaise.

The Vieux-port, the old harbour, is still at the center of city life, with fishing boats, yachts and cabin cruisers all moored together, though larger ships now operate from the bigger docks along the coast.

Fish and seafood are at the core of the city's cuisine, famous for bouillabaisse; its markets sell the produce of fertile Provence and the Mediterranean lands.

Ancient remains, early modern buildings, and twentieth century office and housing blocks make up the physical fabric of a thriving city. Urban infrastructure, Mediterranean climate and a convenient location make it an attractive center for vacations and conventions.

Marseille City Facts
Marseille Population: 1,384,000 (Source: UN Population Estimate Revision 2003)
France Population: 60,711,000 (Source: UN Population Estimate Revision2003)
Currency: Euro
Time Zone: GMT + 1
Language: French

Hotels in Marseille, France