Travel Guides – Marseille, France
The city of Marseille is a bustling French metropolis with well over a million residents. It is now the second largest city in France, having recently passed Lyon in the middle of the 1990’s for second place. Additionally, it is France’s busiest international port of entry. Oftentimes referred to as the New Orleans of France, Marseille is alive with activities, diverse culture, and entertainment venues. Alexandre Dumas once referred to this city as the “meeting place of the entire world.”
Founded by the ancient Greeks, Marseilles was once witness to a number of devastating wars and mass destruction. However, it is now the crossroads of global traffic comprised of numerous unique sights and sounds. And don’t forget about the tasty French cuisine. Although some slum areas have arisen due to the city’s rapid population growth, Marseilles is a charming city filled with allure and elegance. The Vieux Port (Old Harbour) is especially colourful, which helps to offset the dreariness of the industrial docks which are located nearby.
Lodging in and around the city of Marseille is plentiful. Apartments, condos, hotels, and French villas are everywhere and you can find some excellent values by doing a little bit of research online. Additionally, a harbour cruise may be in the offing as part of your holiday agenda as well. However, you want to remember that the port of Marseille is in a highly industrialised area so choose your water excursion wisely. Finally, Marseille is in striking distance of Turin, Italy – a favourite holiday skiing destination in winter.