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History & Culture |
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Human inhabitance of Marseilles dates back nearly 25,000 years. Cave paintings at the Grotte Coquer can still be viewed today. But the first record of inhabitance in antiquity dates back to 600 B.C. making it the oldest town in France. Ligurians originally occupied the lands near Marseilles, but Greek-Phoenician sailors came from Asia Minor and chose to centralize their activity around present day Vieux Port on the Lacydon creek. As the story goes Protis, who is also known as Pytheas the Greek, the leader of the Greeks, paid a visit to the Ligure tribe, which had settled the land. On that very day the daughter of King Naan whose name was Gyptis, was preparing to be married. A banquet was held to field the plethora of Ligurian warriors who sought her hand in marriage. The handsome Protis, who had been included in the festivities fell madly in love with Gyptis who in turn chose him to be her husband. It just so happened that the girl''s dowry included the land on which today stands the Notre Dame de la Garde. Under the leadership of Protis the land called ''Massalia'' quickly became a successful city thanks to the commercial talent of the Greeks who governed the city as a republic.
The history of the city of Marseilles is tumultuous and the people seemed destined to be plagued with uncertainty. During the Gallo-Roman era, the Greeks asked the Romans for assistance as they fought the Salian Francs. The Romans answered the call, but following victory began to take over the surrounding area, including Aix en Provence and Narbonne. Near 50 B.C. tensions grew between the Roman leaders Caesar and Pompey. The Greeks were forced to take sides, and by choosing Pompey the city would face the wrath of Caesar. With the aid of the Roman naval fleet in Arles, the city of Marseilles succumbed to the invasion and though it remained a free city, her riches were dispersed to the Romans, and she went into commercial decline.
After losing her autonomy in the 3rd century A.D., the city seemed to languish, but her favorable location led a tense rivalry between barbarian party''s that desired her once successful and ideally located port. The city of Marseilles would suffer continuous lootings and devastation at the hands of the barbarians who fought over rights to her lands. At the same time Christianity was inflitrating the Mediterranean coast and it was in the 4th century that bishopric was installed in Marseilles and the 5th century when Abbey Saint-Victor was constructed, one of the first religious structures of it''s kind on the western European shores.
The 11th century brought commercial success and in turn the city was forced to expand. Marseilles gained it''s independence in 1214 and construction began on a vast marina but Marseilles would be independent for only 38 years before the city was acquired by Charles of Anjou. During the 13th & 14th centuries the city competed with Genoa in an effort to provide food and materials needed by the Crusaders. This activity bolstered trade to an international scale. Reaping the benefits of such a desirable commercial trade position made this a prosperous period in the history of the city. It is during this prosperous age when the city''s infrastructure was determined. As wealth continued to grow, Marseilles attracted the interest of royalty including Good King Rene who enjoyed an extended stay in Marseilles during the early 15th century. The city was purchased by the French in 1481, and it was under the rule of Louis XIV, the Sun King, that the city''s ramparts were destroyed and expansion began beyond the originally fortified area.
Unfortunately this period of prosperity was punctuated by crisis. The Great Plague of 1720 proved disastrous for the city. Being solidly established as an international port of call the city was quite meticulous about screening travelers and merchant ships before allowing them into the city and people were often denied entry to the city based on illness or death on board the ship. In fact, the islands of Archipel du Frioul on the fringes of the port were used to quarantine and hospitalize ill passengers. But legend has it that Captain Chatau, commander of the Le Grand Saint Antoine, had arrived in Marseilles with cargo straight from the Orient where the plague was rampant. Hurrying to make the Fair in Arles he rushed through the inspection unleashing the epidemic that would kill almost 100,000 people. In May 1720 Marseilles was isolated from Provence in an attempt to stop the spread of the disease. The parliament in Aix went so far as to forbid any communication at all with Marseilles. The effects were devastating as all economic activity was suspended.
Marseilles was fortunate however, and quickly recovered from the devastation brought on by the epidemic. Trade routes re-opened when the city was given a clean bill of health, which in turn prompted economic activity, which was vital to the restoration of the city. The French Revolution was eagerly received by the people of Marseilles and in 1792 war song, sung by the army of the Rhine ''La Marseillaise'' became an anthem. But the people of Marseilles rebelled against convention and for a short time she became known as ''the town with no name.''
Marseilles would escape WWI relatively unscathed, but the town was heavily involved in World War II. The destruction of certain historical districts in the city made way for reconstruction efforts following the war. It is during this period of restoration that the Old Port became an integral thoroughfare, and much of the current infrastructure commenced. Today archaeological excavations throughout the Vieux Port and Center Bourse areas have revealed many relics from the city''s past. They are but a small token of this city''s rich and varied history.
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The City of Marseille |
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With over 100 distinct city districts the city of Marseilles has much to offer. Below you will find the most frequented areas:
Le Vieux Port - The city''s old port is home to fishermen who peddle their wares at the fish markets near the shore. You will also find the Theatre National de la Criee, St. Victor''s Basilica, the Arcenaux, which is fine gallery to visit, and Louis XIV which is moored in the harbor.
La Canebiere - Here you will find an ideal place to shop on the Rue St Ferreol. Also experience the Musee de la Mode, the Opera and the Musee de la Marine.
Le Panier - Near the old port this colorful district offers a nice place to stroll and enjoy living Provencial history.
La Joliette - Learn a great deal about the maritime history of Nice while strolling through this renovated district.
La Plaine - Also known as Place Jean Jaures, this busy area is loaded with shops and restaurants. Open air markets are hosted in the square on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Le Cours Julien - This trendy area is popular with the young people. You will find many stores offering a fine array of clothing, accessories and antiques as well.
Catellane - This districts lies within a set known as the business district, but the bustle of people on the streets in Catellane continues through the evening as there are many bars and cinemas in the area.
Le Prado - Parc Borely is among the city''s largest open spaces. Enjoy shopping on the Rue Paradis, and get an outstanding view of the bourgeois homes that line the main thoroughfare.
Endoume - Hosts Notre Dame de la Garde and the statue of the Virgin Mary, fondly named, Le Bonne Mere or ''Good Mother'', which graces her bell tower.
La Corniche - This spectacular coastal route offers some of the city''s finest views, and many magnificent villas as well.
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Shopping |
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Shopping in the city of Marseilles is a truly delightful experience. There is a wide variety of shops peddling everything from haute-couture to the most precious regional crafts. Below you will find locations throughout the city which are sure to interest shoppers while in Marseilles:
Le Bourse - La Canebiere is the backbone of the city, and this distinct road runs right through the heart of the downtown shopping area. You will find everything you are looking for on or around La Canebiere.
The ''Centre Bourse'' - This modern, multi-level ''mall'' offers an assortment of shops and stores offering an array of goods.
Rue St. Ferrol - This street is lined with accessory shops, clothes boutiques, jewelers and department stores.
Old Port - Past the Theatre La Criee you will find several shops which exclusively sell maritime products.
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Sightseeing |
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A good pair of walking shoes will be your best friend during your tour of the sites and museums in Marseilles, but your camera may come in a close second! Though the landmarks and attractions are numerous, the following should surely top your list:
Abbaye Saint-Victor - On the southern bank of Vieux-Port this 5th century abbey played an important role in the development of Christianity in the Mediterranean.
Fort Saint-Jean - At the head of the harbor this fortress was originally constructed during the 12th century to protect the old port.
Arc de Triomphe de la Porte d''Aix - This arch was constructed in 1823 to commemorate the victories of the French Revolution and the First Empire and marks the old entrance to the city.
Notre Dame de la Garde - Crowned with a gilded bronze statue of Mary & Jesus this Romano-Byzantine style Basilica is a most distinctive landmark.
Fontaine Castellane - This imposing marble fountain is a most spectacular site which illustrates the Rhone River, the Mediterranean, the Source and the Torrent with Marseilles being symbolized at the top of the pedestal.
Palais du Pharos - The land was a gift from Marseilles to Napoleon III, and was used to construct this marvelous seas-side palace. The property was bequeathed to the city in 1883 upon the death of the Empress Eugenie de Montijo.
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Food & Drink |
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Ah, yes, the ubiquitous bouillabaisse. A mainstay in Marseilles cuisine, this dish was originally a simple soup made by poor fishermen, but eventually made it to the bowls of royalty and now is a celebrated dish indicative of Mediterranean cuisine. Cuisine in Marseilles is highly influenced by the city''s history and geography. A mosaic of ingredients from around the world are masterfully arranged to create Marseilles cuisine. Couscous, pesto, pasta, polenta, casserole and ''herbs de Provence'' and other spices from around the world are indicative of the port city''s history as a maritime trade route. There is North African and Italian influences can be felt in most dishes. Deciding where to eat may be one of your biggest challenges while in Marseilles. Allow us to suggest some of the finest regional cuisine as produced by the following culinary establishments.
Le Miramar - 12, quai du Port. One of the finest restaurants in the city, this is a great place to try the regions famed Bouillabaisse. The relaxed atmosphere is charming, the wine list includes many regional specialties and the price is moderate to high-end, but well worth it!
L''Epuisette - Vallon-des-Auffes. This elegant establishment enjoys an ideal location, on the waters edge, and offers exceptional sea-fare and masterfully prepared dishes, including a fine selection of desserts.
Chez Michel - 6, rue des Catalans. One of the finest restaurants in the city, this is THE place to try the famed Bouillabaisse. The menu offers a plethora of dishes with an emphasis on fresh seafood.
Patalain - 49, rue Sainte. This sophisticated establishment offers a unique menu rampant with fresh local ingredients. For fabulous traditional dishes, this is the place to be.
Chez Etienne - 43, rue Lorette. For a delicious slice of some of the world''s finest pizza, look no further. Take advantage of your proximity to Italy, and indulge in la dolce vita.
Dar Djerba - 15, cours Julien. For a true taste of Tunisian cuisine without the trip across the Mediterranean, try Dar Djerba. With a simple yet elegant décor, and refreshingly wholesome fare you will find an array of North African dishes.
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