Glide your hands within the fine-grained sands while the gentle waves washes your feet, this cozy feel of an idyllic vacation comes true at Marseille, the second largest city of France after Paris. Situated by the side of the serene coastline of Mediterranean Sea, it is France's largest commercial port. This port city is home to around 1,516,340 inhabitants and is located in the former province of Provence. Basking in the excellent Mediterranean climate, Marseille attracts large number of tourists round the year.
Founded in 600 BC by the Phocaean Greeks as a trading port, the city gradually emerged as the largest one in the Mediterranean shores. A stroll down the historical alleys of Marseille brings about the remains of the Celts and the Romans who once reigned over here. Today it is a typical cosmopolitan where the sun and sand invites you to idle along its shores. In 1214, a first chapel, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was erected at the top of the hill and rapidly became an object of increased admiration. Hotels of this city do a good business banking on tourists who visit these places.
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Port and Notre Dame de la Garde |
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Marseille is also the originator of Tarot de Marseille, the world famous tarot decks. The description of this city can’t be complete without mentioning one of its native sons: Marcel Pagnol. He spirited the temperament of the people of Marseilles with such love and poetry that the locals adopted him as one of theirs. Wherever you stay in this city, in affordable bed and breakfast or other forms of accommodations, all the places of interest come within easily accessible distances.
Demographically, Marseille has many surprises and varieties in it’s store. In population count, approximately 25% of Marseille’s population is of North African origin, mostly Algerian, and Tunisian. It is predicted that in the future, Marseille will be the first city in Europe with a population that is a Muslim majority. The Jewish community settled here is also the third largest in Europe. The city residents sometimes let out their houses on rent which are a lucrative option for a stay here.
Overall, the quality of life and activities of Marseille and its surrounding regions are almost too numerous to describe. Apart from the lure of sun, ocean, cicadas, pastis and petanque, while on a visit to this city, a journey to the magnificent rocky inlets is highly recommended. Marseille is also a foodie’s delight with plethora of dishes available to experiment the taste bud. The local specialties include bouillabaisse or fish soup. The best way to explore Marseille and its wild creeks is said, by foot.
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