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Marseille
is the second largest city in France. It is the main
city of the historic region of Provence, serving as
a crossroads of immigration and trade since its
founding by the Greeks in 600 BC. For more sights in
this area, also see
European Excursions: Provence.
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The hub of the city is
the boat-lined Vieux-Port (Old Port).
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A large promenade
around the port has entertaining sculptures, buskers and
kiosks.
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Cours Julien is lined with bars, cafes and music
venues.
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The Marseille
Courthouse (Palais de Justice) is located on Place
Montyon. Several other neoclassical building are nearby.
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High above the
city is the Basilisque Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, a romanesque
church from which the entire city can be viewed.
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Amongst the
offices and apartment buildings lie Roman ruins.
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Along this area of the
Mediterranean coast are the Calanques, steep walled cliffs and
inlets formed in limestone and dolomite.
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A viewpoint at Cap
Canaille in Calanque National Park affords a view to Cassis.
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Cassis has a charming harbour quay. When we visited, a boat
jousting event was taking place.
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A chateau from
the 15th century rises above Place Georges Clemenceau and the Cassis beach.
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Aix-en-Provence |
Marseille |
Cassis |
One of the most
charming features of Provençal cities and towns is the numerous
narrow streets full of shops, cafes and residences.
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Aix-en-Provence has picturesque streets and open squares
surrounded by mansions dating from the 16th, 17th and 18th
centuries.
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Aix is sometimes
referred to as the city of a thousand fountains, here
Fontaine Moussue on the main thoroughfare, Cours Mirabeau.
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