Marseille, France
Marseille is a port city in southern France and has been a crossroads of immigration and trade since its founding by the Greeks circa 600 BC.
France’s second-biggest city is also the oldest with more than 1500 years of history.
For a walking guide to the city, check out our Self-Guided City Walk of Marseille.
At the heart of Marseille is the magnificent Vieux-Port (Old Port). It is a 2km walk around Vieux-Port and along the way there are many buildings to photograph, boats to admire and even fishermen selling their catch.
Nearby you can walk up to Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica, but be aware it is a very steep climb of more than 1km. The Basilica or “Bonne-mère” for the people of Marseille, is a Romano-Byzantine church and the symbol of the city.
Marseille is a wonderful place to walk with many viewpoints overlooking the port or towards other parts of the town.
Highlights include Cathédrale La Major, Fort Saint-Jean, Palais du Pharo and the walk alongside the Vieux Port.
Fort Saint-Jean is 17th-century fortress with a bridge leading to a regional history museum.
Be sure to visit Palais Longchamp a 19th-century public space with sculptured animals in richly ornate waterfall.
There are some stunning places on the south coast of France, read about some of our favorites here – 12 Beautiful Villages on the South Coast of France.