Marseille

Written: April 4th, 2008  Print This Page  Email This Page

Marseille is a large urban city in southern France, situated on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. In fact, it is second only to Paris in terms of size. It is considered the center of culture, entertainment, and leisure in the region.

Sights & Activities

One of its main attractions is the L’Opéra de Marseille, also known as the Opéra Municipal. The present structure was inaugurated in 1924 and has been a venue of performances by famous French singers and musicians. It is located along Rue Moliêre.

Along Rue de la Charité is the Centre de la Vieille Charité. This 17th century building actually houses several prominent establishments in the city. The center is a known venue for exhibitions and cultural events. It is also the home of the Musée des Arts Africains, Océaniens and Amérindiens and the Marseille’s Archaeological Museum. Visitors to this attraction should not leave without entering and looking around its domed chapel that is of Baroque style of architecture.

The Palais du Pharo is a former royal resident that is located along Boulevard Charles-Livon. It was built in the 19th century for Napoleon III to be his seaside retreat. Visitors can explore its sumptuous interiors for a small fee while organizations or companies can hire out the whole structure for special events or exhibitions.

Fans of novelist Alexandre Dumas are familiar with Château d’If as the setting of his popular novel ‘The Count of Montecristo.’ The castle is located on a tiny island in the Malmousque Bay and was constructed in the 19th century. Visitors can access the island after a short boat trip from the Vieux Port and are free to explore its numerous prison cells.

Marseille also boasts of several impressive religious structures that are popular tourist attractions. One is the Basilique Notre Dame de La Garde, situated in Montée de la Bonne Mère. Its most striking feature is the golden statue of the Virgin Mary that topped its bell tower. Inside, visitors are free to explore this domed structure, which features beautiful murals, mosaics, and inlaid marbles. The basilica also features a crypt where notable personages are buried.
Nearer to the port is La Cathedrale de la Nouvelle Major, a 19th century structure built in Romano-Byzantine style. Among the features to look out for are several splendid sculptures and some beautiful mosaics.

However, the city’s oldest church is the Abbaye St. Victor, established during the 5th century as a monastery. This landmark is located along Rue de l‘Abbaye and features a crypt and some catacombs that visitors can explore.
The Jardin des Vestiges or the Garden of Ruins is situated on Square Belsunce and is the ideal destination for those with archaeological inclinations. The garden bears the ruins of an ancient Greek port and parts of the city’s oldest structures and monuments.

Every summer, the city celebrates its Festival de Marseile, which includes musical performances, theatrical presentations, and screening of classic films. The Carnaval celebration, on the other hand, is celebrated every March with much festivity and street dancing.

Weather

Because it is situated in the Mediterranean region, Marseille enjoys mild weather all year round, with sunny summers and dry winters. The sea breeze coming in help mitigate the hot summer weather, cooling the whole city and its surrounding areas. During its autumn and spring seasons, however, light downpours are known to occur, with the temperature suddenly turning cold especially at the night. Winter remains mild, with occasional rains and frosty temperature.