| MARSEILLE AND LES CALANQUES |
| MARSEILLE was born out of an idyll |
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| In BC 600, Protis, a Greek navigator, settled in what was at that time only a deep narrow creek. Upon his marriage to Gyptis, daughter of the King of the local clan, he received a settlement of territories and established a colony which he named Massalia. |
Terreprovence |
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MARSEILLE AND LES CALANQUES - Marseille
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MARSEILLE AND LES CALANQUES - Les Calanques
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| With twenty-six centuries of history behind it, Marseille is the first of the French towns. One hundred and one districts make up this town, each with its own specificity and codes. |
The Old Port is the heart of Marseille. With its forest of masts, the morning cries of the fishermen and numerous sunny, terrace cafes and restaurants, the port is a permanent animated show.
TO SEE:
The famous Canebiere at the end of the Old Port is the shuttle service point of departure to the islands. The Cesar ferry boat, immortalised by Pagnol, leaves from the northern and southern quays of the old Port.
The Town Hall, is a beautiful example of 17th century Provencal baroque |
architecture. Behind this building is the Roman Musee des Docks where you will find traces of Roman warehouses.
Le Panier, a minuscule village perched on a hill that descends to the town hall through a maze of tiny streets, a multitude of steps and small squares. This typically Mediterranean village is a flashback of Marseille.
The Vieille Charite constructed in 1640 for the purpose of isolating the sick and the destitute from the rest of the town. It is a chef-d’oeuvre of 17th century baroque architecture. Recently restored, the Charite has become a multicultural space with two museums
– the Musee des Arts Africains Oceaniens and Amerindiens and the Musee d’Archeologie Mediterraneene - as well as a library and a restaurant. Numerous exhibitions and shows are presented.
The Plaine and the Cours Julien. Perched on the knoll, this is the ‘in’ sector of Marseille. A multitude of cafes, café-theaters, specialised book shops, art galleries exhibiting contemporary works, and designer boutiques.
L’Estaque, is the working class district situated in northern Marseille after the port. It attracts the Marseillaise who come for the weekend to eat ‘chichi’ and sip pastis on the shaded terraces facing the small fishing port.
Not to be missed is Notre Dame de la Garde, named by the Marseillaise as ‘the good Mother’. Perched on top of a hill, this spectacular 19th century Roman-Byzantine basilica offers a fabulous view over the city.
The Islands.
One of the major attractions of Marseille. Situated a few minutes from the Old Port, the islands offer visitors a complete change of scenery with their secluded white sandy or pebbly beaches and enchanting coves.
L’Archipel du Frioul includes the Ile d’IF where you will find the chateau, constructed in 1530, made famous by Alexandre Dumas in his book, "The Count of Monte Cristo".
The largest islands, Ratonneau and Pomegues, are more or less deserted but they do have beautiful sandy coves.
L’Archipel de Riou is made up of six islands classified as ornithological reserves and forbidden to tourists.
Les Calanques is a magical coastline which stretches from Marseille to Ciotat. The signpost footpath permits you to discover the magnificent cliffs from superb viewpoints as well as a numerous coves of multiple physiognomy. Among the more known are the Calanques of Marseilleveyre, Podestat, Sormiou, Morgiou and Port-Miou.
The smaller islands have fine sandy beaches while the larger with their small ports are a haven for both pleasure and fishing boats. The Massif des Calanques is a walker’s paradise, particularly for lovers of nature, rock climbing and swimming.
Surroundings:
Cassis, nestled at the foot of the Cap Canaille cliffs, is a popular place for both the Marseillaise and tourists who come to eat seafood and drink the excellent local crus at the cafes and restaurants on the picturesque quays, swim in the sandy coves and promenade through the small streets of the old town.
TO SEE:
L’Hotel de Ville, a beautiful 17th century dwelling located in a shaded square. The 18th century Presbytery housing the Musee Municipal Mediterraneen d’Arts and local traditions.
La Ciotat - town of the Freres Lumiere. Known in antiquity as Citharista, it has always been a sea-faring town with important shipyards. Due to its historic past and natural advantages as a port, it has become a favourite tourist attraction. East of the town, along the ‘Golfe d’amour’, you will discover beautiful beaches and at the southern end, Cap L’Aigle and the deep narrow creeks of Mugel and Figuerolle, both accessible on foot.
TO SEE:
The Hotel de Ville, Renaissance architecture, dated 1863 and the Musee Ciotadin, the 17th century Chapelle des Penitents Bleu and Penitents Noirs, and the Vieux Port with its traditional barque ‘timekeeper’. |
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