Explore the French coast from Marseille with Premiere Classe hotels.

Marseille is a sprawling urban centre on France’s Mediterranean coast in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region. It is the second biggest city in France after Paris, and the third biggest metropolitan community after Paris and Lyon. The city is the largest French port on the Mediterranean coast and the country’s largest commercial port. Marseille’s Old Port is flanked by two large forts the Fort Saint-Nicolas and the Fort Saint Jean.

Marseille and the area around it have been inhabited by humans for almost 30,000 years and it has been called the oldest city in France. The city itself was founded in 600BC by Greeks as a trading post. The city then thrived as a trading post between the Gauls and the Romans and remained independent until the rise of Julius Caesar. It fell to the Visigoths following the decline of the roman Empire and became part of the Frankish empire in the 6th century.

Two-day break
There is plenty in Marseille to keep you busy for two days. Why not get an idea of the city with a tour in an open-topped 2CV car, Cruising slowly round the city in the classic French car, with a knowledgeable and friendly guide is a great way to get to know Marseille. Just a half-hour walk from the Premiere Classe Hotel Marseille Centre is the Cathedrale de la Major, beautiful both in its exterior and interior.

Seven-day break
The Basilique de Notre Dame de la Garde is only 20 minutes from the Premiere Classe Hotel Marseille Centre and offers breath-taking views of the city. It is also a remarkable church in terms of its architecture and history. The Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology, in Marseille’s historic Pannier district is a great outing offering insight into some of the area’s history. With several different museums spread across three floors, there is something to interest everyone.

Family Holiday
The Petit Train de Marseille is a great way for your family to get an overview of the city. The train offers two routes, giving an summary of what Marseille has to offer. The Castle of If, located on an island in the city’s bay, is one of the most historical sites on the entire Mediterranean coast and one of the most impressively preserved. It was made famous by the book The Count of Monte Cristo.

Transport
The best way to see the city and get a feel for Marseille is on foot, but climbing the hill to the Old Town in the sun can be tiring. Marseille has two metro lines, one running north to south, the other running in a broad loop, and a network of over 30 bus routes plus a tram system.

Food
The Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur has a rich, Mediterranean cuisine. The area has a wealth of local produce, especially fruit and vegetables with olives, garlic and spices being traditionally prominent in the region. As a Mediterranean port, fish plays a big part in the Marseille’s traditional food. Ratatouille, Bouillabaisse fish stew and Niçoise Salad are specialities.

Events
Perhaps unsurprisingly for a Mediterranean port, Marseille has a wealth of sailing events across the year that attracts many high profile competitors. The city’s spring carnival is a highlight of the year for many people and is a spectacular celebration. There are also a number of food festivals in the city.

Did You Know ?
Alexander I of Yugoslavia, was assassinated in Marseille on Tuesday, 9th October, 1934. As three people in his family had died on a Tuesday, Alexander usually refused to attend public functions on Tuesdays, but had no choice in October 1934 as he was arriving in Marseille to strengthen relations with France. It was one of the first assassinations caught on film.