Marseille is :
The metropolis in the southeast of France and even more so the Mediterranean Basin. It was founded around 600 BC by Greek sailors from Phocaea in Asia Minor, which is why it is still called the “Phocaean City” today.
A city of many attractions: the sea, the sun, nature and culture. Marseille is also proud of its strong tradition of accessibility and its people’s warm hospitality.
A land of varied and stunning landscapes. From the Vieux-Port aux Calanques to the “Bonne Mère” basilica, natural green spaces stretch as far as the eye can see around the city and traces of its rich history are everywhere in its architecture, culture and the people who live there.
One of the most cosmopolitan cities in France with its ancient heritage, distinctive culture, strong identity and ethnic mix.
In short, Marseille is also:
Come travel to Marseille
There are different ways to get to Marseille:
by sea to the Grand Port Maritime (biggest cruise port in France).
A few figures:
2.07 million passengers recorded in 2009
half a million cruise passengers in 2009
630,000 passengers
291 ports of call
30 cruise lines
53 ships
Key figures 2009
by air to its airport and MP2 low-cost terminal (France’s 3rd busiest airport outside of Paris with 7.2 million passengers/year). Destinations/connections: London, Madrid, Brussels, Stockholm, Rome, Oslo, Manchester, etc.
by train on the TGV Méditerranée high-speed train and several regional networks.
by car on its dense network of motorways (A51, A55, A50)
3 public transport networks
2 metro lines
2 tramway lines
85 bus lines
Car parks in the city centre
72 car parks, 15 of which are public.
Marseille, a tourist spot
A tourist spot in the heart of the Mediterranean
Marseille is a cosmopolitan and vibrant city that attracts throngs of tourists from all over the world every year. Officially listed as a city of art and history, Marseille is creating an economic and cultural vitality that is booming today.
Marseille has positioned itself as the French and Mediterranean city of reference for conventions and seminars. It is also the flagship city for cruises in France and an indisputable stop for the world’s largest cruise lines. Several large-scale projects are currently being completed, such as the convention hall, hotel complexes and a range of reception facilities.
Tourist numbers for 2007:
Business Tourism
Since the Convention Office of the City of Marseille (Bureau des Congrès de la Ville de Marseille) was created in 1998, the Phocaean City has done everything in its power to make itself an irrefutable destination in the business tourism sector. It took only 10 years for Marseille to position itself as a true contender among French and European business destinations.
Marseille is:
Marseille, its assets, its capabilities
> Easy to access: international airport, low-cost air terminal, high-speed train, motorways, etc.
> Easy to live: metro, tramway, bus, etc.
> Easy to love: mild temperatures, maximum sunshine, beautiful landscapes, warm and inviting culture.
Marseille is also…
The European Capital of Culture 2013
On 16 September 2008, Marseille was designated European Capital of Culture 2013 along with the Slovak city of Kosice. In 2013, the two cities will become the windows on European cultural activities for the eyes of the world.
The title of European Capital of Culture was created in 1985 by the European Union with a view to bringing Europeans closer together and asserting the central role cities play in the arts and culture.
Marseille and Kosice (Slovakia) were given this title for 2013. Throughout the year, they will be hosting a programme of extraordinary cultural events, expositions, performances, workshops and festivals.
The home of Euroméditerranée.
Leading service industry companies and the headquarters of Euroméditerranée are located in the heart of La Joliette in a booming business district. Launched over ten years ago, this programme of global scope is spearheading the rehabilitation of a 480-hectare area in the heart of the city between the port de commerce, the Vieux-Port and the high-speed rail station.
A city focused on sustainable development.
Marseille is showing its commitment to protecting and conserving its natural land and water assets through a number of initiatives: the Municipal Climate Plan, the Quality Charter, the Carbon Report, creating a National Park, establishing the coastal artificialisation Reef Prado project, etc. Since 2008, the City has had the largest underground treatment plant in world.
A dream setting
Marseille is the second most filmed city in France with nearly 1,200 film shoots over the last ten years. Many international films have been made in the city, such as Luc Besson’s Taxi, Ridley Scott’s A Good Year with Russel Crow, Richard Curtis’ Love Actually with Colin Firth…The television series “Plus Belle La Vie” has been filmed there in the Belle de Mai studios and around the city since 2004. The city plays a leading role in the serial and its scenery is a frequent guest star. Lastly, the City has the second largest film studios in France.
Global influence.
Marseille is France’s second most important centre for diplomacy with 70 consulates, numerous international institutions, thirteen twin cities, around twenty cooperative agreements, etc.
A culinary stopover with restaurants starred and listed by the Michelin guide.
A cultural centre of grand scale with 17 museums, 42 theatres and 12 cinemas plus an international event line-up: the Foire de Marseille (international fair), Fiesta des Suds (world music festival), the International Documentary Film Festival, the 5 Continents Jazz Festival.
No. 2 research centre in France.
Link to the Office of Tourism and Marseille Conventions
