One of the most attractive and well-known cities on the French Riviera is Marseille. Marseille is the oldest town in France. Though there is evidence of prehistoric habitation of the Marseille area, the town was put on the map by the Phoenicians, who established a trading post on the north side of the harbour in around 600 BC. The town prospered and came under the rule of the Greeks and then the Romans, who built massive fortifications. Marseille was the main port of trade between the Romans and Gaul, an arrangement that made the city one of the richest in the region. After the Roman civil war however, Marseille lost its independence and came under tighter control by the Roman Empire, who diverted much of the city’s wealth to Rome. For most of the long history of Marseilles, the town occupied the same fortified 70 hectares on the north side of the Old Port from its founding until 1660. There was one "brief" period in the 7th century, during barbarian invasions, when the area was reduced to a smaller fortified position, but it quickly regained its original size, which has been inhabited now for 26 centuries.

The climate of Marseille is not typical of the Mediterranean region as a whole. The lowest rainfall and highest temperatures are found in the hot, dry months of summer, but rainfall reaches a peak in spring and autumn, rather than in winter. The coldest months are December and January, when there is some frost, but otherwise the winter is mild. During the summer months the temperature rises to levels that would be unpleasant were it not for the sea breeze. In winter, Marseille is particularly subject to the dry, cold northwest wind known as the Mistral, which blows down the Rhone Valley, at times with considerable force.

Nowadays, Marseille is the second biggest city after the capital, and the largest and most important commercial port. Marseille itself has never been a major industrial centre; historically, its importance has been much more in trade and commerce. Activities included food processing (linked to both imported agricultural products and those originating from the surrounding region), shipbuilding and ship repair, chemicals, metallurgy, clothing and precision engineering. Many of these industries have either disappeared or been reduced in importance through loss of markets or transfer to the city’s periphery. The industrial zone is also directly linked to the national rail and highway networks, to the South European Pipeline, and to the Rhone inland waterway. The city’s maritime location and traditions have also led to the growth of industries and services in offshore exploration and engineering. The port complex of Marseille–Fos is the largest in France and among the largest in Europe. Because of its geographic position and its commercial importance, Marseille has long been able to attract foreign capital.

The three Universities of Aix-Marseille, situated in Aix-en-Provence and Marseille for over five centuries, are the successors to the original establishments created in the region during the 19th century. The universities try not to compete for students, rather, they offer expertise in different domains. Arts and Social Sciences are pursued at the University de Provence Aix-Marseille I; Health, Sport and Economics at the University de la Mediterranee Aix-Marseille II; Law, Political Sciences, Applied Economics and Business Management at the University Paul Cezanne Aix-Marseille III. The Exact Sciences, notably Mathematics, Physics, Astrophysics, Chemistry, Biology, Geology, Environmental Studies and Engineering, are spread throughout the three Universities. Marseilles is linked into the fast and efficient French railway system; an airport offers international and domestic flights; road connections lead to the national motorway network. Located 20 km north of the city, road connections link the airport to the city center. An efficient bus and tram system operates in Marseille as well as an underground Metro network. The Metro stations and tourist office will supply handy maps to help you navigate the city. Two Metro (subway) lines cross the city. The lines intersect at SNCF St Charles, the main railway station, and Castellane. There is also a miniature tourist sightseeing train covering the main attractions accompanied by multilingual commentary.

Occupying the highest point in Marseille the Notre Dame Basilica is a 19th century Roman Byzantine edifice offering magnificent views of the city. One of Marseille’s more scenic buildings is the extravagant Palais Longchamp located on Boulevard Montricher, formerly housing an aqueduct it is no longer in use but features a spectacular fountain. Meanwhile in the Palace’s north wing is the Musee des Beaux Arts, a Fine Art Museum displaying an extensive collection of paintings. The infamous prison Chateau d’If, best known for Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo, is a fortress built in the 16th century to defend Marseille and its port and later housed the infamous state prison. Boats regularly leave for If from the Quai des Belges at the Vieux Port, the view back towards Marseille and the mountains afar are excellent. If its sun worshipping you are after then the city’s most popular beach is the Plage des Catalans. For a less developed yet charming sunbathing destination head to the beautiful resort town of Cassis, just west of Marseille it is well worth a visit. A holiday resort in its own right Marseille is also an ideal starting point from which to discover the beautiful villages and historic traditions of Provence.

Celebrating the worlds of dance, music, theatre and cinema, the three-week event brings a new surge of life to the already bustling city with a packed programme of artistic events. Embracing the multicultural society that characterises Marseille, there is a really positive vibe surrounding the festival. Visitors can expect to experience spectacular events ranging from cutting-edge theatre productions and film screenings to contemporary dance and music performances. The popularity and stature of artists performing here grows each year.One of the largest Lesbian and Gay Prides in the South of France, this event attracts thousands of brightly-dressed, whistle-blowing folk who flock to Marseille to be a part of this great street party. Revellers intent on having a good time dance through to the small hours on several different dance floors with top DJs playing a mix of house, techno and funk music.