Hotels in Marseille

The oldest city in France, Marseille is packed to the rafters with things to discover and see. It is thought that the area now known as Marseille was inhabited almost 30,000 years ago, and the city itself was founded in 600 BC by the Greeks, who quickly formed allegiances with the Rome. Signs of these ancient ties can still be seen today as well as markers from other historic events. The city belonged to the King of Sicily before being incorporated into France in 1482.

Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, the city became militarily important and in the late 18th and early 19th century it flourished as France expanded its empire. Marseille has been a melting pot for several hundred years and this only adds to the diversity that can be seen today. It is a key city for trade and industry in France and there is always something going on, making it a great holiday destination.

A two-day break
Start your trip with a visit to the old and new major cathedrals. Then, why not visit the Saint Jean Fortress and the Saint-Laurent Church. Stroll around the docks and the old port before heading towards the shopping district – choose from the Rue Saint-Ferréol and the Cours d’Estienne d’Orves. Then, why not visit the Palais Longchamps which contains the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Natural History.

A week-long stay
If you’re staying for longer then take a walk to the crossroads of Cours Belsunce , where you can see the Arc de Triomphe of the Place d’Aix and the famous Alcazar music hall. Relax in the Jardin de la Colline Puget, the first public park to be created in Marseille. Visit the Saint-Cannat Church along the famous Rue de la République. Explore the city’s old quarter, known as the “Panier” – there are many things to see including the Hôtel Dieu and the Maison Diamantée.

A family holiday
Here with your family? Visit the Théâtre de Marionnettes for a concert, play or circus show that is sure to keep everyone entertained for hours. It’s only a short journey away from the Kyriad Marseille Centre Paradis Préfecture hotel. Take a boat trip out to the If castle and the Frioul islands for something different or head down to the beach at the Prado Seaside Park. You will be spoilt for choice in this family-friendly city!

Transports
Marseille Provence Airport has both international as well as domestic connections. Marseille has a TGV service to Paris as well as regional links through its Gare de Marseille Saint-Charles. The Nord A51, the Littoral A55 and the Est A50 all provide access for cars and coaches. Marseille itself has both a tram and metro system and over 80 bus lines. Bikes can be hired from almost every station and there is plenty of parking, making it easy to explore.

Gastronomy
This gem of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region has much to offer in terms of gastronomy and there are countless restaurants and bistros offering a variety of cuisines. Fish is of course extremely popular so sample a Bouillabaisse (fish soup) with traditional bread. Other specialities include Anchoïade, an anchovy and garlic paste, and Pieds-paquets, a dish prepared from pig's trotters and tripe.

Events
Marseille has festivals happening all year round. The Santons Fair marks the beginning of the Christmas period and is perhaps one of the more traditional events to take place. Santons are traditional provencal figurines which appear in Nativity scenes and each year from the last Sunday in November until the end of December Santon-making families gather to display, sell and celebrate their crafts.

Interesting fact
The French National Anthem is based on a song known as La Marseillaise which was sung by volunteers on their journey from Marseille to Paris during the French Revolution. Over 500 volunteers were sent help defend the revolutionary government. The melody was decreed as the national anthem in 1795 but then banned by Louis XVIII and Charles X, only to be restored in 1879.

Useful links
www.marseille-centre.fr
shopinmars.com
www.marseille-tourisme.com/en/
www.sncf.com
www.tgv.co.uk/