Marseille

Marseille is the oldest city in France. The city first came into existence 2,600 years ago, born of the union between Protis, a Greek sailor from Phocaea, and the beautiful Gyptis, daughter of the king of the Ligurians. They settled on the shore of what is today called the "Vieux Port" ( the Old Harbour). This was Massalia which became the first urban outpost in France. Over the years, Marseille dwellers have always been proud of their city's distinctive character. Inside the famous Cosquer cave is evidence that Marseille's first inhabitants lived there some 28,000 years ago! Today Marseille is also seen in the context of its beautiful setting, an attractive region containing 111 villages, charming hills nearby and a jagged coastline of bays and inlets. Once infamous Marseille has a new image. Having now turned the corner after a number of difficult years, Marseille is ready to embark on the third millennium with great verve and a brand new image.

Continuing the traditional role as a cross-roads between northern Europe, the Mediterranean and the East, the city is presently being "restructured" around the harbour area: the Euro-Mediterranean economic development and planning operation will make Marseille a hub in southern Europe for international trade and decision-making. While the overall plan for the city is designed to develop and renovate areas most in need of attention, the renovation of the city centre has already produced results with improvements in housing, the building of a university and student facilities, the emergence of new businesses and the innovation of "theme streets" such as the recently inaugurated "rue de la mode" [fashion street] near the Opera House.

The cultural Capital of the South. Over recent years Marseille has put on dance, theatre, music exhibitions, as well as street art, earning itself the reputation as the Euro-Mediterranean capital for artistic creation. The people of Marseille have always been greatly attached to their opera house and to the Roland Petit National Ballet Company; it is in fact the city with the record for the highest number of theatres per head of population in France. And today, there is more cultural enterprise in the city than ever before, including concerts, festivals and major projects such as the "Grand Library" and the "Cit¶ des Arts." POPULATION Inner city: 807,000 habitants Urban area: 1,000,000 habitants INTERESTING FACTS Overlooking the harbour from a height of 162 metres, the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, surmounted by a golden statue of the Virgin, named the "Good Mother," is the symbol of the city. The culinary speciality boullibaisse has won worldwide acclaim. It consists of rock fish cooked in a broth with onions, garlic, olive oil, tomatoes and saffron. It is served with croutons accompanied by a spicy sauce called "rouille." The charm of its 111 villages, the hills around it, the wealth of its coast, and beyond, all add up to a special quality of life. PLACES TO VISIT Basillica Notre-Dame de-la Garde Tel. 0491 134080 The Basillica Notre-Dame de la Garde in Marseilles, of Roman-Byzantine inspiration, dominated by its golden Virgin Mary, was constructed between 1853 and 1899 by Henri EspÚrandieu. La Canebi¶re 13001 Marseille La Canebi¶re in Marseilles leads to the Vieux Port (Old Port) and is the most famous thoroughfare. It holds processions and other major events. Major Cathedral Place de la Major, 13002 Marseille The Major Cathedral which began construction in 381A.D. and modified in the XI and XIX centuries, remains one of the regionÍs most beautiful Romanesque art structures.