The Basics
City Name: Marseilles
Where is it located?: Marseilles lies on France’s southern coast.
Why do people go there?: France’s second largest city, but separated by its first by galaxies. Marseilles has none of the glitter and glam of Paris, or the sexiness of Nice, but the hard working grit of the city by the sea is undeniable. Marseilles is generally a city visited by those who have a lot of time in France and feel they must, or those stopping by for a night.
How do travelers get there?: TGV trains will get you there in a hurry…as long as they’re not on strike. Which may be saying a lot.
Currency: Euro
City Code: 491
Population: 800,000
Languages: French, but some Italian slips in there too, as does English, if forced.
Travel Information
Neighborhoods: Old Port, Panier, Canebière, Garde Hill, St. Charles District
Attractions: True Blue Grit, Sea, Stopover
Accommodations: Marseilles Hostels, Marseilles Hotels
Tourist Office: See Main Office in Paris: Office de Tourisme et des Congres de Paris – Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau, 127, avenue des Champs-Elysees, 75008 Paris, Telephone: +33 8 36 68 31 12 (2,23 FFR/min), Fax: +33 1 49 52 5300, Web site: http://www.paris-touristoffice.com
Off-the-beaten-path: La Cité Radieuse, Chateau d’If
Health Issues: Hepatitis A
Tips for Visiting
When to go: March and October are generally very nice months, free from the heat and the crowds that overwhelm the French Rivera.
Common Phrases: Yes = Oui, No = Non, Please = S’il vous plaît , Thank you = Merci, Do you speak English? = Parlez-vous l’anglais?
City Specific Events: French Winegrowers and Farmers Spring Fair, Festival de Marseille, Documentary International Film Festival of Marseille, Marseille International Fair
How to get around?: Buses will get you to the beaches and metro will get you downtown.
Good to know: Marseilles is France’s oldest city.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into Marseilles is the Marseilles Provence Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the Marseilles travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
