France is the most visited country in the world, welcoming over a whopping 100 million visitors last year.
While the country’s capital is a well-loved destination by travellers across the globe, there’s another city that is becoming a hotspot.
Marseille, France’s oldest city, has much to boast about, including being home to the world’s coolest neighbourhood.
But it’s not just the one neighbourhood. The entire city is full of beautiful architecture that highlights Marseille’s history. With buildings dating from the Byzantine period, it’s no wonder that more people are looking to spend a few days in city.
The southern French city offers an incredible Mediterranean escape with an ‘Old Port’ at the heart of it.
Vieux-Port, translated to Old Port, has been a trading point in the city since ancient times. It is the first French port, the second Mediterranean port, and the fifth European port, making it rather special.
With the city being open to the Mediterranean Sea, it allowed Marseille to benefit from economic and cultural exchanges with Southern Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Asia. In fact, the city actually became a European Capital of Culture in 2013.
Today the city boasts great food, thanks to the fresh products chefs in the city use as well as the multiculturalism that has contributed to the cuisine. It also houses a beautiful harbour full of markets, bars and restaurants.
However, the highlight of Marseille, which is also known as the city of 100 neighbourhoods, is Notre-Dame du Mont an area in the city which has been named by Time Out as the coolest neighbourhood in the world, putting the entire city on the map.
Recognised as a “lively, family-friendly residential area” by the city’s tourism website, the district is full of stunning colourful streets, which makes sense as to why it is an area loved by artists.
The city is named after the Church, which was once the city’s main place of pilgrimage. Sailors who survived shipwrecks would come to the church and make offerings.
However, over time, the tradition was moved to Notre-Dame de la Garde, which sits at a remarkable 531 feet above sea level, with its prime location offering a panoramic view of the bustling city.
Both of the churches are not to miss landmarks when visiting. The pedestrian district is renowned as the creative heart of Marseille, hosting a number of creative events both in concert halls and on the streets, something that you’re not guaranteed in many places.