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Jewel of the SouthA historic city
Capital of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, Marseille (which can also be spelt “Marseilles” in English) is the administrative capital of the Bouches-du-Rhône department. As is the oldest city in France and with its balmy climate and magnificent setting beside the Mediterranean it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in France.
Marseille was initially a Phocacean Greek settlement; you will notice the signs of a turbulent past and a number of unusual cultural features. Don’t miss the Old Port, the Abbey of Saint Victor and the Docks. Marseille is not all picturesque monuments and local markets, however; it is a vibrant, lively metropolis, a city of character with a unique atmosphere. A great quality of life is enjoyed here by a population which is cosmopolitan and welcoming.
The cathedral of Notre-Dame de la Garde dominates the city from its hilltop position. Referred to as “la bonne mère” (“the good mother”), the basilica was built in 1880 and features a monumental statue of the virgin Mary on top of its bell tower. The Romano-Byzantine architectural style celebrates in its own way the cultural exchange between east and west which has always been a key part of the city’s soul. Both the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Fine Arts are housed in the splendid Palais Longchamp, built between 1862 and 1869. Built as a water reservoir, this building has magnificent fountains at the front, designed by the sculptor Jules Cavelier..
Tour of the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Basilica
Dominating the city and the Old Port.
The Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Basilica is one of the major landmarks on the Marseille skyline. Flanked by a monumental sculpture of the Virgin Mary, the basilica dominates the landscape from its hilltop.
The basilica is built in a picturesque Romanesque-Byzantine style and is very popular with visitors, with over 1.5 million pilgrims and tourists every year. The interior is richly decorated and well worth a visit, whether you are a believer or just an admirer of ancient architecture.
The basilica and the crypt close at 7.15pm From 7.45pm cars Access by mini train from the Old Port
Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Basilica place du Colonel-Edon 13006 Marseille Phone : +33 (0)4 91 13 40 80 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it In French : http://www.notredamedelagarde.com/
For more informations Office de tourisme 4, La Canebière 13006 MARSEILLE +33 (0)4 91 13 89 21
Château d'If in Marseille
In the footsteps of the Count of Monte-Christo.
In Marseille, you will find one of the city's most famous monuments in the sea: Château d'If, the famous fortress where history meets legend. Built by Francis I who wanted a stronghold on the island, the Château d'If was not very effective at protecting Marseille, and was turned into a state prison in 1634. Since then, the Château d'If has housed many famous prisoners, both real and fictional. Yet, perhaps more so than Mirabeau - the man in the Iron Mask - it undoubtedly owes its fame to Edmond Dantès, Alexandre Dumas's famous Count of Monte Christo.
Entry is free of charge the first Sunday of the month during low season (but you must pay for the ferry to the island). Since 2006, visitors have to pay to visit the island, not just the château. It should be noted that animals are not allowed, even on a leash, and access is difficult for people with reduced levels of mobility.
Guides are present every day and offer guided tours for the general public every 30 minutes. Groups must book in advance for guided tours.
Boat departs from the Vieux Port (bottom of La Cannebière) - Quai de la Fraternité (formerly Quai des Belges) in Marseille 13001 From Saturday 15 May to Monday 20 September 2010 : from 09:30 to 18:15 From Monday 21 September 2009 to Saturday 14 May 2011 : from Tuesday to Sunday from 09:30 to 17:30 Admission prices : - Full price : 5 € - Reduced price : 3.5 € - Until 25 years : Free Closed on 1 January and 25 December
Château d'If fortress 1 quai de la Fraternité Embarcadère Frioul If Express 13001 Marseille Phone: +33 (0)4 91 59 02 30 http://if.monuments-nationaux.fr/
Old Port of Marseille
The spirit of the city.
The Old Port of Marseille is the true heart of the city. You can walk all around it along its three sides: the Quai des Belges, the Rive-Neuve and the Quai du Port. Two imposing forts control access to the Vieux Port: the Saint-Jean Fort and the Saint-Nicolas Fort.
The marina is surrounded by boutiques, cafés and restaurants which are perfect for relaxing in and unwinding at the end of the day. Going to the famous OM Café to watch a football match alongside die-hard Olympique Marseillais fans is a must for those interested in football. Allez OM!
The Calanques of Marseille
The wild beauty of the coastline.
A calanque is an inlet, often with steep sides: the Mediterrenean equivalent of a fjord. The Calanques de Marseille are some of the city's most beautiful spots. Tour boats always stop there but the best way to explore them is actually on land. To the south of Marseille, towards Cassis, the calanques run along 20km of craggy coastline. The views are fantastic, the nature is wild, the flora and fauna are unique; a regional park is due to be created in the near future to protect the rare beauty of this exceptional area.
Marseille Calanques - Coves of Marseille chemin de Sormiou 13009 Marseille http://www.marseille-tourisme.com/
The Panier Quarter
The historical heart of Marseilles.
The Panier quarter is one of the oldest and most emblematic areas in Marseille. Indulge in the pleasure of losing yourself in the pretty, winding streets of colourful painted houses. The atmosphere is one of historic charm: the area is a true jewel of Mediterranian culture. The name comes from the sign on an old inn called Le Logis du Panier or "the basket lodge" which dates from the 17th century.
Discover the historic heart of the city: admire the architectural feat which is the Vieille Charité (alms building), the Maison Diamantée which houses the Old Marseille Museum, the Hôtel de Cabre, the Church of the Accoules or the magnificent Hôtel-Dieu.
Quartier du Panier 13002 Marseille
http://www.marseille-tourisme.com/
Five Continents Jazz Festival
Jazz up Marseilles.
The greatest of jazz artists will take over the gardens of the Palais Longchamp: Al Jarreau, Chick Corea, Maceo Parker, Richard Bona, Manu Katche and, in a special tribute to Django Reinhardt, Bireli Lagrene and Didier Lockwood.
This unmissable summer event in Marseille, the Five Continents Jazz Festival will also feature an exciting line-up of young talent who will perform at the opening party, a free event on 19th July at the Cours d'Estienne d'Orves, just a short distance from the Old Port. This festival is now a renowned event in the world of jazz.
On the programme of this 11th edition : Al Jarreau Sextet, Richard Bona Group, Manu Katché, Maceo Parker, Chick Corea, Biréli Lagrène, Didier Lockwood and many others
Enquiries: +33 (0)4 95 09 32 57 Full festival programme online
Getting there by public transport: Bus: N°7/7b, 9, 10, 41N and 81- bus stops, Foch-Cinq Avenues & Metro Cinq Avenues Metro: Line 1 - Station: Cinq Avenues Tramway: Line T1 - Station: Cinq Avenues or Longchamp
From Monday 19 to Saturday 24 July 2010 : from 20:30 to 22:30 Admission prices : - Full price : 28 € - Reduced price : 20 € - 2-Day Pass : 45 € - 3-Day Pass : 65 € - 4-Day Pass : 85 € - 5-Day Pass : 100 €
Place : Palais Longchamp - Longchamp Palace 1 boulevard Claude Charles Guillaume Philippon 13004 Marseille Phone: +33 (0) 826 500 500 http://www.festival-jazz-cinq-continents.com/
6 billion others - exhibition
A portrait of humanity.
After "The Earth seen from the Sky", Yann Arthus-Bertrand, with Sibylle d'Orgeval and Baptiste Rouget-Luchaire, launched the "6 Billion Others" project. From Brazilian fisherman to Chinese shopkeeper, German artist to Afgan farmer, all sorts of people from all over the world answered the same questions about their fears, dreams, challenges and hopes, such as: What did you learn from your parents? What would you like your children to know? What challenges have you faced? What does love mean to you? and so on.
The exhibition 6 Billion Others offers a portrait of humanity today through the 40 essential questions put to the 5,000 interviewees, filmed in 75 different countries by 6 filmmakers. It reveals some of the characteristics which link us together and those which mark us out as unique.
Metro: Cinq-Avenues Longchamp Late openings (until 10pm) 23rd June, 7th July, 25th August and 15th September, free entry 7-10pm
From Friday 4 June to Sunday 19 September 2010 : - From Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00 - Sunday from 10:00 to 14:00 - Special Fees : Free
Admission prices : - Full price : 5 € - Until 21 years : Free
Closed on 14 July and 15 August
Place Marseille natural history museum Palais Longchamp 13004 Marseille Phone: +33 (0)4 91 14 59 50 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it In french: http://www.museum-marseille.org/
Artisan Nights in the Old Port
For those who appreciate original and unique products hand made by local craftsmen, the Nuitées artisanales du Vieux Port or "Artisan Nights in the Old Port". The local craftsmen and women, and producers of local fare will exhibit their high quality wares at this unique market in the centre of Marseille. There is sure to be something for all tastes and all budgets!
With ceramics, jams and preserves, jewellery and so on, everything is unique and hand-made. A handful of the best artisan producers have been selected by a committee for their particular expertise and creative skill. Don't miss this unique encounter with authentic regional artisans.
From Thursday 1 July to Tuesday 31 August 2010 : from Monday to Friday from 16:00 to 00:00 From Thursday 2 to Thursday 30 September 2010 : -On Thursday and the Friday from 16:00 to 00:00 Admission prices : Free
Place Old Port of Marseille quai du Port 13001 Marseille
Marseilles International Fair
The fair that covers everything!
The Foire Internationale de Marseille is back this year for another ten full days of fun, creativity and solidarity. Experience this massive-scale fair in the heart of the Mediterranean coastline.
Interior decoration, new technology, IT, home-improvement, beauty-care, fashion, gastronomy, leisure and international events… the list goes on. Meet the specialists who have come to Marseille to provide solutions, alternatives, ideas, and generally to make your life easier… Over 1,400 exhibitors will be there to give you the right kind of information and showcase their best products.
The Marseille Fair is a crossroad of cultures and trends for people of all ages. Over 50 countries will be represented so you can tour the world and be back in time for tea!
This year the fair will be bigger and better, with more variety and lots of brand new exhibitors. Everything has been renovated and improved: the structure, the layout, the decors, the variety of offers… Everyone is bound to find some inspiration at the Marseille Fair.
From Friday 24 September to Monday 4 October 2010 : - From Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 19:00 - Saturday, Sunday from 10:00 to 20:00 On Friday 1 October 2010 : from 10:00 to 23:00
Admission prices : - Full price : 7.5 € - Children until 12 years : Free
Place Parc Chanot - Congress and Exhibition Centre in Marseille 2 boulevard Rabatau BP 2 13008 Marseille Phone: +33 (0)4 91 76 16 00 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it In French: http://www.foiredemarseille.com/
Cool Globes Marseille
Marseilles around the world.
Marseille follows in the footsteps of Chicago in creating its own "Cool Globes". In fact, companies, associations, institutions, shops and even individuals can purchase one or more "Cool Globes" for the sum of 7,500 euros each (before tax). Then the owner chooses which artist will decorate their globe, which will be exhibited in the streets of Marseilles.
The artists will have two months in which to transform the virgin globe into a work of art. Marseille will thus become an open-air gallery, as the "globes" will be displayed all over the city. The owners can then sell their globes at an auction which will take place on 5th November.
Enquiries: +33 (0)4 91 55 11 11
Place Centre-ville de Marseille (13001) La Canebière 13001 Marseille +33 (0)4 91 13 89 00 In French : http://www.coolglobesmarseille.com
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| Last Updated on Friday, 25 November 2011 14:05 |
