PORT OF MARSEILLES
Port Location: Port of Marseilles holds an interesting location in relation to France as a whole and has always been an important gateway for African immigrants into the country.
Transport: You won’t, realistically, be able to reach the city centre via foot from the port so you will need to take a cab or a bus. A taxi fare is cheap enough and will cost around 12 Euros for the journey or you can get a shuttle bus for 7 Euros. A train service is also present that will get you into the city and to the main tourist sites in no time.
Description: The port itself is an interesting mix of both cruise liners, yachts and small fishing boats and its diversity will be present as soon as you reach it shores. It has been in operation for over 2000 years and it is currently the largest and most used port in the whole of France giving it important trade and economic significance.
Sightseeing and Excursions: The Vieux Port section of the city is probably the most well-known when it comes to tourist destinations and you could literally spend your entire time in the city just going around the charming little area that has many museums, art galleries and religious monuments.
Indeed, Marseille itself is often considered to be an extensive urban area that beyond the Vieux Port has little to offer tourists and it is likely that Cruises from Marseille will not stay in the city for too long. However the churches Cathedrale de la Major and Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde are important must see attractions in the city and Palais Longchamp is also a recommended site due to its design and the serene park that can be found just behind it.
Beaches: The Port of Marseille and its surrounding area are not always notorious for its active beach life and culture but that does not mean that none exist at all. The beaches that are to be found between La Pointe Rouge and La Madrague are visited by locals and tourists alike during the late spring and summer.
Shopping: France is famous for its emphasis and focus on shopping and designer clothes and you will be pleased to know that Marsielle is no different in this regard. You will find all the usual major stores here as well as many designer outlets that are a joy to see even if you are not buying from them.