The history of Marseille is so rich, that you will be able to see some vestiges of it during your walks. Indeed, the different periods have left traces in the city. You will be able to visit Fort Saint-Jean or even the archaeological remains of the Port Antique! Soak up Marseille culture and learn about the city's surroundings before visiting it.
The city of Marseille, between sea and mountains
Marseille enjoys a privileged geographical location, in the South-East of France and on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The construction of the city and its expansion encountered natural barriers, which dictated the current extremely elongated shape of its territory. Between sea and mountains, Marseille extends over more than 21 km from east to west and 14 km from north to south.
The creeks of Cassis near Marseille
But these obstacles are also major tourist assets, as evidenced by the attractiveness of the Calanques massif or the Estaque district, also called the Blue Coast. Marseille is a city deeply open to the sea. Thus, its port is one of the main ones in Europe. Likewise, its beaches are the pride of Marseillais and are stormed at the first ray of sunshine, in particular that of Prado. The Phocaean city enjoys the benevolence of the Mediterranean climate with exceptional sunshine. Thanks to the famous mistral, the clouds are swept away to the delight of its inhabitants.
Prado beach
The history of Marseille goes back 27 years
The Phocaean city is certainly one of the most mixed cities in France. Its open position on the Mediterranean Sea has allowed over the centuries the multicultural exchanges which are the basis of the city's identity today. The beginnings of the birth of Marseille go back to prehistoric times (27 years before our era), as evidenced by the discovery of cave paintings in the Cosquer cave.
The entrance to the Cosquer cave
This past is still poorly understood, unlike the greek period of the city (then called Massalia), the most famous in the history of Marseille. Indeed, it saw the light of day with the implantation around 600 BC. AD of the Phocaeans, nomadic people of the seas. Independent and prosperous city thanks to its commercial port, it was invaded by the Romans in 49 BC. J.-C. Durant the roman period, the city grew and acquired all the facilities of the time (theater, thermal baths, etc.). The attachment to the kingdom of the Franks and the beginning of the medieval era are above all marked by the importance of the town's involvement in the Crusades, as evidenced by Fort Saint Jean, for example.
Fort Saint-Jean
Subsequently and thanks to its port location, Marseille becomes a strategic city in the expansion of the French colonial empire, of which the colonial exhibitions of 1906 and 1922 marked the apogee. It is to highlight that the history of Marseille has given its inhabitants a strong identity and a strong character! They have always rebelled against the established power when they considered it abusive. The Catholic Church, the lords, the kings of France, the revolutionaries, all have been contested. Even today, mistrust of Paris is still alive, even if it manifests itself more at the Vélodrome stadium than in the barricades ... no visitor can ignore Marseille's art of living. Pride of its inhabitants, it characterizes a certain independence and above all an affirmation of their difference.
Marseille culture, a real art of living!
The history of Marseille is also the preservation of a unique culture, tinged with a singing accent and good food.
Language
Beyond Provençal, many words and expressions are only used in Marseille and especially pronounced with an accent that we all recognize, that of the cicadas! Do not be surprised if you do not understand everything that is being said around you… on the contrary, ask for more explanations, the people of Marseille are warm and always happy to translate to "foreigners".
The Old Port, temple of Marseille gastronomy
The Old Port is a must-see in Marseille. We go there to stroll and buy fish at the bustling auction market. This fresh fish is then used in the preparation of one of the local gastronomic specialties: the bouillabaisse. The aioli, the pastis and the shuttles are other specialties that it is strongly recommended to discover at the terrace of one of the restaurants in the Old Port. It is a beautiful place to go out in the evening or very early in the morning!
The old Port
Marseille crafts
Other local specialties from crafts are good souvenir ideas, such as Marseille soap. santons are also another tradition still alive. These small terracotta figurines crystallize eternal Provence. They are used by the people of Marseille during the Christmas period, to make traditional cribs.
Football
Finally, we can not ignore the favorite topic of conversation of Marseille: OM. Olympique de Marseille is present in every family and don't be surprised to find yourself alone in the streets on game night. Instead, take the opportunity to join the Velodrome stadium or go to any bar that necessarily broadcasts the meeting. The atmosphere is explosive and ideal for starting a conversation!
The Olympique de Marseille at the Stade Vélodrome
Marseille is more than a destination… it is a heritage to be discovered!
Now that you know the history of Marseille, discover the essential visits to do in the city of Marseille. Do you plan to stay there soon? Let's talk about it in the comments!
