From the campsite, head to Marseille and its art of living!
While staying at the campsite, take the opportunity to spend a whole day in the Cité Phocéenne. Explore the Old Port and its fish market, visit Notre-Dame de la Garde, wander at your own pace in the famous popular district of Le Panier or enjoy a cultural getaway at the Mucem, Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean. Discover also the Frioul Archipelago and the Castle of If.
The Phocaean city
The port of Marseille was created 2,600 years ago by Greek sailors from the city of Phocea, the ancient Greek city of Ionia on the Aegean coast, in the Gulf of Smyrna (now Izmir, Turkey). The Phoceans fled the Persian invasions of that time and were struck by the resemblance of the Lacydon cove (which today corresponds to the famous Old Port) with their hometown. It is for this reason that they decided to settle there and that Massalia and then Marseille inherited the nickname "Phocaean city".
Visiting Marseille
Start your discovery with La Canebière, this long shopping avenue that starts from the Church of the Reformed to arrive at the Old Port. Symbol of the city since antiquity, the Old Port remains a place of life all year round. Renovated on the occasion of Marseille Capital of Culture in 2013, it remains a popular tourist spot for a stroll, saunter and enjoy street entertainment.
Then discover Notre-Dame de la Garde, the "Bonne Mère" (The Good Mother) as the Marseilles call her, and who watches over the sailors and the city. Whether you are a believer or not, this basilica built on La Garde Hill is worth a visit and will offer you a unique panorama of the sea and the islands.
From the Old Port of Marseille, visit the Château d'If, an ancient fortress built by François the first, transformed into a prison. She became famous thanks to the novel by Alexandre Dumas in The Count of Monte Cristo. Since 1890, the prison has lost its vocation and is accessible to the public. Discover its history.
The Frioul archipelago is made up of four islands: Pomègues, Ratonneau, Tiboulen and If. The scenery is beautiful, the flora and fauna exceptional and you can also enjoy the small sandy beaches and numerous coves.
The Mucem presents the different Mediterranean civilizations through exhibitions, permanent collections or shows.
Also worth seeing:
• The St. Victor's Abbey of the 5th century
• The Old Charity
• The Radiant City - Le Corbusier
• The Cathedral of the Major
• The ‘Panier’ District