by R.P. Bailey

Created on: July 21, 2008

Marseille, "The meeting place of the entire world," according to author Alexandra Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo; a Mediterranean city located in the southern Provence region of France. Marseille is a sensuous land of brilliant white light, intense colors, immense diversity, and pride in its differences and charms from the rest of France.

Marseille is the largest and most populated area in France outside of Paris. It is France's largest commercial port located on the south east coast of the Mediterranean Sea backed by limestone hills. The city has always lived by trade and continues to be the main door of trade exploration in France.

Marseille is a bustling cosmopolitan city and is not without its problem's: crime, gangs, and violence. The city is currently experiencing a rebirth, but visitor's should be aware their belonging's and location as when traveling in any large metropolitan city.

Marseille has been known as racial melting-pot since Roman days. Today is has large African and Arab immigration population. The cities neighborhoods teem with multiethnic life, with large African markets filling the air with the smells of coffees and spices. The people of Marseille are proud of their history, proud of being the oldest city in France founded by Greeks in 600 B.C. Marseilles is largely an industrial city offering metro transportation which will help in getting around the city quickly.

The city center is clustered around Vieux Port lined with seafood cafes and exemplary shopping. The port is filled yachts and fishing crafts exposing the town's seaside charm. The office of tourism is located at 4 la Canebiere. At the tourism office you can purchase a museum passport for one price which covers the entry cost into all the museums in Marseilles. For visiting exhibitions of contemporary art visitors can go to the Musee Cantini. An archaeological garden where excavations continue the Musee d'Histoire de Marseille will offer a window into Marseilles past. Other museums and churches in the area include: Grobet-Labadie, Jardin des Vestiges Baslique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, Basilique St-Victor, Cathedrale de la Major.

Marseilles offers a large number of theaters, cinema's, clubs, and galleries. Opera was, at one time the cultural attraction for Marseilles; and it still proudly produces six opera's a year ranging from Baroque to newly commissioned pieces of works. Marseille is a big city with all the nightlife one would except to find in metropolitan city.

Marseilles is a place of unique sounds, smells, and sights. It is different from the whole of France, and still very French. Carry along your language guide, remembering to respect the diversity and rich quality of another culture.

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