You will see:
***Marseilles history
***Marseilles interesting places
***Marseilles sports entertainment
And a few things what you see: Marseilles city, nature, panorama...
So let's begin!!! :))))
Marseilles History
Marseille is the oldest town in France. The legend surrounding the origins of the town go back to 600 B.C. Marseille was founded. by Greeks from Phocaea as a trading port under the name ‘Massalia’. Facing an opposing alliance of the Etruscans, Carthage and the Celts, the Greek colony allied itself with the expanding Roman Republic for protection. Under this arrangement the city maintained it’s independence until the rise of Julius Caesar. During the Roman times, it was called Massilia.
Massalia quickly became a successful city thanks to the commercial talent of the Greeks. Trading posts were set up all along the Mediterranean coast, in particular at Agde, Arles and Le Brusc. Massalia's history is one of turbulence and uncertainty. Initially the city went into decline when it was taken over by Rome. Its fleet, treasure and trading posts became the property of Caesar.
After losing her autonomy in the 3rd century A.D., the city seemed to languish, but her favorable location led a tense rivalry between barbarian party''s that desired her once successful and ideally located port. The city of Marseilles would suffer continuous lootings and devastation at the hands of the barbarians who fought over rights to her lands. At the same time Christianity was inflitrating the Mediterranean coast and it was in the 4th century that bishopric was installed in Marseilles and the 5th century when Abbey Saint-Victor was constructed, one of the first religious structures of it''s kind on the western European shores.
After the invasions it became a port which was favourable to commercial activity. In the 11th century, the city began to expand. A vast boatyard came under construction but Marseille quickly fell under the control of Charles d'Anjou. The town also opposed Louis XIV, and was conquered once again. The Fort Saint Nicolas and the Fort Saint Jean were both built. At that time, Massalia was under the control of Colbert who developed the city's infrastructure. Business prospered on an international scale.
Periods of prosperity alternated with times of crisis, and just when Massalia had become a truly international port it was hit by a plague. The Great Plague was a major event during the 18th century. The origins of the epidemic was a ship - Le Grand Saint Antoine. Quarantine was not sufficient and the plague swept through the town. In May 1720, Marseille was cut off from the rest of Provence. The parliament in Aix forbade any communication with Marseille. However, the plague continued to spread all the same to Aix, Apt, Arles, Toulon, and soon the whole of France was touched by it. The city was not completely wiped out, but it had lost half of its population. The revolution was eagerly received. It was in 1792 that the war song, sung by the army of the Rhine and composed by Rouget de Lisle - known as La Marseillaise - became an anthem. Marseille then rebelled against the 'Convention.' As a result it became "the town with no name" for a few months.
Marseilles would escape WWI relatively unscathed, but the town was heavily involved in World War II. The destruction of certain historical districts in the city made way for reconstruction efforts following the war. It is during this period of restoration that the Old Port became an integral thoroughfare, and much of the current infrastructure commenced. Today archaeological excavations throughout the Vieux Port and Center Bourse areas have revealed many relics from the city''s past. They are but a small token of this city''s rich and varied history.
Marseilles attraction
Marseille attractions range from art galleries, white sandy beaches, and historic churches to museums, fine restaurants, and newly renovated entertainment districts. Marseille and its surrounding areas form the third largest metropolitan area in France behind Paris and LyonLyon and the variety of activities and attractions combine with the wonderful location in the southeastern part of the country on the Mediterranean Sea to provide visitors with an unforgettable experience. The city has a long history and tradition of art, literature, and music, and for years has been the most important port city in France. Marseille France tourist attractions include a wide variety of natural attractions in the form of the neighboring mountain ranges, deltas, and coastlines as well as nearby towns like Toulonand Cassis. Besides the natural wonders along the Mediterranean Sea, top attractions in Marseille can also be found throughout the city from the Old Port (Vieux Port) to the newest and trendiest parts of town.
The Chateau d’If is another of the most popular Marseille France tourist attractions. This castle that was constructed in the sixteenth century is packed full of tourists year round. It was the central setting of Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo and at one time was occupied by Mirabeau, a hero of the French Revolution. You can reach the castle located on the island of If from the quai des Belges, located in the Vieux Port. It is a modest charge for the boat ride and the tour and it is more than worth it to see this oldest of the top attractions in Marseille.
The Palais du Pharo is a nineteenth-century palace where Napoleon himself once lived. This sprawling complex faces the Mediterranean Sea and the Chateau d’If and is open to the public for interior viewing most days of the week. The magnificent interior of the Palais du Pharo rivals the gorgeous exterior of the building and must be seen to be believed.
Some of the other most notable Marseille attractions include the Corniche, the War Memorial on the Corniche, the Old Port, the Joan of Arc Statue, The Eglise des Reformes, and the Hotel de Ville (City Hall). You will also find an incredible variety of amazing restaurants where you can taste the best of Marseille’s gastronomic traditions, a variety of legendary opera houses, and a wonderful selection of art galleries and museums. You will be able to enjoy the best of the historical and cultural traditions that are alive in Marseille while also tasting the best food, visiting amazing beaches, and enjoying great shopping. There are Marseille France tourist attractions to appeal to just about everyo
Marseilles sports entertainment
The city boasts a wide variety of sports facilities and teams. The most popular team is the city's football club, Olympique de Marseille, which was the UEFA Champions League winner in 1993 and finalist of the UEFA Cup in 1999 and 2004. The club had a history of success under then-owner Bernard Tapie, and they are the reigning French champions. The club's home, the Stade Vélodrome, which can sit 60,000 people,also functions for other local sports, as well as the national rugby team. Stade Velodrome hosted a number of games during the 2007 Rugby World Cup. The local rugby team is Marseille Vrilles Rugby.
Match Race France 2008.
Sailing is a major sport in Marseille. The wind conditions allow exciting regattas in the warm waters of the Mediterranean. Throughout most seasons of the year it can be windy while the sea remains smooth enough to allow sailing. Marseille has been the host of 8 (2010) Match Race France events which are part of the World Match Racing Tour. The event draws the world's best sailing teams to Marseille in a battle of nerve and skill on the water. The identical supplied boats (J Boats J-80 racing yachts) are raced two at a time in an on the water dogfight which tests the sailors and skippers to the limits of their physical abilities. Points accrued count towards the World Match Racing Tour and a place in the final event, with the overall winner taking the title ISAF World Match Racing Tour Champion. Match racing is an ideal sport for spectators in Marseille, as racing in close proximity to the shore provides excellent heart of the action views for the audience. The city was also considered as a possible venue for 2007 America's Cup.[60]
Marseille is also a place for other Water sports such as Windsurfing and Powerboarting. Marseille has three Golf course. The city has dozens of gyms and several public Swimming pools. Running is also popular in many of Marseille's parks such as Le Pharo and Le Jardin Pierre Puget. An annual footrace is held between the city and neighbouring Cassis: the Marseille-Cassis Classique Internationale.
And some pictures
And that's all :)))
Have a nice day ;))
