Notre-Dame de la Garde
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Find the location, population, postal codes, and notable places of Marseille, the second most populated city of France and the biggest Mediterranean port. See satellite and photo maps of Marseille and its 16 arrondissements.
Marseille is the oldest city in France and a major port on the Mediterranean Sea. Learn about its ancient origins, its role in trade and culture, and its landmarks such as the Old Port and the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde.
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- Overview
- Physical and human geography
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Marseille is the capital city of the Bouches-du-Rhône département in southern France. It is also the administrative and commercial capital of the Provence–Alpes–Côte d’Azur région.
What is Marseille known for?
Marseille is known for many things but primarily for its unique culture and cuisine, including the garlic- and saffron-flavoured fish stew called bouillabaisse.
What is the geographic landscape of Marseille like?
Marseille lies in a depression sheltered by a semicircle of limestone hills, which have inhibited the development of suburbs. Its natural harbour allowed it to become a major port.
What kinds of industry is Marseille known for?
The character of Marseille has been determined to a great extent by geographic location. Its natural harbour, sheltered by a semicircle of limestone hills on the Gulf of Lion and close to the estuary of the Rhône River, offered its first settlers the prospect of linking the Mediterranean seaways with northern Europe across a land that, in classical times, was made largely impassable by forests. The trading port founded by Greeks from the city of Phocaea about 600 bce was to attract both settlers and visitors. The first of these account for a heterogeneous population and the second for services designed to cater to seamen and merchants. Marseille has the oldest chamber of commerce in France, established in 1599. It is a city of mosques and synagogues, besides many varieties of Christian churches. Its bars and brothels have been a magnet for dishonest dealings, and its waterfront still evokes the romance of a gateway to distant lands.
The city’s most enduring characteristic, however, has been its readiness to welcome change. Its architecture preserves few vestiges of the past. Some landmarks, such as the transporter bridge that crossed the Old Port (Vieux-Port) and the Panier district north of the harbour, were destroyed by the German occupation forces in 1943 and 1944, during World War II. But more change has been wrought by the Marseillais themselves. Despite the legend that attaches to them, they are an unsentimental people open to new ideas.
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Learn about Marseille, the oldest city in France and a major port on the Mediterranean Sea. Explore its history, culture, climate, and map with Britannica.
Dec 18, 2023 · Find various maps of Marseille, the second largest city in France, located on the Mediterranean coast. Explore the city centre, tourist attractions, metro, tram, beaches and surroundings with online maps.
Find key locations, transport options, and cultural wonders of Marseille with our detailed city map. Download, print, or embed the map to plan your trip and discover the vibrant coastal city.
Dec 18, 2023 · Large detailed map of Marseille. This map shows streets, roads, rivers, houses, buildings, hospitals, parking lots, shops, churches, stadiums, railways, railway stations, beaches and parks in Marseille. You may download, print or use the above map for educational, personal and non-commercial purposes. Attribution is required.
