 The old port
The imposing fortresses of Saint Jean and Saint Nicolas guard the mouth of the historic Old Port, the Vieux Port, which is the heart of Marseille.
As the main point of arrival and departure in the city, life has revolved around the Old Port for centuries. Much of the commerce has moved away from here but it is still a hive of activity where local tradesmen and craftsmen work. With its fishing boats and daily seafood market, it maintains an air of postcard charm that is hard to find elsewhere in the modern city.
One of the main activities in the Vieux Port is the repair and restoration of pleasure craft and fishing boats. The traditional fishing boat of Marseille is known as a barquette and many of them can be seen dotted around the harbour. This is an excellent place to taste local produce and there is a comprehensive selection of restaurants. It is a fitting location to soak up the atmosphere of this city while enjoying the spicy fish soup of Marseille, la bouillabaisse.
Links
Marseille and the surrounding area
Detailed information on Marseille and nearby areas. In English.
Marseille Connection, link pages on Marseille
A useful selection of links relating to the city. Where to stay, what to eat and so on. In English.
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