Marseilles, France: Places to See, Stay and Eat

If traveling to Marseilles, France there are some must see sites, places to stay and restaurants to eat at.

Marseilles is located on the Mediterranean, eat of the Rhone Delta. It is one of the oldest cities and is the most important port of France.

Sites To See

Nortre Dame de la Garde is the highest point in the city. The first church was built on this site in 1870. In 1524 Francois the 1st has a fortress built in its place. The current basilica was constructed in 1853.

It is of a Romanesque Byzantine style, complete with domes, multicolored stone, and mosaics with gold backgrounds. It is topped by a bronze statue of the Virgin and Chile, which was added in 1870.

There are two parts, a lower church, which is a vaulted crypt and an upper church, which is the sanctuary that is dedicated to the Virgin. Also of interest are the bronze doors and high alter designs.

Enjoy a boat trip to the Calanques. The Calanques are deep narrow inlets formed many many years ago by rivers flowing into the sea. Some of these inlets have tiny harbors at he end, some have small beaches.

The Chateau d'If was originally built as a fortress, on the orders of King Francois I. In latter years and up until the 19th century, it became one of the most feared and notorious jails in France.

The prison was cleared out, all military equipment was removed and it was opened to the public on September 23rd, 1890. Alexandre Dumas, used the Chateau as a setting in his famous novel, "The Count of Monte Cristo."

The Palais Longchamp was designed by architect Esperandieu, to celebrate the arrival of the Durance canal. The two wings, one containing the Natural history Museum and the other, the Fine Arts Museum, are joined together by a colonade.

Enjoy a relaxing stroll in the gardens with its beautiful waterfalls. You are sure to find peach here.

Where To Stay

Mercure Marseille Beauvau Vieux Port is a first class hotel. Each room has air conditioning, a safe, television, phone, Internet access, mini bar and a balcony or terrace. The hotel features a 24 hour reception, parking, babysitting or child care, laundry service and so much more.

Prices start at $133 dollars per night. Located at 4, rue Beauvau. There is a shopping center next door and the embarcation wharfs to Chateau d"If and the fish market are close by.

Radisson Sas Marseille had 189 stylish and modern guest rooms, including six suites and six junior suites. Each room includes room service, a safe, mini bar, television with both cable and satellite and air conditioning. Hotel features public parking, a fitness center, express laundry, 24 hour concierge and room service, a gourmet restaurant and an elevated pool.

The average year round price is $308 dollars a night. Located at 38-40 Quai de Rive Neuve, situated between the Fort Saint Nicolas and the Theater de la Criee.

Holiday Inn Marseille has 116 rooms, including four suites. Each room has Internet access, air conditioning, bath robes, a mini bar, balcony or terrace, coffee maker, hairdryer and more. The hotel features a restaurant "Le Mytilus," a bar "Le Club," a conference facility, laundry service, parking, pets are allowed, an on call doctor, currency exchange and so much more.

Located at 103 ave du Prado, near the "Place Castellone" and the convention hall. Prices vary.

Hotel Du Palais has 21 single, double, triple and quadruple guest rooms. each room is soundproof and has a private bathroom, direct dial phone, Internet access, hair dryer, safety box, mini bar, satellite television and more. the hotel allows pets, has air conditioning, laundry service, 24 hour front desk and a continental breakfast served in the breakfast room, or in your room.

Located at 26, rue Breteuil, just a few minutes walking distance from the Old Port of Marseille. Average years round price is $153 dollars a night. Great place for singles.

Places To Eat

A must eat at restaurant is the Parier des Arts (Le), in the Panier district. In is an ancient bistro with antique bar and table cloths. They serve superb Provencal cuisine such as the baby rabbit stew, fresh veggies of the day and anchovy sauce and pastilla with cinnamon to name a few.

Located at 3 Rue du Petit-Puits.

The Les Arcenaulx is a former 15th century prison that has been restored. There is also a bookstore and publishing house withing the same building. Les Arcenaulx serves delicate cuisine using fresh produce and giving it a different touch.

Located at 25 Cours Honore d'Estienne-d' Orves.

The Chez Michel has been the place to go for great seafood since its establishment in 1946. Enjoy court-bouillon de poissons de roches aerien, fresh shellfish, delicious desserts and more.

Located at 6 Rue des Catalans.

The Chez Jeannol restaurant faces the sea in the center marina. Enjoy your choice of seafood so fresh, that you would think it had been caught only moments before. Or, fill up on a tasty stone baked pizza.

Located at 129 Vallon des Auffes.

Dar Djerba is great if you want a taste of Tunisia. Choose from North African dishes with lamb, au mechoui, or merou to name a few. For desert have a look at the pastry selection. What ever you choose, you will not be disappointed.

Located at 15 Cours julien.

There is so much more to see and do is Marseilles, but I hope this guide helps your get started.

sources:

virtualtourist.com

beyond.com

venere.com