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Marseille: A city of diversity

28th February 2006

Often thought of as the heart of the Mediterranean, Marseille is France's oldest city and remains as cosmopolitan today as when it was founded as a shipping port 26 centuries ago.

A city full of diversity, Marseille is known for its rap music, football team, ancient traditions and its surrounding natural beauty, making it a top choice for a short break destination.

While many come to Marseille to relax on one of the countless white, sandy beaches, the city itself has lots to offer, with the narrow alleyways of the old town waiting to be discovered.

Museums, galleries, theatres, monuments and several forts are on offer to visitors of Marseille, while one of the highlights is the imposing St Victors Abbey, which sits on a hill above the city and contains twin tombs, among many other sacred objects.

Tourists tend to have a soft spot for the Vieux Port, the old harbour, as the diverse mix of races which make up the local population create a lively and vibrant atmosphere. From the port, a ferry can take visitors to the Chateau d'If, a 16th century fortress-turned-prison, made famous in The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas.

A high-speed railway line has reduced the travelling time between Marseille and Paris to just three hours, making it an idea choice for a Eurostar holiday.

© Adfero Ltd

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