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Marseille

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Overview: Marseille is a spicy, ancient and exotic French city that has served as a port for over two thousand years. For cruisers it is the gateway to Provence and the many charms offered by the south of France.

Marseille's main drawcard is Vieux Port - the picturesque old port, dotted with fishing boats and pleasure craft, and ringed with boutiques, restaurants and the diverse people that make up this fascinating cultural melting pot.

Cruise ships dock at the Place de la Joliette, known as La Port Autonome de Marseille. The terminal has all the amenities and comforts passengers could want, including shops, transport links and tourist information. The area around the terminal has an industrial character and is of little interest to passengers. Contact:

Marseille Tourist Office
4 la Canebière, 13001 Marseille
Tel: +33 4911 38900

www.marseille-tourisme.com

Transport: The port is only a 20-minute walk into town, but it is not recommended. Rather catch the metro from Joliette station outside the terminal or hail an awaiting taxi. There is also a shuttle service to and from Vieux Port although this is irregular. Once in town, you can happily explore the Vieux Port area on foot. Attractions: The Vieux Port area is filled with worthwhile sites and can easily occupy a full day. Nearby Fort Saint-Jean is also worth a visit, and the nearby beach is excellent. See the ancient Basilique St-Victor and the splendid interior of the 19th century Cathedrale de la Major. Climb the hill to Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde which provides great views and photos of the city. Restaurants:

• Le Four des Navettes - dating from the 13th century; great bouillabaisse
• L'Epuisette - great seafood from a scenic rocky promontory
• PP Maulio - top-notch wood-fired pizza

Best dish: bouillabaisse, invented and perfected in Marseille

Shopping: Some of the best and most varied shopping is down at the old port. You can find antiques, art work, lots of maritime gear and sailor garb, plus smaller souvenirs like santons (wooden figurines). Head to the car-free St-Fereol street and fashion epicenter Cours Julien for more up-market shopping. The mega mall L'Escale Borély is about 25 minutes away by metro.

Best buy: Provencal style ceramic plates

Excursions:

• Take a day trip to Avignon and Chateau-Neuf-du-Pape
• Visit Aix-en-Provence for charming fountains and squares
• Pilgrimage to Arles where Vincent can Gogh lived and worked
• Hop on a boat to the island of Chateau d'If
• Walk up to hill to Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde and take photos of the city