Scotland4me.net Out and About

	Scotland4me.net	'Out and About'
'Marseille'
	Brief Early History - Marseille is the oldest town in France with 2,600 years of history. In 600BC people from Phocea in Minor Asia (now known as Turkey) arrived in the Lacydon calanque. The area was chosen because the city would be protected by three hills and fresh water was plentiful from the springs. The city continued to grow northwards and in 1666 Louis xiv ordered that the city should be extended to the south. He also insisted that two fortresses be built one on either side of the entrance to the port. Today the city is famous for its' yachting connections and the facilities provided by the twenty nautical clubs and societies located around the port which is one of fourteen marinas offering some 3.500 berths.
	Markets are in abundance within the city centre just a few yards from the main port. A mixture of food and souvenirs can be purchased from the local stall holders who set up their stalls on different days of the week. A fish market can also be found on the walkway which surrounds the port area.
	The old port area which provides sailors of all experience levels, berthing facilities, also provides the connoisseur of food many restaurants and bars which are dotted around the port perimeter, a gastronomic experience of a lifetime. From beef steaks to fish soup, vin blanc to vin rouge, cafe noir to cafe latte there is something here for all tastes.
	Notre-Dame de la Guard is a place of worship which dates back to 1214 when Master Peter came to live on the hill of the Guard. In 1218 he built a chapel and dedicated it to 'Our Lady of the Guard'. As the number of pilgrims increased in the area the chapel was enlarged to accommodate them. Saint Eugene de Mazenod, Bishop of Marseille at the time undertook the building of a new chapel in 1851. Architect Esperandieu was entrusted with the construction work and in 1864 the bassilica was consecrated. The structure looks over Marseille and can be seen from almost every corner of the city. From the top of the hill you can view one of the most breathtaking panoramas of France which visitors can access either by local bus or by the 'Petit Train Tours' which leaves from the vieux port.
	The Calanques massif stretches along the coast from Marseille to Cassis some 20 km long and 4 km wide. It is mostly popular with people who enjoy rock climbing, hiking or just out for a stroll but you do require to wear sensible shoes if just going for a walk along one of its many trails. Exploring the area by boat is by far the best experience because you can visit all the little coves and inlets along the coastline. This allows you an opportunity that people on foot might find difficult to execute.
	To the east of the city we find the Palm Beach area. There is a large park which is full of interesting walks and also provides a sandy beach and various play areas for sport. Next to the Sofitel Palm Beach Hotel is a marina full of water sport facilities such as diving. sailing, canoeing, kayaking and surfing. Anyone wishing to visit this part of France can obtain information of tourist attractions from www.marseille-tourisme.com
	scotland4me.net2007