Tourist Attractions in Marseille

Founded by the Phoceans around 600 BC, Marseille is known for its picturesque setting and rich architectural and cultural heritage. Marseille has many wonderful tourist attractions in the form of fascinating architecture and natural beauty. La Canabiere is the main street of Marseille, lined with beautiful hotels and cafes. For your convenience, Travour has carefully chosen the most popular tourist attractions in Paris, France.

Below is a short account of major tourist attractions in Paris.

Chateau d'If: A beautiful 16th century fortress, built on a small island just off the coast of Marseille, Chateau d'If was originally built to protect the city from invasion. Later it became a state prison, and was made famous by Alexandre Dumas' "Count of Monte Cristo".

Vieux Port (Old Port): The Vieux Port is the historical port of Marseilles. It was once a great commercial center for boats arriving from Africa. Presently the port is used as the destination for cruise ships from Europe and other parts of the world. Jardin du Pharo- A popular tourist attraction in Marseille, Jardin du Pharo houses the beautiful Chateau du Pharo, built by Napoleon. It offers a commanding view of the Vieux Port.

Musee des Beaux Arts: Housed in left wing of the Palais Longchamp since 1869, the Musee des Beaux Arts, or the Museum of Fine Arts in Marseille, is one of the finest museums in France. The museum displays works of major French, Italian and Flemish schools from the 17th to the 19th century. It houses a fine collection of paintings and decorative pieces, along with an impressive exhibition room of drawings in the building.

Other must see tourist attractions in Marseille include the Fort St. Nicholas, Musee de la Faience, the 12th century Accoules Bell Tower, and the beautiful La Canebiere Street.