CITY: Marseille, France
POPULATION: 840,000
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE (high/low):
ºF : JAN: 51/37 · APR: 63/47 · JUL: 84/66 · OCT: 68/52
ºC: JAN: 10/3 · APR: 17/9 · JUL: 29/19 · OCT: 20/11Five things to see/do in Marseille:
Visit Marseille’s oldest and most historic neighborhood – the Old Port (Vieux Port). Apart from being a popular going-out area, the Old Port has some notable architecture, such as the dual fortresses of Saint Jean and Saint Nicholas, some interesting medieval churches, and the city hall (described below).

Marvel at the views of the city from the Basilique de Notre Dame de la Garde, a beautiful historic church decorated with marine-inspired themes.

Marseille’s city hall (Hotel de Ville) is a great example of 17th century architecture.

Take a ferry out to the Frioul Islands and check out the impressive Chateau d’If, a fort that was used as a setting for Alexandre Dumas’ famous book, The Count of Monte Cristo.

Another great boat trip to take is to the Calanques national park, not far from the city. The Calanques offer some spectacular rocky landscapes, nice beaches, and many opportunities for hiking. Most boats depart from the Old Port.