Once considered the underdog, Marseille has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Designated as a European Capital of Culture in 2013, the city received €660 million in funding, which has sparked an extraordinary rejuvenation. Five major new arts centers, a beautifully refurbished port, revitalized neighbourhoods, and a growing number of new shops and restaurants have reshaped this once gritty, working-class city.

Today, Marseille is the second-largest city in France and one of Europe’s most vibrant, cosmopolitan destinations. Feisty, dynamic, and full of bold gestures, Marseille retains its deep historical roots while welcoming an influx of tourists who are increasingly calling the city home. Entire neighbourhoods have been transformed into stylish pieds-à-terre, where old-world charm meets contemporary culture. The energy is palpable, with new establishments opening regularly and established spots finding new life.

Founded by Phoenician Greeks in 600 BC, Marseille is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Legend has it that a local chieftain’s daughter, Gyptis, chose the Greek commander Protis as her husband, and her dowry led to the founding of Massalia at the mouth of the Rhône. Over the centuries, the city flourished as an important trading port and a centre of Greek culture, democracy, and naval strength. The rise and fall of the city continued with Roman and French invasions, the devastation of the plague in 1720, and the expansion of its port under Louis XIV in the 17th century.

In the 19th century, with the opening of the Suez Canal, Marseille became one of Europe’s great boomtowns, attracting waves of immigrants, especially from Provence, Italy, and beyond. Its multicultural population today is a reflection of this long history of immigration, from North Africa to the Mediterranean and beyond. The diverse cultural influences, vibrant markets, and rich heritage are evident throughout the city, particularly in its cuisine, festivals, and everyday life.

Whether you are wandering through its historic Old Port (Vieux Port), soaking up the sun on its Mediterranean beaches, or experiencing the cutting-edge art and cultural scene, Marseille is a city of contrasts — a mix of the ancient and the modern, the gritty and the glamorous, the familiar and the exotic. It’s a city of discovery and reinvention, where every corner offers something new to explore.