Marseille tourist information

Ancient Marseille was founded in 600 B.C. by Greeks from Phocaea as a trading port. Facing an opposing alliance of the Etruscans, Carthage and the Celts, the Greek colony allied itself with the expanding Roman Republic for protection. The association with the expanding Roman market saw the city thrive by acting as a link between the interior of Gaul, hungry for Roman goods and wine (of which Massilia was steadily exporting by 500 B.C.), and Rome's insatiable slave markets. Under this arrangement the city maintained its independence until the rise of Julius Caesar, when it joined the losing side in civil war, and lost its independence. It was the site of a siege and naval battle. During the Roman times, it was called Massilia.

It was the home port of Pytheas.

Medieval From the 5th to the 8th century, Marseille faced wars, barbarian invasions, pillages and epidemics which led to its impoverishment and depopulation. During the 11th century the city revived economically and received a religious focus (the 1st "abbé" is elected in the abbey of St Victor).

Modern In 1934 Alexander I of Yugoslavia arrived at the port to meet with the French foreign minister Louis Barthou. He was assassinated there by Vlada Georgieff.

Marseille is served by its own metro train system consisting of 2 lines represented by orange and blue. Line 1 (blue) between Catellane and La Rose opened in 1977 and Line 2 (orange) between Sainte-Marguerite/Dromel and Bougainville opened between 1984 and 1987. An extension to Line 1 from Castellane to La Timone was completed in 1992 and a further extension from La Timone up to La Fourragère is under construction.

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An extensive bus network serves the city and suburbs of Marseille.

The city is served by an international airport, Aéroport de Marseille Provence, located in Marignane as well as a centenary railway station, Saint-Charles.

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