It is the «home» οf Olympique de Marseille with a capacity of 67.394 seats. Stade Velodrome built in 1935, opened in 1937 and hosted games of the FIFA World Cups (1938, 1998) and games of the UEFA European Championships (1960, 1984, 2016). It also hosted the 2007 Rugby World Cup. It was renovated three times, in 1984 and 1998, while it was finalized in 2014.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO STADE VELODROME
*** BUS: 22, 25, 30, 32, 36B, 72, B1, B2
*** SUBWAY: M2
MARSEILLE: ΤΗΕ COLORFUL PORT OF PROVENCE
The French writer Alexandre Dumas had written that “all the peoples of the earth meet in Marseille”! He wasn’t wrong at all. It is one of the largest ports in Europe and is a multicultural city, influenced by Italians, Africans, Greeks, Spaniards, Arabs. It is a city that you can not get enough of exploring every day.
Currency: Euro
Calling Code: +33
Nearest airports from city center: Marseille Provence Airport (27km), Toulon-Hyeres Airport (85km), Nimes Airport (115km), Montpellier Mediterranee Airport (169km) and Nice Cote D’ Azur Airport (200km).
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** NOTRE-DAME DE LA GARDE (Rue Fort du Sanctuaire, 13006 Marseille)
It should be your first choice to visit! It is located in the highest natural point of the city in the old port and you will have the opportunity to see the whole city. It started operating in its current form in June 1864, replacing the church that had been there since 1214.
*** MUCEM (1 Esp. J4, 13002 Marseille)
The Museum of European and Mediterranean Cultures is a national museum and and before your eyes the History of European and Mediterranean cultures will evolve.
*** VIEUX PORT (Buchäckerring 42, 74906 Bad Rappenau).
It’s has always been the most recognizable part of the city. Enjoy your walk, see the expensive yachts and sit down for a fish at the restaurants in the marina.
* CATHEDRALE DE LA MAJOR (Pl. de la Major, 13002 Marseille)
It is a huge neo-Byzantine cathedral of 1800 with a luxurious interior framed by frescoes, mosaics and marbles.
*** CHATEAU D’ IF
The literary legend says that Count Monte Cristo was imprisoned on the little island of If, which became famous through the work of Alexandre Dumas. Today the prison located on the island, is one of the top attractions of the city.
*** PALAIS LONGCHAMP (Bd Jard. Zoologique, 13004 Marseille).
The Palais Longchamp was created to celebrate the construction of the Marseille Canal in the 19th century. There you will find the Musée des beaux-arts and the Musée d’histoire naturelle de Marseille. The garden outside the palace is one of the most beautiful gardens in France.
*** FORT SAINT-JEAN
This is a fortification, built in 1660 by Louis XIV at the entrance to the Old Port. It’s a magnificent viewpoint! Don’t miss it.
*** CHARITE VIEILLE CENTER (2 Rue de la Charité, Marseille)
It is a cultural center in a vaulted 17th-century poorhouse, with a cinema and museums of archeology and art, such as the Museum of Mediterranean Archeology and the Museum of Art of Africa, Oceania and Amerindia
*** LE PANIER
It is considered the oldest urban district of France and is a Greek neighborhood. You will think that you are under the Acropolis of Athens!
*** VALLON DES AUFFES
If you have time we would suggest you to visit it. It is a is a small traditional fishing shelter in the 7th district of the city.
ΤΗINGS TO DO
*** Visit The Cours Julien, a baroque neighborhood. This district is the largest district in France dedicated to street art.
*** Calanque de Morgiou! If you like caves, hiking and climbing, then you have come to the right place.
*** For hiking we would also recommend the Calanque de Port-Miou.
*** Visit the Friche Belle de Mai. It is a beautiful art space located in a former tobacco factory!
FOOD AND DRINK
It is a city of gastronomic pleasure. If you like seafood and fish, then you have come to your own “paradise”. Taste the most typical dish of the city which is none other than Bouillabaisse, but also the “sailor mussels”. Her traditional dishes also include stuffed beef rolls. Of course, you will accompany all this with a wonderful glass of French wine.
WHERE TO STAY
You can find cheap and expensive hotels in the city center and old port. There are a lot of wonderful pansions and appartments.
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** If you want to become a child, visit Magic Park Land!
*** Opera de Marseille! If you are a fan of classical music, be sure to book a ticket to enjoy a concert
*** For shopping visit Center Commercial Center Bourse (17 Cr Belsunce, 13001 Marseille), Les Terrasses du Port (9 Quai du Lazaret, 13002 Marseille), Center Commercial Prado Shopping (41 Bd Michelet, 13008 Marseille), but also many nice beautiful shops in Cours Julien or in Le Panier.
HOW TO GET AROUND
The most beautiful way to get around the city is by bike, on foot, by bus, by tram or metro (2 lines).
CITIES NEAR MARSEILLE
Major cities close to Marseille are Toulon (65km), Montpellier (127km), Saint Tropez (145km), Cannes (173km), Nice (199km), Monte Carlo (220km), Turin (267km) and Lyon (276km).