France, Marseille

Marseille is the second-largest city of France and forms the third-largest metropolitan area, with 1,516,340 inhabitants at the 1999 census (only Paris and Lyon are larger).

Located in the former province of Provence and on the Mediterranean Sea, it is France's largest commercial port. It is considered the Provençal capital, one of the Occitan capitals of Occitania, and the most populated, and France.

Marseille is also the capital of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur région, as well as the préfecture (capital) of the Bouches-du-Rhône département.

Geography

Marseille is the centre of a large metropolitan area, the third largest city in France. To the east (9th arrondissement) are the callanque's area (kind of little fjords) and the village of Cassis, and further afield is the town of Toulon.

Economy

Historically the economy of Marseille was dominated by its role as a port of the French Empire, linking the North African colonies of Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia with the French mainland. The majority of the old port and docks, which experienced decline in the 1970s after the oil crisis have been recently redeveloped with funds from the European Union.

Demographics

The population growth of Marseille followed the national average until the mid 20th century. From the years 1200 to 1800 the population remained below 100,000. From 1800 to 1930 the population grew to over 500,000.

Culture

Marseille is a city that is proud of its differences from the rest of France. At the outset of the French Revolution a group of Marseillais embarked from the south of France to support the conflict and dismantling of the Bastille.

Marseille's main cultural attraction was, since its creation at the end of the 18th century and until the late 1970s, the Opéra.

Sights

Marseilles is classified as a significant centre of art and history. The city boasts many excellent museums and galleries. Of historical interest are many ancient buildings and churches.

Transport

Motorways around Marseille.The city is served by an international airport, Aéroport de Marseille Provence, located in Marignane. The airport has two terminals. Terminal one, the main terminal of the airport contains halls 1,2,3 and 4 and serves as a base for international arrivals and departures.