There are a large number of cities in France, but there are not so many large ones among them. The largest city is the capital of the country - Paris. This famous center of all the romantics of the planet is far ahead of the second-ranked Marseille. But on the other hand, Marseille boasts the title of the largest port city.
The old port is the beginning of the new
As the second largest and most populous city in France, the large industrial center of the country, Marseille, is far ahead of all other cities located in the coastal strip. The port of Marseille has a long history, and there you can find many historical architectural monuments that have witnessed different eras.
The city itself was founded more than two and a half thousand years ago. The center of the city is the Vieux-Port area, which means Old Port. From here originates the city itself, which was an ally of the Roman Empire in those distant times.
The entrance to the harbor is barred by two ancient fortresses, which reliably protect the port from possible invasion. Now these fortresses are historical monuments, and one of them houses a history museum.
When, after the Second World War, archaeologists were able to conduct excavations, they were able to find many Roman buildings, previously hidden by a layer of earth and buildings built on it. But the war contributed to the exploration of these territories. After the bombing of German aircraft, many buildings were destroyed, thereby opening up access for researchers.
Modern city
Today Marseille is not only a thriving port, but also a fairly developed city. There is a subway, which helps local residents and guests of the city to move freely through the vastness of this large metropolis.
Tourists who arrive in the city from all directions and in different ways can visit a large number of attractions, including several ancient churches and cathedrals. Also, for general use, the city has a large number of museums, where you can get acquainted not only with the history of the city, but also with culture and different styles of fashion. The Fashion Museum attracts just as much visitors as the historical museums.
The Cathedral of Notre Dame de la Garde is the symbol of Marseille. Here, in the summer months, detailed 1, 5-hour guided tours in French take place, and for a modest fee, you can climb to the roof of the cathedral and contemplate the entire city from a bird's eye view.
The city is also rich in sports life. One of the largest stadiums in France was built here, where the local football club "Olympic" plays. The city also hosts various world-class competitions, for example, the OPEN 13 tennis tournament.
