Marseille, spelled Marseilles in English, has a lengthy history of being French, and not so French. A port city, Louis XIV built two forts on either side of the harbor. Suspicious of Marseille's allegiances, the fort guns faced the city, rather than the water. Louis was right, as Marseille strongly supported the Revolution. Soldiers sang a song on the march to Paris that later became know as La Marseillaise. Today, it's France's national anthem. Marseille France also has a diverse ethnicity, and a lively African feel, most notable in the vibrant street markets. Trade grew in the 19th century due to Marseille's proximity with North Africa, and today, Marseille is one of France's most important ports. There are a lot of great places to stay while visiting, and Marseille hotels are charming and modern. On the whole, Marseille France has a lot to offer travelers.

          When in town check out the Musee de la Marine et de l'economie de Marseille for lessons on Marseille's maritime history since the 17th century, and for hundreds of models of steamboats and schooners. The Musee de la Mode Marseille is all about fashion, showcasing exhibits dating back to the 1920s. On the waterfront of Marseille France is the Jardin des Vestiges (Garden of Remains), a recently uncovered section of Greek fortifications and loading docks. Le Panier is the center of old Marseille, with tall houses, cobblestone streets, and stone stairways. As mentioned, be sure to check out the guns at Fort St-Jean and Fort St-Nicolas in the old port. 

 

         Marseille hotels include Mercure Beauvan Vieux Port, a top of the line hotel, recently redone. This Marseilles hotel overlooks the port, has old world charm, and modern comforts. Le Petit Nice is another exceptional Marseilles hotel. Located overlooking the sea, Le Petit Nice is a former villa, with simple rooms, beautiful views, and a fantastic restaurant. Located on the old port, like many Marseille hotels, Alizé is good lodging for an affordable price. The Hotel Saint Louis is a tall building, with an ornamental façade and modern rooms. The Montgrand, with recently remodeled rooms, is another Marseilles hotel located near the port.

          Marseille France has a rich and turbulent history with the mother country, officially becoming part of France in the late 15th century. Today, Marseille is an important port of France, and undeniably French. With a diverse population, interesting museums, and striking monuments, Marseille is a fascinating city, well worth a look.

       马赛(Marseille)是法国的第二大城市和最大海港，城市人口123万。该市三面被石灰岩山丘所环抱，景色秀丽，气候宜人。马赛东南濒地中海，水深港阔，无急流险滩，万吨级轮可畅通无阻；西部有罗纳河及平坦河谷与北欧联系，地理位置得天独厚。全港由马赛、拉韦拉、福斯和罗纳圣路易四大港区组成，年货运量1亿吨，为法国对外贸易最大门户。马赛是法国的一个重要工业中心，这里集中了法国40%的石油加工工业，福斯-塔尔泊一带有4个大型炼油厂，每年能处理石油4500万吨。马赛的修船工业也相当发达，其修船量占全国此行业的70%。新港区有大小船坞10个，其中第10号船坞长465米，宽65米，深11～12.5米，能修理世界最大的船只--80万吨级的油轮。

         马赛几乎可以说是法国历史最悠久的城市，它始建于公元前6世纪，公元前一世纪并入罗马版图，后衰落几近绝迹，10世纪再度兴起。1832年港口吞吐量已仅次于英国伦敦和利物浦，成为当时世界第三大港。1792年法国大革命期间，马赛人高唱《莱茵河战歌》进军巴黎，激昂的歌声鼓舞着人们为自由而战。这首歌后来成为法国国歌，被称为《马赛曲》。第二次世界大战期间，聚集在港内的法国军舰拒绝向纳粹德国屈服，全部壮烈自沉，马赛又一次震撼了世界。

       建于可俯视全镇的高地上的是圣查理中央车站。这是一座同时附有地铁的现代化车站。出口附近设有、货币兑换处、银行、浴室等等，应有尽有。如果你想在这里停留数日，应很好地利用地铁和巴士。将M这个字母弯曲成箭头形的是地下铁标志。

       先让我们从中央车站眺望整个城市全貌，对它的方向和位置关系有个大致的把握。位于正面稍高的岩石山上的白色教堂，是贾尔德圣母院，塔上的玛丽亚像放射出金色的光芒。远处是漂浮着伊福岛的地中海，而眼前则是停泊着游艇和船只的旧港。在旧港中央的贝尔朱码头，每天清晨便会响起渔民和鱼贩及其他买鱼者的叫卖、计价还价等喧嚣声。从这个码头至伊福岛有游船。在马赛老港口的伊福岛上，有法国名作家大仲马在他的小说《基度山伯爵》里曾着力描写的伊福古堡。加德圣母院屹立在48米的高地上，塔顶有高10米的守护神像，这里是马赛著名的朝圣地。从旧港延伸出去的大街叫卡努比埃尔大街。沿着这条街朝与旧港反方向看，便会看到建有美术馆等设施的一片葱绿中的隆夏宫（Palais Longchamp）。

      走下车站那宽阔的大理石台阶，继续朝雅典大街（bd.d"Athenes）步行5分钟，便来到伽农比尔大街。如果是圣诞节前，在这条大街的左边会摆出一些可爱的圣诞玩偶（以五彩粘土塑成的基督诞生像）。向右拐，沿着商店林立的大街走下去,便是旧港，空气中飘浮着潮水的香气。