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Marseille History

Although it may not seem that way today, Marseilles is one of the oldest cities in France and began life in 600BC when it was founded by a group of seafaring Greeks.

Independent until 100BC, it suffered grievously from backing an opponent of Julius Caesar and, like the rest of France, was absorbed into the Roman Empire.

Known as Massilia under Roman rule, the end of Empire brought a series of different rulers including the Visigoths and Emperor Charlemagne. The latter granted Marseille civic power and ushered it into a boom that lasted several centuries.

But the good times were not to last and the city was ravaged by the Angevins, bubonic plague and finally the Aragonese in the 13th and 14th centuries.

Finally, in the 1480s, Marseille became part of France, although not without clinging onto its independent character. Under the rule of the French kings, it became a key trading port, as well as France’s main military base on the Mediterranean.

When the French Revolution arrived, the city showed its independent character once again, sending 500 citizens to march on Paris and composing the French National Anthem, La Marseillaise, in the process.

Marseille ushered in a second boom with the birth of the French Republic. The city witnessed a huge growth in manufacturing and industry during the 19th century and was boosted again with the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869.

During WWII, Marseille had the dubious distinction of being bombed by both the German and Italian forces in 1940 and the Allies three years later.

Badly damaged, much of the city was rebuilt in the 1950s, a project funded mainly by reparations from Germany. There was a marked increase in immigration from the 1950s onwards as the so-called Pieds Noirs fled the fighting in Algeria, which has contributed in large part to the colourful reputation Marseille now enjoys.

Did you know?
• Founded over 2,600 years ago, Marseille is the oldest city in France.
• In 1794, the gold and silver relics in Saint Victor Abbey were melted down and turned into coins as the abbey was converted into a prison, warehouse and barracks.
• Footballers Eric Cantona and Zinedine Zidane were both born in Marseille.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Le Petit Nice Passédat

This exquisite 19th-century villa in Hellenic style is set in lush gardens on a rocky promontory overlooking the Mediterranean. There is no denying that it's pricey, but the rooms are exceedingly comfortable and beautifully decorated, the service top notch, and the restaurant one of the best in town. The views are fabulous too.

Le Corbusier

Architecture buffs will relish the opportunity to stay at this hotel located within Le Corbusier's post-war vision of the future: the Cité Radieuse. While many of the hotel's 21 rooms are on the small side, they are comfy enough, and the rooftop garden offers seascapes to die for.

Grand Hotel Beauvau Marseille Vieux Port

Overlooking the Vieux Port, this is one of the oldest hotels in Marseille, established in 1860. Many famous writers have stayed here, including George Sand (who eloped here with Chopin in 1839). Its air-conditioned, soundproofed rooms feature Provençal-style furniture, and many come with balconies and views of the port.

Hotel Lutetia

Conveniently located in a quiet street close to La Canebière, only 200m (656ft) from the railway station, this is a charming, comfortable hotel in the heart of Marseille, with easy metro access. Many of the rooms are more stylish than you would expect from a budget hotel.

Hipark Residences

With a choice of 114 smart apartments available for short, medium-term and longer stays, the Hipark Residences are a good alternative to the usual city-hotel options. They're in the southeast of Marseille and place an emphasis on spacious, modern design. Given the levels of comfort, they're good value.

Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port

Between the rocky headland of the Pharo and Fort St Nicolas, the indulgent Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port offers a near-unbeatable panoramic view of Marseille. The hotel has a swimming pool, eight meeting rooms (the largest of which can accommodate up to 130 people), a cocktail bar, a gastronomic restaurant and a spa.