This short break guide about Marseille, France will help you to make the most of your trip. Lists of what's on in Marseille and recommended hotels will save you time when planning your city break.
About Marseille, France
Marseille is just about as culturally diverse as you get in France. Because of its status as the busiest port in the country, it was a viable entrance point for many immigrants. The city has literally become one of the world's best melting pots and wears its diverse cultural on its sleeve.
The city also shines in unique, local traditions that separate it from other French cities. The tarot card deck originated here and many locals still believe that their fate lies in the cards. The making of Santon figurines at Christmas is the Marseille equivalent to the Anglo-Saxon tradition of Christmas carols. The city also started the hip hop movement in France and many talented French groups get their start here. And who could forget about the cuisine? Due to its central port location, fresh seafood dishes abound and are a must for any visitor.
Marseille is full of fantastic worldly entertainment including its renowned opera house, historic and maritime museums, art galleries and cinemas. It also has a thriving nightlife with dozens of clubs, bars and restaurants.
What is on in Marseille in 2008
Our mini-guide to what's on in Marseille lists the top events in 2008 in a handy Marseille Calendar format. If you take your short break in Marseille, France when these events are taking place, add them to your list of things to do in Marseille.
January: Garde'n Blues Festival - International performers grow together in the beautiful garden setting of Jardin de la Barasse. The festival is small, attracting about 2,000 people annually, which makes it all the more cozy. Doors open at 7:30pm and bands hit the stage by 8:30pm. Admission is 6EUR, concessions 9.
February: Russian Festival - If you didn't know it already, Marseille prides itself on having very diverse cultures that all get along seemingly well. To celebrate its Russian locals, the Theatre Toursky holds an annual event that exhibits plays, film, cabaret, events and displays that all hail back to Russia with love. Admission and hours vary to event.
March: International Mediterranean Nautical Week - As the only internationally organized sailing event on the Mediterranean, this brings together the All Stars of the sea from countries in Europe as well as across the pond. The sailing events are free to watch.
April: Marseille Carnival - The annual Marseille Carnival completely takes over all eight neighborhoods. It kicks off with a float filled parade that begins at Prado Avenue and finishes at Parc Borely, where most of the festivities take place. The parade begins at 2:30 and is followed by many free events throughout the city.
May: Festival des Tres Courts - Translated to the Festival of Short Shorts, this event takes place country wide at various cinemas all over France, with Marseille as a participating city. Roughly 50 short films, often less than 5 minutes apiece, in a variety of genres are played over one May weekend. Viewers then vote and a jury awards the top voted films. Admission and hours vary to cinema.
June: Festival du Soleil - The Sun Festival gives new meaning to the phrase, "dancing in the street." Usually falling on the first weekend of June, the streets of the Nouilles district fill with traditional and modern music, theater, dress and dance alike. It is organized by the Franco-African Cultural and Racial Association and celebrates the diversity in Marseille.
July: Bastille Day - Although Bastille Day is a popular, not to mentioned prideful, celebration all over France; none come grander than in Marseille. Locals swell with pride (and alcohol!) and France's La Marseillaise anthem grows from a whisper to a roar as the day progresses. By day's end, everyone is ready for the massive fireworks display at 10pm, which is followed by dancing until 2pm. It all takes place at Vieux Port for free.
August: Water Jousting Provence Championship - You've never seen anything quite like water jousting before! It's said Catherine de Medici was a huge fan of this sport, in which two men in boats battle it out and try to throw their challengers into the sea. The big-time championships take place at Marseille's Port de l'Estaque throughout the month of August. Admission is free and hours run from 3:00pm - 5:30pm.
September: Festival of the Wind - As fall draws near in Marseille, the cool air is not wasted. International kite teams from France, Italy, Switzerland and Spain converge on the city to see who is the master of the incoming winter winds. Go to Plage du Prado from 10:00am - 6:00pm to see the colorful kites in action or to allow your children to participate in the handful of workshops offered. There is no charge to watch.
October: Marseille International Fair - Hundreds of thousands pack the Parc Chanot exhibition to celebrate the city's flare for culture. Over forty countries bring the latest foods and gadgets along with their culture and heritage for a well rounded arts and crafts fair. There are also sporting events and educational activities. A great way to stick with the motto, "learn something new every day." The Fair runs weekdays from 10:00am - 7:00pm and weekends from 10:00am - 8:00pm. Admission is 7.50EUR, concessions 4 and children 12 and under free.
November: French Winegrowers and Farmers Fair - This anticipated fair draws in nearly 25,000 to Parc Chanot each year. It is filled with delectable comfort foods like creamy chocolates, the sweetest honey and tastiest wines this side of France has to offer. Nearly 180 food and wine brands are present and lucky for us, taste testing is free! Hours run from 10:00am - 8:00pm. Admission is 5EUR, under 18s free if accompanied by an adult. It should also be noted this Fair takes place in March too.
December: Santons Fair - Santons are an important part of South France's Christmas tradition. These tiny, hand painted figures made of clay play out the Nativity scene and over take the Alles de Meilhan as well churches and squares throughout Marseille. The Santons Fair starts the last Sunday in November and runs until December 31. Picking up these delightful figurines for your own home, make for a very unique Nativity. Admission is free and the fair is open daily from 10:00am - 7:00pm.
Recommended Marseille Hotels
Hotel review website TripAdvisor allows travelers to thoroughly assess Marseille hotels that they have visited. The unbiased evaluations really help to find the best hotels and avoid the worst. The top 10 Marseille hotels recommended by review are:
1. Radisson SAS Marseille Hotel
2. New Hotel Vieux Port
3. Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port
4. Mercure Marseille Beauvau Vieux Port
5. Citea Marseille Prado Perier
6. Alize Hotel
7. Pullman Marseille Palm Beach
8. Villa Massalia
9. Citadines Marseille Centre
10. Tonic Hotel Vieux Port
Marseille Airport
The city is serviced by the Marseille Provence Airport. Despite its name, the airport is actually located about 27 kilometers from the city center. But don't worry; a shuttle bus is in constant operation between the airport and Gare de Marseille Saint-Charles train station. There are also many motorways linking the airport and Marseille if you plan on borrowing a rental car. A long distance bus station is currently in the works too.
Marseille Hotels
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