_d485-30.jpg)
Marseille Vieux Port (Old Port)
Marseille Vieux Port, or Old Port, is the hub of the city. It was the natural harbor of this port town since antiquity; the Greeks landed here in 600 BC and set up a small town for trading. The town grew and in the middle ages became a center for growing cannabis, or hemp, for nautical rope. Hence the name of Marseille's main street Canebiere, which leads down to the old port. By the mid-1800s, the port of Marseille could dock over 1,000 ships at one time and around 18,000 ships passed through each year. However once steam took over from sail, the harbor proved too shallow and the focus moved to new docks built at La Joliette. Then in WWII, the Nazis obliterated the port and the historic town in the Battle of Marseille. After 1948, a reconstruction project was undertaken and these days the port is again a bustling center of Marseille, although these days only for leisure boating.
These days the New Port, to the north, has taken over the commercial harbor functions. There is a modern container shipping terminal. Only visit it if you like big machines and lots of noise. Naturally it is not open to tourists.
Practical Info
The port lies at the end of the main street of Marseille, Canebiere. Trains and buses galore go to Vieux Port and, not surprisingly, the stops are called Vieux Port.
Tours & Tickets
Marseille Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Explore the oldest city in France on the Marseille Hop-On Hop-Off Tour! Sightsee at your own pace aboard an open-top, double-decker bus. You can hop on and off ... Read more
Location:
Marseille, France
Duration: Varies
Marseille Shore Excursion: Marseille Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
While in port in Marseille, enjoy a shore excursion to see the best sights of the city! Choose a one-day or two-day ticket and tour the oldest city in France ... Read more
Location:
Marseille, France
Duration: Varies
Marseille City Pass
As a tourist and cultural passport, the Marseille City Pass is valid for 24 hours or 48 hours days. This pass is dedicated to individual visitors who wish to ... Read more
Location:
Marseille, France
Duration: 24 hours or 48 hours
Private Provence Tour: Marseille and Aix en Provence
Marseille is the oldest city in France, founded by the Greeks 2,600 years ago. You will visit the old Harbor, the Canebiere Street and Notre Dame de la Garde ... Read more
Location:
Avignon, France
Duration: 10 hours (approx.)
