Marseille: Vieux Port
La Cité Phocéenne
Ever since the Phocaeans pitched up in this inlet over 2600 years ago this has been the pulsating centre of what would become a great city.
Best views of the Old Port
Best viewed from the heights of the Parc du Pharo the spectacular Vieux Port is a sight to behold. On the north side lies Le Panier the Romans settled. On the South side is the Rive Neuve dominated by the Romano-Byzantine Nôtre-Dame-de-la-Garde and from the head of the port, the Quai des Belges, runs the renowned Canebière.
Travel like Pagnol
To save your legs like the renowned author Marcel Pagnol used to, a free ferry boat operates between the Quai du Port and the Quai de Rive Neuve.
Picturesque it may be, the port is too shallow to accept modern shipping which has to berth at Joliette. Nevertheless it is a superb Marina for Marseille’s fishing fleet and other assorted small craft.
Tip: Late afternoom/evening is time to view the Vieux Port from Parc du Pharo.