Marseille

Although part of the region of Provence, Marseille has a soul of its own. Founded in 600 b.c. by the Greek sailors of Phocaea, Marseille is the oldest city in France and surely the most complex. In the time of the French colonies, Marseille was the gateway to the Mediterranean. Today Marseille remains a capitol of southern Europe, cosmopolitan and exuberant, with its picturesque old port, its Bouillabaisse and its folklore.

Notre-Dame de la Garde, Marseille (the church is situated on the hill)

Longchamp Palace from Marseille features an allegoric group of the Durance River and the statues of vine and wheat. Note the fisherman’s net and fish on the column. The bulls from camargue draw the chariot.

These stairs lead to Marseille Main Train Station. But before you tire yourself climbing them, be advised that just around the corner there is another more modern entrance with mechanical stairs.