The natural inlet where the ancient Greeks landed is now Marseille’s most important focal point: a succession of bars, restaurants and terraces, full of life and people, in addition to the fishing boats that dock in the morning and the yachts that arrive from all over the world. The old port is nestled between Fort Saint-Jean (used as a prison during the French Revolution) on the right bank and Fort Saint-Nicholas (built by Louis XIV to quell revolts) on the left bank.
Thanks to the pedestrianization project, the harbor has been fully redeveloped for the use of its inhabitants and embellished by the miroir ombrière, or bizarre work by architect Norman Foster: it is a huge, 46-by-22-meter canopy of mirrored stainless steel that allows unprecedented views of the city, as well as providing shade and shelter on torrid summer days. Don’t miss the bustling fish market, every morning starting at 8 a.m. on the Quai des Belges, where you can wander among rowdy hawkers and stalls overflowing with squid, octopus and bream. Also interesting is a trip on the Ferry Boat that goes around the harbor, providing beautiful views of the forts overlooking the sea. If you have time, push on to the Lighthouse Gardens to watch the beautiful sunset over the Vieux-Port.
