 Marseille, France’s second largest city enjoys a scenic Mediterranean location and owes much of its status to the strength of its port, a feature that has played an integral part in the history of Marseille since its early days. Historical sights are evident around the town, yet are complimented by the ambience of a modern metropolis and seaside holiday destination.
 Visitors come to Marseille for many things, with those with an interest in history and culture appreciating the city’s excellent selection of museums. Anyone with an eye for interesting landmarks and old buildings can enjoy the equally impressive selection of sightseeing attractions.
 Families often head for the beach, and with great Mediterranean weather Marseille offers opportunities for basking in the sunshine and enjoying the sand and sea. Visitors looking for something a little more energetic invariably head for the natural mountainous area known as the Calanques, where myriad outdoor activities are available.
Back in the urban area, the city offers some great shopping outlets for anyone wishing to lighten their wallet or exercise their credit card. The Vieux Port is the focal point of life for the locals. Situated in the centre of the city, this is where you’ll find not only shops, but a great selection of restaurants plus plenty in the way of eye-candy, with architectural treasures on every street corner.
 Marseille receives its fair share of holidaymakers in the summer season and caters well to this influx by offering a broad selection of accommodation options. Big names such as Sofitel, Raddison and Best Western operate hotels in the city, while for visitors looking for something a little cheaper there is an abundance of smaller, independent establishments on offer.
The city is easily reached, with its own international airport providing the primary entry point for the majority of foreign visitors. There are also options for reaching the city by bus or train from within France and from neighbouring European countries. Getting around the city is a stress-free affair, with bus and metro services providing connections across the urban area and beyond.
Weather
 Marseille’s climate is Mediterranean influenced, meaning that the city enjoys pleasant weather across the seasons. Summers are hot, winters are mild and sometimes cold and spring and autumn are somewhere in between. Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year and is never particularly heavy.
The summer season sees the most visitors in Marseille, as this is when the mercury climbs to the low 30s (°C) during the day and chances of rain are only slight. Evenings are warm and often in the mid-20s (°C), which can be uncomfortable if your accommodation is not air-conditioned and you are not well acclimatised to heat.
Spring and autumn are also pleasant times to visit despite the increased chance of rain. Daytime temperatures are warm, while evenings and mornings are mild to cool. Pack a sweater and something waterproof if you choose to take a holiday in Marseille at these times.
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