Marseille

Region: Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur
Department: Bouches-du-Rhone
Arrondissement: Marseille
Area: 240 km²
Population: 852'395

Marseille is a city in southern France, located in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur.
It is the second largest city in the country and the economic engine. It also has the largest French port and the third largest on European level.


Climate
Marseille has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and hot dry summers. Affect the Mistral and Sirocco winds. The average winter temperature is about 11 °C in summer and 30 °C. It has more than 3'000 hours of sunshine a year.


Currency
Euro

Language
French

History
People lived near the area of Marseille 30'000 years ago, but the city was only founded in 600 BC known as a colony of the city of Phocis, called Massilia or Massalia.

The city became part of France in 1481.
It was a important commercial city for tin, salt, amber, ceramics, and wine in ancient times.
Through this new cities near Marseille were founded, including Nice, Monaco and Monte Carlo.

The most important historical events that took place in Marseilles are the plague that caused about 100'000 deaths, and the so-called White Terror.
The whole city was destroyed after World War II; Germany and Italy had to pay for the repairs. Since the second half of the twentieth century it is the most important place of for immigration to France.

Airports
Marseille Provence Airport is about 27 kilometers from the center.

Transport
Marseille has two metro lines, several tram lines and bus lines (RTM, and Bus Aubagnais du Soleil), which connect both urban areas (24 lines) and the semi-urban (11 lines). You can also travel by bicycle.

The highways A7, A51, A50 and A8 connect to Marseilles.

History
There were people living near Marseilles nearly 30,000 years ago, but the city was only founded in around 600 BC a colony of the city of Phocis or Massilia known as Massalia.

The city became part of France in 1481.
It was an important trading center in ancient times for, tin, salt, amber, ceramics, and wine.
Therefore new cities were founded nearby, including Nice, Monaco and Monte Carlo.

The most important historical events that took place in Marseilles are the plague that caused about 100'000 deaths, and the so-called White Terror.
The whole city was destroyed after World War II; Germany and Italy had to pay reparations. Since the second half of the twentieth century it has the highest amount of immigration in France.