The People - Marseille

Marseille is a city in southern France, the prefecture of the Bouches-du-Rhône department and of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Situated in Provence, it marks the eastern end of the Côte Bleue on the Mediterranean coast. Marseille is the second-most populous city proper in France, after Paris, with 886,040 inhabitants in 2023 over a municipal territory of 241 km2 (93 sq mi). Together with its suburbs and exurbs, the Marseille metropolitan area, which extends over 3,972 km2 (1,534 sq mi), had a population of 1,917,728 as of 2023. The cities of Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, and 90 suburban municipalities have formed since 2016 the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis, an indirectly elected metropolitan authority now in charge of wider metropolitan issues, with a population of 1,939,077 as of 2023. The southeast of Marseille is in Calanques National Park, making Marseille the only large city in France to have a national park within city limits.

As the second-largest city in France, Marseille is a bustling metropolis that's full of life. The city's Vieux-Port, or old port, is a hub of activity where you can find everything from local fishermen selling their catch of the day to street performers entertaining the crowds. The port is also home to some of Marseille's most famous landmarks, including the Fort Saint-Jean and the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde.

One of the best ways to experience Marseille is by wandering through its narrow streets and alleys. The city's old town, known as Le Panier, is a maze of tiny streets that are lined with colorful buildings, charming cafes, and boutique shops. You can spend hours exploring the winding alleys and discovering hidden gems around every corner.