Marseille, France: The Old Port (Vieux-Port) - Walking Through 2,600 Years of Mediterranean History

Marseille, France: The Old Port (Vieux-Port) - 2,600 Years of Mediterranean History at the Heart of France's Oldest CityThis episode of Walking Tour of France takes you on an immersive walk through the Vieux-Port, the ancient harbor at the center of Marseille - France's oldest city and one of the Mediterranean's great port capitals. Founded by Greek sailors from Phocaea around 600 BC, the Old Port has been the beating heart of the city through Roman rule, medieval crusades, the reign of Louis XIV, the devastation of World War II occupation, and a remarkable 21st-century cultural revival. The walk covers the full circuit of the harbor, from the Quai des Belges and its ancient Greek archaeological remains, along the north quay past the City Hall and the stunning MuCEM museum, across the footbridge to Fort Saint-Jean with its Knights Hospitaller chapel and terraced Mediterranean gardens, around the harbor mouth with views of the twin forts that Louis XIV built to keep his own citizens in check, and back along the south quay with the panoramic views of the harbor that have inspired painters for centuries.For dining, the episode recommends Chez Madie Les Galinettes for traditional Marseille cooking with harbor views, Une Table au Sud for Michelin-starred southern French cuisine overlooking the water, La Caravelle for the ease of a jazz bar and terrace, and Les Buvards for natural wines and simple, honest food a few blocks from the port. Nearby sites covered include the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde with its extraordinary hilltop panoramas and sailors' votive offerings, the island fortress of Chateau d'If made famous by Alexandre Dumas, and the winding streets and museums of Le Panier, the oldest neighborhood in Marseille and in all of France.Visit NorthStarTravelers.com to explore our other podcast shows and browse gear recommendations for wherever your next journey takes you.