The third largest city in France after Paris and Lyon, Marseille (sometimes spelled Marseilles in the UK) is rapidly becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Heathrow and Gatwick Airports in London serve the city with multiple departures every day. The city’s main airport, Marseille Provence Airport, is the fourth most trafficked airport in the whole of France. Business travelers and tourists alike crowd its terminals. Once travelers disembark at the airport, they enjoy excellent local public transportation.
It is located on the south east coast of France on the Mediterranean Sea and is the largest commercial port in the country. The old port area that was popular prior to the’70s oil crisis has been redeveloped with an investment from the European Union.
The completely refurbished Old Port is now home to hotels, restaurants, bars, and caf?s, as well as a private marina. This renovated port is north of the new active commercial port, where over 100 million tons of freight?the majority of it petroleum?pass every year. Marseille’s position as a hub for industry and trade is complemented by its excellent infrastructure for travel by air, land, or sea. It is one of the major ports of entry into France, especially popular with travelers from Italy, Spain, Greece, and the Middle East.