Marseille: warm weather and a fascinating history
Marseille, situated on the South Coast of France, is officially the sunniest city in France. It is the second largest city in France after Paris, with a population of around 1.7 million. With average temperatures in summer in the 20s degree centigrade, and mild mediterranean winters, it is a very popular destination throughout the year for people going on their holidays.
Marseille has significant archaeological significance, with nearby cave paintings dating back to between 19,000 and 27,000 BC. The city itself has been a settlement since the time of the ancient Greeks, and there is a long and rich history throughout the Middle Ages and more modern periods too. There are many old buildings to view, such as the Fort Saint-Jean, which has a history dating back to the 14th Century.
You can fly to one of France's most popular cities with France's largest airline, Air France. There are flights from Singapore Changi Airport to Marseille's local airport several times a week. You can benefit from many attractive features on the airline: for example, you will receive a blanket and pillow, as well as the option of magazines, watching films, and listening to music. There are also high quality meals available. If you choose to book online to buy your airplane ticket, it is possible to review and alter your reservation,reserve personalized options for example seating or cabin size, as well as checking in online from up to 30 hours before the flight's departure. You can benefit from the Flying Blue program which enables you to gather benefits and rewards each time that you fly.
The main language spoken is French, though there are always people of many nationalities - with 4 million people visiting the city each year.
Marseille has a rich and unique culture, with many attractions
There is much to do during your stay in Marseille, with attractive beaches, architecture and some fascinating culture and history to absorb. There are many art galleries, museums and theatres. The subjects of the museums vary from modern art to natural history - music to ceramics. The Marseille History Museum displays information about the ancient history of Marseille, when Greek and Roman populations inhabited the area. Marseille was the European capital of culture in 2013. Those interested in architecture will find many interesting examples throughout the city, such as the Baroque 17th Century Hotel de Ville and the 12th century church Saint Laurent.
There are many festivals and activities throughout the year, such as the Festival du Panier in June with music and other entertainment. There are also special tours available to make the most of your time in Marseille. You can also take part in activities and sports such as diving, sailing and hiking, to make the most of this beautiful seaside city.
Marseille has a very unique culture, and has developed some of its own signature dishes, such as Bouillabaisse, a fish stew. There are cooking courses available to learn how to make this specialty. There is an extensive transport system, from buses and the Metro rail system to ferries.