Founded around 600 BC by Greek settlers from Phocaea, Marseille is the oldest city in France, as well as one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements.

The new cruise port is a fair distance from the city centre and old port and in quite an industrial area. To maximize our time exploring we jumped on the shuttle bus for the 20 minute ride to the city.

Our walking tour took us along the streets of Marseille down to the Old Port harbour front, by the Fort St. Jean, several museums, Eglise Saint-Laurent and the Cathedrale La Major. As usual the churches were amazing inside and out. Though we didn’t visit we were able to view Norte-Dam de Marseille perched high on the hillside across from the Old Port.

On our stroll back to the shuttle we decided to stop to sit in a small cafe and enjoy the French ambiance for just a little longer.