Marseille is listed as a major centre of art and history. The city boasts many excellent museums and galleries. There are many ancient buildings and churches of historical interest. Most of the attractions of Marseille (including shopping areas) are located in the 1st, 2nd, 6th and 7th arrondissements.
These include the Old Port or Vieux-Port, the main harbour and marina of the city. It is guarded by two massive forts (Fort St Nicolas and Fort Saint Jean) and is one the main places to eat in the city. Dozens of cafés line the waterfront. The Quai des Belges at the end of the harbour is the site of the daily fish market. Much of the northern quayside area was rebuilt by architect Fernand Pouillon after its destruction by the Nazis in 1943.
Outside of central Marseille, you will find:
• The nineteenth century Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, built by architect Esperandieu, is an enormous Romano-Byzantine basilica in the hills to the south of the Old Port. Accessible on foot (a steep climb!), by bus or by minitrain, the terrace offers spectacular panoramic views of Marseille and its surroundings.
• The Stade Vélodrome, the home stadium of the Marseille football team "OM", Olympique de Marseille.
• The Unité d'Habitation, an influential experimental building designed by the Swiss architect Le Corbusier in the late forties.
• The parc Borély, a park off the Bay of Marseille with botanical gardens.
• The local beaches at the Prado, Pointe Rouge, les Goudes, Callelongue, and le Prophète.
• The calanques, a wild mountainous coastal area of outstanding natural beauty, accessible from Callelongue, Luminy, Sormiou, Morgiou and Cassis. Access is by bus or car and then on foot; there are also boat trips from the Old Port.