Marseille, France

Overview

France is a new addition to Powerboat P1’s schedule for 2008, and Marseille’s majestic Mediterranean shores look set to provide the perfect backdrop for the second event of the year. Rich in history, Marseille is the nation’s second-largest city, outside of Paris, and also its largest commercial port. Life in the region can be traced back nearly 30,000 years – although Marseille itself was founded by the Greeks in 600 BC.

Once France’s leading military port, the city has swapped battleships for more subdued seafaring events such as the Marseille International Match Race in the last century. The inclusion of Marseille in this year’s calendar will no doubt add to the region’s colourful maritime history.  Not only is the city a cosmopolitan mecca, its idyllic coastal setting means there’s an abundance of stunning beaches, islands and breathtaking views. Expect temperate, sun-filled spring and summer days in this bustling, vibrant city.

Don’t leave Marseille without…
- Visiting the stunning Notre-Dame de la Garde, the city’s most revered church and cultural landmark.
- Sipping champagne and indulging in tapas at Vieux Port at sunset – the perfect place to view the Notre Dame de la Garde.
- Chartering a boat out to the island of If, which houses the Château d’If, featured in The Count of Monte Christo.
- Witnessing the organised chaos of Marseille’s famous fish market in quai des Belges.
- Checking out the Stade Vélodrome et le Musée de l’OM, home to football club Olympique de Marseillaise, where the likes of Zinedine Zidane and Didier Drogba started their careers.
- Jogging around Parc Borely, Marseille’s luscious botanical haven.

Marseille/France fact file
Time zone: GMT +1hrs
Location: Europe
Neighbouring countries: Spain, Switzerland and Italy
Capital city: Paris
Language: French. English is spoken widely