Vieux-Port, Marseille

The Vieux-Port, or Old Port, is the beating heart of Marseille, France, and a testament to the city's rich maritime history. Nestled at the end of the Canebière boulevard, the port has been the natural harbor of Marseille since antiquity, and its piers have welcomed traders and travelers for over 2,600 years. Today, it stands as a vibrant hub of activity, blending the old with the new, where fishing boats moor alongside pleasure yachts.

Visitors to the Vieux-Port can stroll along the quays, lined with a plethora of cafes, seafood restaurants, and shops that showcase the city's cosmopolitan flair. The port is a melting pot of cultures and a focal point for local life, with daily fish markets offering the freshest catch against the backdrop of centuries-old architecture.

The iconic "La Canebière" street leads to the port, which has seen extensive renovations to maintain its charm while modernizing its facilities. One of the most striking features added during the recent revamp is the mirrored canopy designed by architect Norman Foster, which reflects the port's bustling atmosphere and the azure Mediterranean sky.

The Vieux-Port also serves as a starting point for boat tours to the Calanques, a series of stunning limestone cliffs and coves along the coast. Visitors can embark on a maritime adventure to explore these natural wonders or take a ferry ride to the Frioul Islands, just a short trip from the mainland.

As night falls, the port transforms into a picturesque scene, with the lights from the surrounding buildings and boats reflecting on the water, and the nearby Fort Saint-Jean and the modernist Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations (MuCEM) standing as cultural sentinels over the harbor.