Paris 2024
About Marseille
Marseille, the vibrant port city on the Mediterranean coast of Southern France, is a captivating blend of rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty. Known as ‘La Cité Phocéenne,’ Marseille is the country's oldest city, with a history dating back over 2,600 years. Its ancient roots are evident in its historic Old Port (Vieux-Port), where fishermen still sell their catch of the day.
One of Marseille's most iconic landmarks is the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, a hilltop basilica offering panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. The city's cultural diversity is celebrated in its lively markets, such as the colourful Marché Noailles, where aromas of spices, exotic fruits and North African cuisine fill the air.
Marseille is renowned for its culinary scene, particularly its seafood dishes like bouillabaisse, a flavourful fish stew, and its famous pastis, an anise-flavoured apéritif. The city's streets are lined with charming cafés, providing an opportunity to savour the local flavours.
The city's cultural scene is equally charming, with a range of museums, galleries and theatres, including the MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations) and the Palais Longchamp. Marseille's dynamic atmosphere, unique architecture and coastal charm make it a must-see destination for those seeking an authentic French experience.
Sailing hosts
Nestled along the picturesque Mediterranean coast, Marseille provides the perfect backdrop for the world's top sailors to compete for Olympic glory. With its shimmering azure waters and famous Mistral winds, there’s no doubting Marseille is a stunning location for this high-stakes competition.
But its beauty can mask its fickleness, and this sea city has the potential to throw any kind of weather at the 330 sailors who will descend for Paris 2024. Part of the Mediterranean Sea, the area is populated by rugged coastal tides and surrounded by the vast mountain ranges of Sainte-Baume and Etoile. The geography, mixed with a hot Mediterranean climate and dry winds from the Sahara, make the Marseille an unpredictable and tough venue for sailing.