Marseille is located on the southeast coast of France on the Mediterranean Sea, offering the perfect setting to participate in water sports of any kind at any one of the numerous beaches found here. In addition to sailing and windsurfing, diving is also very popular. The sandy beaches are lined with bronzed sunbathers and completely relaxed beach lovers reading their favourite book under a sun umbrella as the warm wind drifts onto the land and the water splashes up the beach onto their toes.

Take time out of your day on your vacation to relax at a salt water therapy spa and indulge in a French massage for two. You will enjoy the opportunity to smell the roses as you stroll through the parks and botanical gardens or walk the old streets and see the beautiful architecture that has been preserved as part of the city’s history.

The city of Marseille has over 100 quarters, small villages within the city, each of which have their own style and character. Many of the museums found in Marseille are housed in centuries old buildings and include the Fine Arts Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Porcelain Museum.

Marseille is popular for its many festivals celebrated throughout the year. If you are visiting Marseille around the end of November, go to the Santon Fair in Cours d'Estienne d'Orves. Here, a local tradition has been carried on since 1803 where they make small figurines for the Provençal Christmas Creche.

There is a multitude of cuisine available in Marseille. You can choose from some of the finest French restaurants, fine ethnic restaurants or opt for simpler, more economical. Bouillabaisse is a local dish that must be sampled while in Marseille. Bouillabaisse is a type of seafood stew and fish stock with different kinds of cooked fish, shellfish and vegetables. It is served with rustic French bread and rouille. The distinct taste comes primarily from the fennel and saffron which are but a couple of the spices that flavour this delicious, hearty dish. Due to its proximity to the sea, the people of Marseille are blessed with the fortune of fresh seafood. The mouthwatering delicacies the chefs create here are simply too delectable for words to describe. For one to experience and completely appreciate the full effect of Marseille, one must smell the fresh sea air, sip the wine and savour the creative gastronomic delights. Enjoy delicious French cuisine with a crisp white wine in the heat of the summer or a bold ruby red in the cool of the winter. The Euro is the official currency in France. Major credit cards are widely accepted. Marseille experiences mild, humid winters and hot, dry summers. It is considered to have a Mediterranean climate. January and February are the coldest months with average temperatures of about 8°C. July and August are the hottest months with average temperatures around 27°C. During the month of July the maximum temperatures can reach 32°C. In the spring and winter a cold wind blows from the Alps known as the “LeMistral.” Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) is 25km from Marseille. Marseille operates at 220 volts AC, 50Hz. French is the official language spoken in Marseille. English is also understood in most tourist areas. A typical flight between Toronto or Montreal and Marseille would have a flying time of about 8 hours. Flying from Calgary would take approximately 10 hours and from Vancouver about 10 ¾ hours Canadian representation for Marseille is located in Paris.
Canadian Embassy
Address: 35 avenue Montaigne
Paris, France
75008
Tel: +33 1 44 43 29 16
Fax: + 33 1) 44 43 29 86
Web Site: www.France.gc.ca GMT +1 (GMT +2 between last Sunday in March and last Sunday in October).