The southern French seaport city of Marseilles has an eclectic and fascinating history. When you\u2019re not strolling the cobblestone streets in the old part of the city or sipping on a glass of wine at a caf\u00e9 overlooking the port, here are three historic sites you should check out.<\/p>\n
Chateau d\u2019If<\/strong> Jardin des Vestiges<\/strong> Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica<\/strong> Bon voyage!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\nEmbarcad\u00e8re Frioul If
\n1 Quai de la Fraternit\u00e9
\nMarseille, France<\/em>
\nMade famous by Alexandre Dumas\u2019s world-famous novel, The Count of Monte Cristo, Chateau d\u2019If is the most popular tourist destination in Marseilles. Originally constructed in the sixteenth century to protect Marseilles from invaders, Chateau d\u2019If served as a prison for dissenters against the French state. Hop on a tourist boat and tour the small island and the former prison. Literary aficionados will appreciate the exhibits about Alexandre Dumas and his novel.<\/p>\n
\n17 Passage Belsunce
\n13001 Marseille, France<\/em>
\nA well-known archaeological site located in Marseille, le Jardin des Vestiges (\u201cpark of ruins\u201d) is a great place to spend the afternoon. Found throughout the park are the remains of the city\u2019s ancient Greek port (which eventually became a Roman port). These ruins, dating back to as early as 600 BC, were first discovered in the 1960s during a large construction project. The area has since become protected by the French government, and an impressive array of ruins, including ancient and medieval walls, gates and warehouses, have been carefully excavated by experts. Entry to the Mus\u00e9e d\u2019Histoire de Marseille (Marseille History Museum)—which holds some of the smaller (though equally as impressive) historical remains uncovered during the decades-long excavation process\u2014is included in the ticket price for the Jardin des Vestiges.<\/p>\n
\nRue Fort-du-Sanctuaire
\nMarseille, France<\/em>
\nEveryone knows about Paris\u2019s iconic Notre Dame, but Marseille has a pretty impressive one as well, Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica. Constructed in 1853 in a Neo-Byzantine style, Notre-Dame de la Garde overlooks the entire city and the harbor (photo op, anyone?). Highlights of this gorgeous basilica include its colorful interior, large crypt and intricate mosaics.<\/p>\n