MuCEM – a tourist attraction in Marseille
Laying between verdure and sun-drenched hills and the Mediterranean Sea twinkling under the sun, Marseille certainly enjoys an enviable position on the globe. Making the most of its geographical situation, Marseille is a city of seasonal, cultural and passionate change. Founded more than 2600 years ago, Marseille is also France’s oldest city.
In 2013 this incredible city was justifiably made the Capital of Culture. To pay homage to its title and being the most antiquated urban metropolis in the whole of France, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations (MuCEM) was opened in 2012. Throughout 2013 MuCEM attracted almost two million visitors through its doors, making it a hugely popular tourist attraction in Marseille.
Exquisite museum restaurants
Opened by President Francois Hollande, MuCEM is the first state-funded museum in France outside Paris. The focus of the museum is human sciences and artistic expression from the different parts of the Mediterranean. Taking its cuisine characteristically seriously, the Marseille museum has a two fine restaurants, which are ran by Gerald Passedat, a three Michelin star and highly-acclaimed French chef and owner of the high ranking Le Petit Nice restaurant in Marseille. MuCEM also has a gift/bookshop and a stunning garden with fantastic panoramic views of the Marseille’s unique cityscape framed by the ocean.
The Old Port
This state-funded and state-of-art museum is located in the city’s Old Port. The port itself was recently renovated, ahead of the 2013 European Capital of Culture award and is now pedestrianised.
Visitors to the Old Port are welcomed by the historic monument, Fort Saint Jean. Built in 1660 by Louis XIV at the entrance to the Old Port, many events take place at this historical site, including photographic exhibitions, concerts, films and debates. Fort Saint Jean links the historical district ‘Le Panier’ to the MuSEM by two thin bridges.
Marseille is the second largest city in France. It poignantly clings on to the culture which shaped the city for centuries becoming fondly known as the “Phocaean City”, in memory of the ancient Greeks who founded Marseille.
There are many reasons to visit this sunny, laid back and culturally-stimulating city, the opening of the MuCEM is just another