Marseille is the capital city of the Bouches-du-Rhône département in southern France. It is also the administrative and commercial capital of the Provence–Alpes–Côte d’Azur région .

Marseille

Images

Historical map of the vicinity of Marseille

For Students

Marseille summary

Marseille

Q: What is Marseille known for?

Marseille is known for many things but primarily for its unique culture and cuisine, including the garlic- and saffron-flavoured fish stew called bouillabaisse .

Q: What is the geographic landscape of Marseille like?

Marseille lies in a depression sheltered by a semicircle of limestone hills, which have inhibited the development of suburbs. Its natural harbour allowed it to become a major port.

Q: What kinds of industry is Marseille known for?

Marseille is well known for producing soap, an industry dating back to the 15th century. Other industrial activities in its history have included food processing, shipbuilding, metallurgy, clothing manufacture, chemicals production, and precision engineering.

France

Also known as: Marseilles, Massalia, Massilia

Written by Robin Caron Buss, Blake Ehrlich, John N. TuppenSee All

Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Jan 27, 2024 • Article History

Category: Geography & Travel

Also spelled:: Marseilles

Ancient:: Massilia or Massalia

See all related content →

Recent News

Jan. 25, 2024, 2:08 AM ET (Yahoo News)

Fuming French farmers pile pressure on Paris

Jan. 22, 2024, 4:08 AM ET (Yahoo News)

Olympics-French police to be on high alert for torch relay

What is Marseille?

What is Marseille known for?

What is the geographic landscape of Marseille like?

What kinds of industry is Marseille known for?

Marseille, city, capital of Bouches-du-Rhône département, southern France, and also the administrative and commercial capital of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, one of France’s fastest growing régions. Located west of the French Riviera, Marseille is one of the major ports of the Mediterranean Sea. It is situated on the Mediterranean’s Gulf of Lion within a semicircle of limestone hills and lies 536 miles (863 kilometres) south-southeast of Paris by rail and 218 miles southeast of Lyon. Area city proper, 93 square miles (241 square kilometres); metropolitan area, 365 square miles (946 square kilometres). Pop. (1999) city, 807,071; metropolitan area, 1,349,772; (2005 est.) city, ...(100 of 4608 words)

Access the full article

Help support true facts by becoming a member.