Marseille is the second biggest city of France. The city is located on the shores of the Mediterranean coast. It was founded by the Greeks some 2 500 years ago. Nowadays, it is a lively, picturesque and rundown industrial port city.

Sights include the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, the Cathedral Museum of the Roman Docks, the Puget sculptures at the town hall and 5th-century St. 

"The rise of Marseille as a genuine destination for tourists cannot be ignored and has been the most striking feature of 1998". Although the effects of the World Cup cannot be ignored, these effects were only felt the dates on which matches were played. The increases due to the World Cup only account for 15% of the increased number of visitors in 1998.Setting aside the "World Cup effect", it remains clear that the number of tourists has increased over previous years. Sectors such as cruises, business travel, cultural theme-based holidays and marine holidays are being given priority.

The image of the city is changing profoundly and, shedding old stereotypes, Marseille now finds itself fashionable in fields such as cinema, theatre, music, sport, fashion, cruises and congresses. Without abandoning anything of its rich history, Marseille is now presenting a new face to the world.As the President of the Marseille Board of Tourism and Congresses Domnique Vlasto wrote "Our objective is to make Marseille the new tourist venue in the Mediterranean." This objective is now being achieved.