Running in Marseille: the Phocaean city

Built on the shores of the Mediterranean around 600 BC, Marseille is the oldest city in France and one of the most important ports in Europe. Known in ancient times as Massalia, it was founded by Greek merchants from Phocaea, located in present-day Turkey. Taking advantage of its privileged geographical location, they made the city a major trading hub in the ancient world. Today, this heritage, although subtle, is everywhere...

The Old Port and Notre-Dame de la Garde

‘Being born in Marseille is never a coincidence. Marseille is, and always has been, the port of exiles, Mediterranean exiles, and exiles from our former colonial routes too. Here, anyone who arrives at the port one day is bound to feel at home. No matter where you come from, you feel at home in Marseille.’

In his poem entitled ‘Marseille’, writer and poet Jean-Claude Izzo proclaims his attachment to his hometown. The son of Spanish and Italian immigrants, he perfectly embodies the cosmopolitan spirit that characterises this port city.

A crossroads city

A stopover city, transit city or immigration city, Marseille is a place that people make their own, whether for a few days or a lifetime. At the crossroads of trade and immigration, it has been subject to various waves of migration over the centuries. Greeks, Italians, Armenians, Corsicans, North Africans, Spaniards: many peoples have come to settle or stop here, fleeing persecution or attracted by the economic opportunities offered by the city.

The city of Marseille from above

Named the gateway to the East by Victor Hugo, Marseille buzzes with multiculturalism and a unique atmosphere. ‘Marseille is the whole universe,’ said André Chenier. And its centre is undoubtedly its iconic Old Port, through which goods, people and merchandise of all kinds passed during early trade. Nearby, you can see the city's most important monuments during your run, such as Fort Saint-Jean. Or the Cathédrale de la Major, a building of exceptional size and unique appearance, halfway between Roman and Eastern cultures. The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations, known as Mucem, located right next door, will allow the most curious to discover Mediterranean culture and heritage.

The city with 111 neighbourhoods

Marseille is the second most populous city in France and also one of the largest. Its 111 official districts are largely made up of former hamlets that were later incorporated into the municipality. This was the case for the town of L'Estaque, located to the north-west of the city and immortalised by Paul Cézanne in his famous painting, La Mer à l'Estaque. This unique feature gives each neighbourhood its own identity and, paradoxically, a sense of overall unity.

The Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde overlooks the city.

In the heart of the city, Le Panier and its medieval streets form the historic district. The same is true of the Canebière district, renowned for its bars, cafés and gourmet market.

For a run by the sea, head to La Corniche and its 19th-century villas, which will take the most motivated runners to Les Goudes and its little fishermen's huts.

One cannot talk about Marseille without mentioning its architectural heritage, from the multitude of religious buildings of various faiths scattered throughout the city to the monuments built during the Empire. A symbol of the city, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, perched on its hill, combines both. The people of Marseille call it the ‘Bonne Mère’ (Good Mother), because it watches over the city's inhabitants, especially sailors.

The Calanques of Marseille

Marseille is surrounded by mountain ranges and has many gardens within its boundaries, such as the Parc de la Buzine, made famous by Marcel Pagnol and his novel ‘Le Château de ma mère’ (My Mother's Castle). But above all, it is known for its Calanques, a series of coves and inlets stretching for around twenty kilometres to the south of the city. They are one of France's most popular natural sites and, since 2012, have been designated as the country's first peri-urban national park.

The Port-Pin calanques bay, near the town of Cassis

The home of Le Corbusier, who built his Cité Radieuse here, Marseille enchants lovers of architecture, history and gastronomy as well as football fans, who can watch Olympique de Marseille matches at the Stade Vélodrome.

Run, walk or cycle with JOOKS, from the Old Port to the calanques of Marseille!

Find all the routes in the city of Marseille and more than 1,500 others on the JOOKS app.

JOOKS