Marseille, the regional capital 2600 years old and Calanques...

Marseille - the Calanques

25 kilometres from Aix is Marseille, the regional capital 2600 years old, at the crossroads of Mediterranean history. The archeological gardens, the quays of the old port, the historic Panier district, the Vieille Charité museum, the little port of Vallon des Auffes... these are all places to visit and discover 26 centuries of history. If you love the Big Blue Sea, this is the place for you: from the islands of Frioul, with the Château d'If made famous by the Count of Monte Cristo, and as far as Cassis, the Mediterranean unveils the magic of its rocky inlets. And the climb up to the Garlaban and Sainte Baume ranges will take you to the heart of Marcel Pagnol's Provence.