MARSEILLE is ancient, founded by Greeks in the 6th century B.C. The people are sociable, friendly and and unconcerned if their style seems plebeian to the snobs of the Côte d'Azur. The old town's finest structures are the Vieille Charité, a large nicely restored 17th centry hospice now used as an exhibition center and the Abbaye de St-Victor. During postwar restorations, Roman docks were found. The Musée des Docks Romains displays those artifacts like large storage urns once used for wine and oil.
Fish and seafood are the main entrees served here and the superstar of dishes is the city's own expensive invention, bouillabaisse, a saffron and garlic flavoured fish soup with bits of fish, croutons and rouille.