Marseille Pictures

Marseille is a rainbow of colors, from its whitewashed buildings with terra cotta roofs to its aquamarine waters. Photo Charlotte Ségurel Getty Images

Commercial ships docked at what's now called Vieux Port for a couple dozen centuries until moving north in the 1840s. PocholoCalapre Getty Images

You'll find Vieux Port at the end of the major Marseille thoroughfare, Canebière. efesenko Getty Images

Keep in mind that traditional Savon de Marseille is made from vegetable oils, such as olive oils, without any added fragrances, colorings or preservatives.  studioportosabbia Getty Images

One of the best ways of getting around Marseille is by foot.  wastesoul Getty Images

Architect Rudy Ricciotti designed the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations' J4, a cube made from concrete that looks like lace. Ivan Herman Flickr

MuCEM encompasses three sites: the museum itself, the gorgeous exhibition space J4 and Fort-Saint Jean.  Mat Distef Flickr

Parc National des Calanques is home to 900 different plants and animals, such as the Bonelli's eagle and the Montpellier snake.  JohanSjolander Getty Images

Parc National des Calanques was established in 2012.  cwrgutierrez Getty Images

Le Panier is home to interesting quirks like this climbing street.  Patrick Donovan Getty Images

The Roman Catholic Marseille Cathedral is a national monument.  Claudette Saad El Dine / EyeEm Getty Images

This medieval abbey features soaring arched ceilings.  Yann Guichaoua-Photos Getty Images

The monastic Abbaye Saint Victor was built in the fifth century. Yann Guichaoua-Photos Getty Images

Raised as a fortress against its own citizens, Fort Saint-Jean now serves as a serene place for locals and travelers alike to meander.  PocholoCalapre Getty Images

Come nightfall, the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde is a beautiful sight to see.  Yann Guichaoua-Photos Getty Images

The Notre-Dame de la Garde was consecrated in 1864. Henryk Sadura Getty Images

Fort Saint-Jean offers some wonderful views of the Mediterranean.  Evgeniya Ivanova Getty Images

Compared to other churches in the city, Abbaye Saint Victor offers a stark façade. RnDmS Getty Images

The Marseille Cathedral was designed by architect Léon Vaudoyer in the Romanesque Byzantine design.  Fred Bahurlet / EyeEm Getty Images

Visitors say Le Panier offers an authentic look at Marseille life.  Sami Sarkis Getty Images

You can't miss the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde as it's the focal point of the Marseille skyline.  Daniiielc Getty Images

You'll experience colors galore at Parc National des Calanques – from the green pine trees that top its white cliffs to its blue Mediterranean waters.  Raffi Maghdessian Getty Images

Vieux Port – the Old Port – is the heart of Marseille, with its congregation of docked sailboats and yachts and lineup of restaurants, bars and shops.  ThomasSaupe Getty Images

The fortress-turned-prison, Château d'If, inspired the nearly inescapable setting of Alexandre Dumas' "The Count of Monte Cristo."  Photograph by Paul Atkinson Getty Images

The small island that Château d'If sits on is part of an archipelago, which includes the island Frioul that contains a nature preserve.  DrMonochrome Getty Images

Construction on Château d'If started in 1524 and didn't conclude until 1531.  stevenallan Getty Images

Quick moving currents around Château d'If made it difficult for prisoners to escape, making it an ideal location for the fortress.  Sami Sarkis Getty Images

The gorgeous contemporary design of MuCEM contains the anthropological history of the region.  Cultura/Tim E White Getty Images

Saint Charles station is a hub for Marseille's public transportation.  Yann Guichaoua-Photos Getty Images

If you wander through Le Panier, you may run across the Place des Pistoles square, which is a great place to stop for a drink.  Yann Guichaoua-Photos Getty Images