Vieux Port: The Heartbeat of Marseille

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [o re-vwar]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît / De rien
  [seel voo pleh / de ree-ehn]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi / Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay mwah / deh-zo-leh]
• How are you?Comment ça va ?
  [koh-mon sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous ?
  [byen. eh voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais ?
  [par-leh voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr lah kart, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vee-ahnd]
• Cheers!Santé !
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-eh, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours !
  [oh seh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en !
  [ah-lay vooz ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police !
  [ah-peh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin !
  [ah-peh-lay uh may-deh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ash-tey...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhust]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte ?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shehr]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix ?
  [poo-vey voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il ?
  [kel er eh-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ehz un er]
• Half past (10)Dix et demi
  [dees ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [ma-tan]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swah]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-man]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kat]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sett]
• 8Huit
  [wheat]
• 9Neuf
  [nuff]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où se trouve un/le...?
  [oo suh troov uhn/luh]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kel eh lah-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vey voo muh mohn-tray (sir lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahnd eh luh proh-shan (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Vieux Port, the historic heart of Marseille, was originally founded as Massalia by Greek settlers from Phocaea around 600 BC. The natural harbor provided a strategic location for trade and maritime activities, establishing Marseille as a vital port in the Mediterranean.

During the Roman era, Vieux Port thrived as a commercial hub. The port facilitated trade between Rome and the rest of the Mediterranean, with goods such as wine, oil, and textiles flowing through its docks. The construction of the 'Port de Marseille' solidified its importance within the Roman Empire.

In the medieval period, Vieux Port was surrounded by fortifications to protect the city from pirates and rival states. Notable structures like the Saint-Nicolas and Saint-Jean forts were established in the 17th century, which still stand today, showcasing the military architecture of the time.

The 18th century saw Vieux Port flourish further as a commercial center, with the establishment of shipyards and warehouses. The port became a melting pot of cultures, influenced by the influx of traders and sailors from around the world, contributing to Marseille's diverse cultural identity.

The advent of the Industrial Revolution brought significant changes to Vieux Port. The construction of new docks and the expansion of the port facilities allowed for increased shipping activities, making Marseille one of the busiest ports in France. This period also saw the emergence of the city's working-class neighborhoods, deeply influencing its social structure.

In the 21st century, Vieux Port underwent extensive redevelopment, including the construction of the MUCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations) and the revitalization of the waterfront. Today, it stands as a vibrant cultural and social hub, reflecting Marseille's historical significance and modern identity.

Vieux Port is centrally located in Marseille, making it easily accessible from various neighborhoods. From the Marseille Saint-Charles Train Station, take Metro Line 1 towards La Fourragère and get off at Vieux Port station, which takes about 10 minutes. If you're coming from the Old Port area, it's just a short walk away. Buses also connect Vieux Port to other parts of the city, with lines 82 and 83 serving the area.

Vieux Port is pedestrian-friendly, and many attractions are within walking distance. The Metro and tram networks are efficient for longer distances. Metro Line 1 serves Vieux Port, while buses and trams connect it to surrounding neighborhoods. Bicycles can be rented from local bike-sharing services, allowing for a leisurely exploration of the waterfront and nearby areas.

Vieux Port is generally safe for tourists, but caution is advised during nighttime. Areas around the fish market can attract pickpockets, so keep your belongings secure. Avoid isolated places and be wary in crowded areas, particularly near public transport hubs.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for ambulance, police, or fire services. The local hospital is located nearby, and pharmacies are scattered throughout Vieux Port for minor health issues. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking. Don't wear overly casual attire when dining in nicer restaurants. Religion: Do be respectful at religious sites; cover shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to the elderly. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'Bonjour'. Don't use overly casual greetings with strangers. Eating & Drinking: Do try local seafood and specialties like bouillabaisse. Don't waste food or be overly loud in restaurants.

To experience Vieux Port like a local, visit the daily fish market for fresh seafood. Join locals in the evenings at the waterfront for a drink or two. Engage with the vendors at the local markets and try some traditional dishes at nearby bistros. For a unique experience, take a boat trip to the nearby Calanques for breathtaking views and swimming opportunities.