Marseille

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Revision as of 12:38, 27 September 2012

Contents

Marseilles, France

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43°17.82′N, 05°21.75′E
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Photo gallery
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Local chartlet
Fort St Jean at the entrance to Vieux Port, Marseilles
Click for larger view

Background

Marseilles is France's third largest city in terms of population and its largest commercial sea port. Originally a Greek settlement dating back to the 6th century BC, it subsequently became an important Roman port with the name of Massilia. An early and enthusiastic supporter of the French Revolution, the city gave its name to the revolutionary anthem La Marseillaise first sung by the armed force that marched from the city to Paris to support the new government. Occupied by the Nazis fron November 1942, the city was badly damaged by the allies in 1944 in the course of preparing for the liberation of France and was subsequently rebuilt. Today Marseilles is a thriving trading port, with over 100 million tonnes of goods passing through it each year, as well as a popular centre for yachting. The largest marina facilities are to be found in the Vieux Port, the most picturesque area of the old town, but there are additional mooring facilities at Port de Frioul and Port de la Pointe Rouge (details needed).

Marseilles itself, as one might expect, is a busy and hectic city and space in the city's marinas is at a premium at most times of the year. However, a few hours cruising out of Marseilles is the idyllic cruising area of Les Calanques, a series of sea inlets sheltered by towering cliffs and lapped by turquoise-blue water. Even closer are the Iles de Frioul, a small archipelago with quiet coves where a yacht can anchor away from the bustle and noise of the city (although recent reports suggest that a marina has now been installed there - details needed).

Charts

Submit the chart details that are required for safe navigation.

Radio Nets

Also see Cruiser's Nets

Weather

The predominant pattern during the summer months is coastal seabreezes, however Marseilles is also affected whenever there is a strong mistral blowing down the Rhone Valley (although winds here are slightly less strong than in the Rhone delta). Less frequently, Marseilles may be affected by the scirocco, a hot southerly wind that blows up from the Sahara and can last for several days, depositing its cargo of dust over everything in sight.

Sources for Weather forecasts:

Approach and Navigation

The docks area and city of Marseilles are visible from several miles off. Closer in, the lighthouse of Sainte Marie stands some 30 meters high at the headland marking the southern side of the entrance to the Vieux Port. Continue up the channel into the old port, leaving the Fort St Jean to port. (Details needed of approaches to the other marinas).

Check-in facilities

If checking in to the Vieux Port, berth at the pontoon to the right of the entrance just outside the harbourmaster's office and ask for instructions. (Details needed for other marinas)

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

The Vieux Port is the oldest and biggest marina in Marseilles, with over 3,000 berths. However, it is invariably packed during the season and getting a berth in here is a lottery. Once in, there is water and electricity at all berths and you are surrounded by some of the best bistros Marseilles has to offer. Don't plan, however, on a good night's sleep if you are a light sleeper. (Details needed on facilities at other marinas).

Anchorages

The Iles de Frioul offer several quiet bays away from the noise of Marseilles (although see comment above). A few miles round the corner to the east lie the enchanting calanques, where quiet anchorages can be found out of season (although recent reports suggest they are beginning to fill up with permanent mooring buoys).

Offshore Islands

See comments above on the Iles de Frioul.

Tourism & things to do ashore

List places of interest, tours, etc.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Laundry

Grocery & Supply Stores

Eateries

Internet/WiFi

Available?

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Marine Stores & Facilities

Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.

Repairs

Garbage Disposal

?

Transportation

Transportation (local and/or international)

Routes/Passages To/From

Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.

References & Publications

Publications, Guides, etc.

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

Links to relevant websites.

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:


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