Marseille is the second largest city in France and its most active commercial port city. Founded by Greeks in 600 BC, Marseille thrived as a trading port for hundreds of years, first as part of the Roman Empire and later under local rulers, before becoming part of France in 1481. Marseille suffered significantly from German bombings during World War II, with over a third of its old city, including parts of the famous Vieux Port (Old Port) district, destroyed by air raids. In the 1950s and beyond, it welcomed over a million immigrants from North Africa, making it one of the most culturally diverse cities in France. However, the economic downturn of the 1970s left many immigrants and French-born people in poverty, and Marseille still suffers from economic disparities and political strife today. However, Marseille has much to offer visitors, including excellent museums, colorful street life, stunning rock formations, and a sunny, temperate climate.
