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Marseille, the third metropolitan area of France, after Paris and Lyon, is a city of very ancient origins, founded in 600 BC. from the Greeks of Focene, it immediately became an important commercial center on the shores of the Mediterranean, in Roman times it was known by the name of Massalia. The city also developed considerably during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, always maintaining a certain autonomy until the French revolution. Marseille is a city rich in art and history, there are Roman remains, medieval palaces and churches and the picturesque site of the Vieux-Port, the ancient port of the city. Marseille is today the most important and busiest port in France which, thanks to trade, has been able to create a cosmopolitan environment full of exoticism which makes Marseille a beautiful Mediterranean city which attracts artists, stylists and designers from all over France.
MARSEILLE CHRISTMAS MARKET
1) Marseille Christmas Market (Marché de Noël de Marseille).
The Marseille market is usually held in quai de la Fraternité near the Grande Roue, in the evocative setting of the Vieux-Port, and is made up of over 80 wooden houses. The artisans and traders of the market offer products such as the famous Marseille soap, local handicrafts, gift ideas in glass and ceramics, jewellery, toys, candles and Christmas decorations.
2) Foire aux santons de Noël. Fair of the typical Provençal clay figurines (santons), which has been held in Marseille since 1803. The fair takes place in the Place Général De Gaulle and includes more than 40 craftsmen (santonniers) of the nativity figurines.
Christmas events are usually complemented by entertainment for children and adults such as choirs, parades of cartoon characters, stilt walkers, fire eaters and acrobats. Finally, other Christmas events are organized in every district of the city.