Marseille impressive after facelift

France’s oldest city is still going strong. In actual fact: Marseille has developed into an absolute dream destination in recent years.

‘Plus c’est long, plus c’est bon’ is the motto in Marseille. The longer, the better. This doesn’t just refer to the city’s passion for long aperitifs. The saying is also befitting of the staying power that characterises France’s oldest city. Marseille is currently in the midst of a particularly long period of redevelopment. Since the redevelopment of the docklands and warehouses of La Joliette and the spectacular Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations, the city’s facelift has become something of a self-perpetuating phenomenon.

The Old Port, where fish is sold at ten stalls in the morning, the Cours Estienne d’Orves right next door, and the Corniche quickly followed suit. Not to forget Notre-Dame-du-Mont, which was even declared the coolest neighbourhood in the world by Time Out magazine.

Typical of Marseille, many of the good things came from the sea: the 2024 Olympic Games, for which the sailing competitions were held here, also resulted in Marseille receiving something of a touch-up. That’s not to say that things ever get boring in this chronically non-conformist metropolis — the centre of Provençal fashion trends. In addition to the diverse music festival starting on 12 June, the ​‘Hero Festival’ dedicated to the superheroes of pop culture will take place in November.

Marseille Jazz des Cinq Continents: Anniversary edition from 1 to 13 July 2025

The renowned Marseille Jazz des Cinq Continents festival will celebrate its 25th anniversary from 1 to 13 July 2025 with a top-class programme and concerts in extraordinary locations throughout the city. Stars of the international jazz scene such as Dee Dee Bridgewater, Nubya Garcia, Tigran Hamasyan, Kokoroko, and Erik Truffaz will take to the stage alongside outstanding European talents.

The concerts will be held in the open air at iconic venues such as the Théâtre Silvain, the Friche la Belle de Mai, the Vieille Charité, and – for the first time – the historic Citadelle de Marseille. Each location offers a special atmosphere and makes the festival a cultural experience that extends beyond music. The 25th edition remains true to its original concept: jazz in all its diversity – cosmopolitan, creative, and right in the heart of Marseille.

Marseille becomes the world stage for pétanque (boules): the 64th edition of the Mondial La Marseillaise à Pétanque is coming up

From 4 to 9 July 2025, Marseille will once again be transformed into the Mecca of pétanque. The 64th edition of the Mondial La Marseillaise à Pétanque promises to be a celebration of precision, passion, and community.

A traditional tournament with global appeal

Since its inception in 1962, the Mondial La Marseillaise à Pétanque has become one of the most important pétanque tournaments in the world. Every year, it attracts more than 10,000 players from more than 20 countries, including teams from the USA, Australia, Belgium, Sweden, and Germany.

Tournament schedule

The main tournament will take place from 6 to 9 July 2025 and will be held in the Parc Borély and at around 30 other venues throughout Marseille. The game is played in ​‘triplettes’ (teams of three), with each match lasting for 13 points and following a knockout system.

Game mode: The game is played in ​‘triplettes’ (teams of three), with each match lasting 13 points.

Rules: The official rules of the Fédération Française de Pétanque et Jeu Provençal (FFPJP) apply.

PÉTANQUE – RULES AT A GLANCE

Basic principle

The aim of the game is to place your own balls closer to the target ball (cochonnet) than those of the opposing team. Precision, tactics, and teamwork are crucial.

Team formats

• Tête-à-tête (1 vs. 1): 3 balls each
• Doublette (2 vs. 2): 3 balls each
• Triplette (3 vs. 3): 2 balls each

How to play

• A throwing circle (35 – 50 cm in diameter) is marked on the ground.
• The target ball is thrown from a distance of 6 to 10 metres.
• The team whose ball is furthest from the target continues playing.
• Players take turns throwing or shooting until all balls have been played.
• At the end of a round, only the team whose ball is closest to the target receives points – one point for each ball that is better placed than the opponent’s best ball.

Errors and fouls

• Throws outside the circle or when the target ball is too close or too far away are invalid.
• Rule violations (e.g. unauthorised interference) result in the removal of the ball in question.
• Repeated violations may result in disqualification.

End of the game

The game is played to 13 points. The team that reaches this score first is the winner.

marseilles​-tourismus​.com

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