Located on the southeastern coast of France on the Mediterranean Sea, Marseille is the oldest city in the country and second largest after Paris. Thanks to its long and unique past - Greek sailors originally settled the city back in 600 B.C. - this bustling port is filled with history and amazing architecture. It's also one of the most picturesque ports in the country, with fantastic views and scenic backdrops. The One Thing You Don't Want to Miss For the best view of the city, there's only one place to go: Notre Dame de la Garde. Entirely covered in gold leaf, it towers over Marseille at an impressive 500 feet tall (154 meters.) Throughout the years, it has served as a lookout post, a military zone and a place of worship.