Marseille’s history has been performed on the Old Port for 26 centuries. During Antiquity and the Middles Ages, the Greek (Massalia), Roman (Massilia) and Medieval (Masiho) city expanded on the northern bank and to the south in the 17th century. Entry to the port was henceforth guarded by two forts, Fort Saint-Nicolas and Fort Saint-Jean
One of the iconic symbols of the Old Port was the transporter bridge, a metallic structure opened between both forts in 1905 which, unfortunately, was destroyed after the war.
The Old Port was renovated in 2013 (easier access to the port, less traffic, the Ombrière created by Norman Foster). To this day, the Old Port is the beating heart of Marseille.
The Knights Templar commandery stood on the site of the church in the 12th century. After the suppression of the Order and the disappearance of its members, Augustinian monks bought the buildings in 1369. They began building the gothic church which was consecrated in 1542 but only completed in 1588. The Italian-style bell tower dates back to the 18th century. It was built as a parish in 1803 in the name of Saint Ferréol in memory of the collegiate of the same name which was destroyed in 1794 (where the administrative centre now stands). The building originally had 5 bays and 12 lateral chapels but urban planning destroyed two of the bays in 1804. After the opening of Rue Impériale (now Rue de la République), cement worker Désiré Michel created the new Neo-Baroque façade
Your perfect base for exploring Marseille is Le Panier Enchanté – Suites & Spa Spread over 4 levels, 3 Suites with private bathroom, and the Loft Mezzanine, are facing South; very bright and quiet, they all overlook a small private garden at the hotel, which will allow you to relax in the open air. Each Suite has a balneotherapy bath (* except the Loft Mezzanine), to relax in the evening after wandering in the neighborhood, among its many artists’ studios, quaint cafes, craftsmen, slow food restaurants ….
Each suite is air-conditioned, with new bedding 160 cm, Smart flat screen TV 107 cm, free WiFi at will, coffee maker Dolce Gusto, kettle, tea, coffee … The upper Loft apartment (without spa bath), with its mezzanine, can accommodate up to 4 people (1 double bed + 2 single beds); its fully equipped kitchen, with washing machine, allows you longer stays in the greatest comfort.
The private garden and terrace on the ground floor is common to all the establishment, a real breath of fresh air in the city center
