L’Athènes des Gaules, the history of the ancient and proud Mασσαλία is a fascinating narration of a different city that stays different throughout all its history. Ville du Midi par excellence according to Stendhal, Marseille is both exotic and Mediterranean. It has a totally different flavor:
Ah Marseille, la seule ville où l’on mange !
Emile Zola
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Marseilles’ spirit of independence will shape the destiny of its commerce and its policy towards foreigners.