Marseille is France's second largest city the one with the third largest metropolitan area after Paris and Lyon. It has an estimated population of over 1.6 million (2007 Census) and it located on the southeast coast of France. Serving as Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur Region's administrative capital, Marseille is one of the most important cities in the world. Its inhabitants are referred to as Marseillais. The city is also France's largest commercial port.

In the past, Marseille's economy depended on the fact that it was the port of the French Empire. The old ports and docks experienced a decline in the 1970's but has been recently restored. Today, Marseille still plays a significant role in France's container import and import industry. The New Port, which lies north of the Old Port, receives and estimated 100 million tons of cargo each year. Aside from the container trade, Marseille is also a center of trade and industry and France and has excellent transportation infrastructure.

The romance and the culture associated with France and its cities have led it to be one of the most sought after settings for film. Marseille itself has played host to a multitude of films over the years. Some of the most notable include French Connection (1971), Taxi (1998), The Bourne Identity (2002), the Count of Monte Cristo (2002), The Transporter (2002), and Love Actually (2003).

Main sights found in the city include the La Vielle Charite, The Abbey of St Victor, the Marseille historical museum, the Musee de la Mode, and the Palais de la Bourse.