Michigan (PRWEB) September 25, 2013
In April, the Provence of Marseille was named one of this year’s European Capitals of Culture, Although Marseille is both a city and a Provence, it is the Provence of Marseille that was named the European Capital of Culture. The Provence of Marseille includes the city of Marseille, as well as many other cities and smaller towns and villages throughout the region. Events that are taking place for the Capital are split into episodes that include Episode 1: "Marseille Provence welcomes the world", from January to May 2013; Episode 2: "Marseille Provence under open skies", from May to September 2013 and Episode 3: "Marseille Provence - a Thousand Faces" from September to December 2013. From arts and history to music, culture and food, Marseille is the place to be. New galleries and venues have opened and will continue until the beginning of 2014, each offering visitors a look into the history and the present of this European Capital of Culture.
The European Capital of Culture is said to represent the richness and diversity of European cultures. Since the award first began, over 40 cities have been chosen, which range from Athens to Stockholm, each offering its own unique features that set it apart. In order to even qualify for this honor, Marseille had to meet the criteria that included fostering cooperation, highlighting cultural diversity in Europe and bringing the common aspects of European cultures into view for others.
As a cultural capital there are certainly some areas that best represent this honor. Visitors are encouraged to begin their journey at the information center set up especially for this year's celebration to learn where these events and activities are going on throughout Marseille. To truly experience what sets this region apart visitors should plan on spending some time at the top museums such as the Historic Museum in Marseille, which just recently reopened to the public, as well as the Museum of Mediterranean Architecture, which offers a look at the ancient history of this region and others.
Culture is more than history, however, and no trip to this part of France would be complete without spending some time enjoying the culture of today. From local foods and wines to walking routes in Marseille and the surrounding villages and towns, beaches, ancient forts and cathedrals, ferry rides and more, embrace the past and the present in this capital of culture.
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