Marseilles has long had a reputation as being something of a rough diamond, enhanced by its portrayal on the big screen in the 1970s Gene Hackman film The French Connection. But that is changing thanks to Marseilles's ever-increasing popularity with tourists steered by a fast train link to Paris. Not only can you get to the French capital in three hours by train, but the Marseille Provence airport is just 28 kilometres from the city.

With a population of 1.23 million, Marseilles, which proudly calls itself France's second city, has 57 kilometres of rugged Mediterranean coastline on its doorstep, tranquil fishing ports and the sun (nearly) always shines. Aside from the weather, Marseilles is by no means typical of the Provence region, its inhabitants add to the rich tapestry of the city as many are second or third-generation immigrants. Marseilles' premier sunday morning market, Marché aux Puces, allows a glimpse of the city's multi-ethnic background. Chickens are killed to order and African-carved sculptures are among the many colourful sights on offer.
 
Marseilles is divided into 16 arrondissements (districts) which spiral out from the focal point of the city, the Vieux Port. Locally, everything north of the old port is known as the Quartier Nord (northern quarter) and everything south, the Quartier Sud (southern quarter). Today property for sale in Marseilles is in demand and has naturally been boosted by the intensification of international interest. Marseilles has a very large buy-to-let market and has become a property investment hotspot, so those wanting to gain money back from their property will have little difficulty. Currently, in Marseilles property prices average 3,230 euros per square metre for a house and 2,849 euros per square metre for an apartment (April 2006, source: FNAIM).

City centre property developments are being sold as quickly as they are emerging. For example, Pavillon Massalia offers one, two and three bedroom apartments located in La Belle de Mai in the heart of the Cultural Renovation Area of Marseilles. Despite the fact the development is not due to be completed until 2007 all of the apartments have already been sold for between 154,500 euros and 250,300 euros. The influx of investors may have caused a rise in property prices, but it has also boosted the economy. Modern Marseilles has rejuvenated its old quarters and is now home to numerous art galleries, trendy nightclubs and a buzzing music scene. With its 25 theatres, the Opera, the concert hall 'The Dôme' and the National Ballet of Marie-Claude Piétragalla, Marseilles is one of the most cultural cities in France. In fact, there are more theatres in Marseilles per capita of the population than anywhere else in the country.
 
Marseilles is now asserting itself as the major economic centre of the Mediterranean area. The city has undeniable assets: ideally located between Europe and the Mediterranean, a young, dynamic and creative population, and a long experience of international exchange. Marseilles Provence Metropolis is the second largest public research centre in France in the field of science and groups together nearly 3,000 research scientists in the city's three university laboratories. In total there are 90,000 students based in the city, so Marseilles has a thriving, young and educated population.

Marseilles plays a leading role in the health industry as well, due to a vast hospital complex that has the latest equipment and reputable research units at its disposal.

The Urban Free Zone, located in the centre of the northern districts of Marseilles, has allowed real economic revitalisation and a thorough change of image. The Urban Free Zone has created 6,800 jobs, produced by the arrival of 1,556 companies. These modern industries prosper in harmony with the traditional industry of the region – fruit and vegetables. While a proliferation of hip bars have sprung up across the city, and you imagine more will follow, you can still enjoy a pastis at a streetside café and watch Arab traders barter with the locals. Without abandoning anything of its rich history, Marseilles is now presenting a new face to the world, a face with many sides that will excite and entice property seekers.

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Article first published in May 2006