France's oldest city, Marseille, is a bustling port with a lively local atmosphere. Marseille was founded by Greeks, about 600 BC, as the city of Phocea. Tourism is a recent phenomenon In Marseille. The Vieux Port, is a very sheltered harbour, although rather noisy. The pontoons on the southern side of the harbour run by Cercle Nautique et Touristique du Lacydon are recommended.