Thousands visit France's largest commerical port

9,000 visitors headed to Marseille Fos port on the weekend

For those interested in maritime activity, the port's open days were the perfect opportunity to take a free cruise around the harbour and get a glimpse of some of the largest ships in Europe. And, on Sunday 10th June some, lucky visitors got just that as they saw one of Norway’s biggest vessels, the Norwegian Epic, dock in the busy port.

The port is divided into three main harbours: Marseille, Lavera and Fos, and it has become a worldwide port of call to over 2.5 million passengers and cargo each year, as well as 70 regular maritime services linking the south of France to five countries across the globe.

Despite being recognised worldwide by many maritime traders, locally the busy port is somewhat inconspicuous. One resident who visited the harbour on the weekend told local newspaper La Provence how surprised she was that the port was so busy: “I had no idea it was globally recognised and the biggest in France and the Mediterranean.”

Another added how impressive the harbour is when you get up close to it. “It’s right on my doorstep but I never realised how much actually goes on at the port. It’s quite incredible.”

Unfortunately, visitors will have to wait until next year to get another glimpse. Organisers hope to match the impressive turnout in 2012. 

Sarah Lloyd