LGBTQ+ Facts
Marseille, France, has a thriving, active, and exciting LGBTQ+ community. You will find an LGBTQ+ scene in various venues, like bars, clubs, saunas, cruising spots, and clubs. Even though there is no designated gayborhood, there are still plenty of queer-friendly activities to discover in Marseille.
However, the LGBTQ+ scene has been referred by some to be a bit dated and could be more progressive and inclusive.
Here are some of the most popular spots in Marseille for LGBTQ+ folks:
Mental Health in Marseille, France
Depression is the most commonly occurring mental illness in France. Approximately 5% to 15% of French people are at risk of having a depressive episode. In addition,
About 3% of children are impacted by this mental illness, and 10% to 15% among youth.
The risk of death by suicide is ten times more increased for someone diagnosed with depression. In France, in particular, there are 12,000 deaths by suicide annually, with one person dying by suicide every hour.
If you know a child who needs mental health care in Marseille, be sure to check out our resources at LGBTQ and ALL. We have an extensive list of qualified psychologists for kids in the area as well as all over the world.
Top Features for Marseille, France
Marseille is a port city located in southern France. It has been known as a crossroads for immigration and trade even since being founded by the Greeks around 600 B.C. One of Marseille’s top attractions is the Vieux-Port (Old Port), featuring fishmongers who sell their catch via the boat-lined quay. In addition, Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde is a Romanesque-style Byzantine church that many visitors and locals visit. Modern landmarks include Le Corbusier’s influential Cité Radieuse complex and Zaha Hadid’s CMA CGM Tower.
Marseille is also famous for its Bonne-mère and its Château d’If, as well as various iconic cultural outputs, like Savon de Marseille, tarot, and Southern culture of pastis and pétanque.
Facts
- Marseille is the oldest city in France, founded 2600 years ago.
- This city has 300 days of sunshine annually and 2900 hours of sun during the year.
- Marseille has the largest commercial port in France.
- Many people know Marseille as the gateway to Provence, with an ideal location to access the Provence region.
- Marseille’s most significant European suburban park is the stunning Calanques National Park.
- Thirteen international cities are twin cities with Marseille.
- According to World Water Capital headquarters, Marseille has been considered the World Water Capital since 1996.
History/Data
One of Marseille’s most well-known historical facts is its extensive history of producing soap. This process began in the Middle Ages due to increased raw materials, such as olive oil. In 1688, King Louis XIV passed the Edict of Colbert, which was essential for soap production. It set the standards and qualifications needed for using the Marseilles soap label. Even today, soap is present in Marseille, home to five of the original “savonneries” (soap manufacturers).
In 2015, the population of Marseille was 869,815 (INSEE 2019 figures), making it the second-largest city in France.