The Jewish Heritage of Provence- 4 Hours

Third largest european Jewish community

Marseille is home to the third largest Jewish community in Europe with a presence dating back to the Roman Empire and expanding in the Middle Ages.
During the time of the Inquisition, Jewish populations from Spain, Portugal and France sought papal protection in certain regions of Provence. World War II forced many Jews to flee Eastern and Western Europe who arrived in Marseille with the hope of taking a boat to the Americas. Massive round ups were held in the Panier and Opera districts with a large part of the Panier razed in 1943 by the Nazis with the collaboration of the French Police. During the decolonization of Algeria and Tunisia, Sephardic Jewish populations began arriving en masse in France and particularly in Marseille and surrounding regions.
You’ll be picked up at your hotel or cruise ship and driven in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
The first stop will be the synagogue of Cavaillon, rebuilt in 1772, very well decorated in Provencal setting.
Next, we’ll drive down to the highest point in Marseille for the breathtaking, 360° view of the city and its coastline. We’ll drive along the coast road for more views of the cliffs and beaches and then into the heart of the city to see the extraordinary Palais Longchamp, the Old Port and the oldest neighbohood in France, the Panier.
We’ll then take you back to your hotel or cruise ship.