Macon (CA 132) - Naval Cruise Book

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rxvxx Marseilles passed to the French c:)ini ' n in 1486 under whose sponsorshi]) the city was rebuilt in the late KKlO ' s. Mar- seilles supported the French Revolution and had its commerce ruined by the Na- poleonic Wars and the Continental block- ades. But with the conquest ol Algeria and the construction of the Suez Canal prosperity again came to the city. World War II and especially the year 1944 saw heavy allied bombing o£ Marseilles and much of Southern France. Today you found a large pier-studded harbor which had been almost complete- ly cleared of the many ships sinik there during the last World War. The Old Port you found to be a large rectangular shaped harbor with a long open seaward side. Leading from the Old Port is the Boulevard La Cannebiere, the main avenue filled with shops of every descrip- tion. Overlooking the city in all its splen- dor you found the beautiful cathedral, Notre Dame de la Garde. From your high altitude observation platform you scanned the coastline and your eyes fell on the Chateau d ' If. From the piers at the Old Port you paid 200 francs for a twenty minute boat ride to the famous island immortalized by Diuuas as the prison of the Count of Monte Cristo. Riding back from the island you scanned the horizon of the entire city ' and wondered just what pleased you so vmuch about this maritime metropolis.

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MayeiHei I M M-: Marseilles, you were quick to note as we ar- rived there in mid-February, is a major Mediter- ranean port. It is France ' s second largest city and its cliief port, serving the industrial Rhone River Valley, Switzerland, and as France ' s link with North Africa. The history of Marseilles dates back to the founding of the Greek colony of Marsalia, founded by Asia Minor marines about 600 B.C. A coastal empire was established by the Massa- lists which spread from Monaco to St. Martin, Spain. When civil war broke out in Rome be- tween Poinpey and Caesar, Marseilles supported Pompey. Caesar captured the city which was later successively occupied by Visigoths, Franks, Nor- mans and Arabs, a few among many conquerors.

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Your French guide met you at the ship in Marseilles as you all piled into the bus which was to take the tour party to the train station. His name was Albert, and he assured you that he knew everything about France and especially Paris. Later you learned just how true this was. You ' d heard a lot about the 6-man couchette you ' d be riding in and attempting to sleep in, but it turned out not to be too bad after all. The train pulled out, and, since taps were being sounded back at the almost forgotten ship and your shipmates were turning in, you decided to turn in also. Most of you slept, but come early morning all eyes were open— staring out the win- dows at the haze-covered countryside for those first glimpses of Paris, the City of Light. Finally, you were there. Occasionally you had the feeling that you must be travel weary, but these thoughts were quickly dispelled when you set down to an American ham and eggs break- fast at your hotel. You found the food excellent,- so were yoiu hotel accommodations and the service.