Marseille was born 26 centuries ago on what was at the time only a deep creek, the Lacydon creek. Even in ancient times Greek sailors from Phocaea succumbed to the splendour and the beauty of the site. According to legend the Greeks' leader Protis was chosen by Gyptis, daughter of the King of the Ligurian Segobrigii people, to become her husband. This first marriage symbolises the union between Marseille and the Mediterranean and the city's welcome to strangers from overseas. From the banks of the Lacydon these pioneers and bold traders dispersed and set up trading posts along the entire coastline, in Languedoc and Spain. Whether you prefer fine sand or stones, a rocky creek hidden from view or wide open areas surrounded by lawns, you will find your ideal spot in the wide choice of beaches that stretch along the 40 km of coastline between Corbière in the north and Port Pin in the South. You may go to Prado beach one day and to the Calanques the following day but wherever you go you can be sure of impeccable seawater that qualifies for European blue flag certification. Some beaches can provide mattresses, sunshades, toilet facilities and entertainment while others are friendly family places where the Marseille people meet up with each other. Whether you are eating in a simple snack bar or dining in a luxury restaurant you will be sampling Marseille at the water's edge.