Marseille has it's own Arc de Triomphe just like Paris except it is smaller and you do not risk your life to cross the road to get to it. It is to the north of the Vieux Port, the old port, not far from the train station. You cannot go inside or climb to the top of the Marseille Arc de Triomphe. It is impressive and attractive.

It supposed to mark the entrance to the city. It was built in year 1825 in the style of an ancient Roman Triumphal Arch . This one was to celebrate the campaign of Louis de France, duke of Angouleme after he had help re-established the power in Madrid to the Bourbon king, Fernando, not a Roman victory in Gaul. The arc de triomphe of Marseille was open on 1st May 1 1837 on the birthday of king Louis-Philippe.

Just under fifty years earlier the judges of the local tribunal decides to use city money to erect an arc de triomphe in honor of king Louis XVI and France's successful involvement in the American war of Independence. The site chosen to build it was approved in June 30 1784, however due to bickering amongst city councilman delay the project which was abandoned during the French revolution. This Arch of Triumph is called Porte d'Aix as it was is on the old route to Aix-en-Provence (and Paris) Gate of Aix. Today it is at the beginning of the road A7.

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