A brief history of ...

Marseille claims that honour, understandable because of the two names. But both names are derived from the Greco/Phoenician Massaliotes who extended trading routes from the eastern Mediterranean.

The Massaliotes certainly founded Marseille around 600 BC and, shortly after, Agde. Thus Agde is the second oldest town in France. But who founded Marseillan? As Agde is only 8 km it seems most likely that the Agatois were the founders. Either way the origins of all three places lie with the Greco/Phoenicians. And, either way, Marseillan is one of the oldest villages in France.

The Romans established the port, and with the Via Domitia running close they also established a rest and recreation centre. Many legionnaires took their discharge at Marseillan, and with it a grant of land - on which they grew vines.