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Why did Marseille retain a separate administration after joining France?

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View of the old port of Marseille, France, with numerous boats docked in the harbor and the city's terracotta-roofed buildings rising up a hill, topped by the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica. — Marseille Seaside view of the Old Port of Marseille, France.

When Marseille became part of the Kingdom of France in 1481, it retained a separate administration as part of a long-standing tradition of asserting its independence against central authority. Throughout its history, the city frequently revolted against kings or governments that it perceived as threatening its ancient liberties.12

This spirit of autonomy was deeply ingrained in the city's identity; even after falling to Julius Caesar in the 1st century BCE, it was permitted to remain a free city in recognition of its past services. Following its incorporation into France, the city continued to guard its status, leading to conflicts such as its opposition to Louis XIV during the Fronde. Because of this history of resistance, the French government was notably reluctant to grant Marseille the status of capital of the Bouches-du-Rhône département when France was administratively reorganized in 1800.321