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15 Best Things to Do in Marseille (France)

Like many port around the world, Marseille long had a reputation for seediness and crime. And there’s still a scruffiness about the city today, which is no bad thing. It lends Marseille a rakish character and gives it an intoxicating dynamism and colour.

You can see it all in neighbourhoods like Le Panier, Noailles and La Paine and their shops, markets and cafes. The Old Port has been in use since 600BC, and if you’re inspired by the great age of France’s oldest city there’s a wonderful choice of museums that will send you back in time.

Lets explore the best things to do in Marseille :

1. Old Port

Marseille’s massive rectangular port has been trading for 2,600 years, and is more of a whole district than a single sight.

On three sides are quays with broad promenades enclosed mostly 18th-century former warehouses.

It seems like almost every one of these has a cafe, fish restaurant or bar on its ground floor, with outdoor seating so you can see life in this enchanting city unfold as you nurse a pastis.

Industry has long moved to the modern docks to the docks to the north, and most of the boats in the old port are for pleasure.

But at the innermost Quai des Belges the latest catch is still brought ashore to be sold at the fish market by the water every morning.

2. Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

It’s hard to miss this monument rising above the skyline to the south of the Old Port.

It’s a 19th-century neo-Byzantine church 150 metres above the water, with a large golden statue of the Virgin and Child at the top of its tower to watch over Marseille’s maritime communities.

There had been religious sanctuaries and watch towers on La Garde for many centuries, and the basilica incorporates the lower levels of a renaissance fort that also included a chapel.

The climb isn’t to be taken lightly in the summer, but there’s a tourist train departing regularly from the Old Port.

Needless to say the scenery from up here is jaw-dropping.

3. Calanques National Park

Marseille’s southern and eastern suburbs brush up against an area of exceptional natural beauty.

The Calanques are craggy white limestone cliffs and creeks reaching gargantuan heights and descending sharply to the sea.

You can experience these rocky wonders by land or sea.

If you’re going to hike it then you’ll need an intrepid spirit, as the GR 98 from Marseille to Cassis takes around 11 hours and leads you into some tough country.

Of course, the scenery makes up for the exertion.

There are also mini-cruises departing from the Old Port, as well as guided kayaking adventures.

If you can, try to reach the indescribably beautiful cove at Calanque d’En Vau.

Available tour : Catamaran Cruise & Lunch in the Calanques National Park

4. Musée d’Histoire de Marseille

It can be difficult to get your head around Marseille’s 26 centuries of history, but this first-rate museum near the Old Port will help.

Because of the huge time-span that the attraction deals with it’s the largest urban history museum in France.

For history geeks it means half a day spent inspecting amphorae, ceramics, architectural fragments, the remains of ancient ships, mosaics, sarcophagi and much more.

As well as this heap of artefacts from the Ancient Greeks up to the 20th century there are maps and models illustrating Marseille in all phases of its history, and the building joins onto a set of archaeological site containing ramparts, port buildings and a necropolis.

5. La Corniche

Weaving down the coast for several kilometres from the Old Port, La Corniche is one long balcony next to the Mediterranean, going past beaches and quirky little neighbourhoods.

You can drive it, but it’s just as rewarding to walk for the sea air and outstanding vistas of the Frioul Archipelago and the towers of the Château d’If in the bay.

One of the most striking sights is the Vallon des Auffes, a traditional fishing harbour on a steep inlet, ringed with ramshackle old huts and accessed from the sea beneath the arches that support the road.

6. Le Panier

This part of Marseille, just north of the Old Port, has been inhabited since 600 BC and was the site of the Greek colony of Massalia.

A the city evolved it became the place where Marseille’s waves of immigrants settled, and even today there’s a large Maghreb and Corsican population.

It’s a district with ochre-coloured walls, stone stairways and long, corridor-like streets emerging on sun-drenched squares.

Until recently it had always been one of the poorest parts of Marseille, as demonstrated by the La Vieille Charité, a 17th-centruy baroque almshouse with three tiers of arcaded galleries around a chapel.

Now it’s an increasingly trendy district with independent boutiques and craft shops, cafes and plenty of imaginative street art.

Inaugurated in 2013, MuCEM is a cutting edge museum that regenerated a portion of Marseille’s waterfront next to the 17th-century Fort de Saint-Jean.

The architecture is breathtaking, but what’s inside is actually quite difficult to sum up: It’s a kind of overview of Mediterranean culture an civilisation, incorporating art, photography exhibitions and historic artefacts.

Most people who visit agree that the exhibitions aren’t the most consistent, capriciously jumping from period to period and theme to theme, but they’re so diverse that there are galleries to capture everyone’s attention.

Entry to the fort, built by Louis XIV,  is included in the ticket, and this structure is connected to the museum by two bridges.

8. La Plaine and Noailles

Directly east of the Old Port are two neighbourhoods that will give you a sense of day-to-day life in Marseille.

Noailles is another area in which generations of Africans settled, particularly after Algeria became a French territory in 1830. The scruffy and chaotic market here runs from Monday to Saturday, with sights and scents that could be from a souk in North Africa or the Middle East, with flatbreads baking and kebabs sizzling.

La Plaine, around Place Jean Jaurès, a few streets further east is one of the trendier parts of the city.

Here there are stylish boutiques and bars, as well as a market on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday mornings with a jumble of stalls selling everything from fresh produce to perfumes.

9. Stade Vélodrome

Even before a marvellous refurbishment in the build up to Euro 2016, Olympique de Marseille’s home stadium was one of the world’s football cathedrals.

Now it’s the largest club football stadium in the country, with a capacity of 67,000, and is finally protected from the merciless Mistral wind by a spectacular undulating roof.

Despite being an icon, the Stade Vélodrome hasn’t always been appreciated by the city or OM’s fans, and you’ll learn all you need to know about this history on an hour-long tour, while visiting the dressing rooms, the highest point of the terraces and going pitch-side.

10. Boulevard Longchamp

One of Marseille’s most edifying walks can be taken along the handsome Boulevard Longchamp with its upmarket 19th-century houses and twin row of plane trees.

The best way to do it is to head from Canebière station up towards Palais Longchamp, and the crescent-shaped colonnade and fountain of this imposing 19th-century complex will slowly come in to view.

Palais Longchamp and the park and attractions around it were built to celebrate the completion of the Canal de Marseille, which linked with the Durance River and ended centuries of water supply problems for the city.

The city’s Natural Museum and Museum of Fine Arts are set here too.

11. Cité Radieuse

Built between 1947 and 1952 this apartment building made from concrete was the Swiss architect Le Corbusier’s first Unité d’Habitation, a design that would be repeated across Europe in the post-war period.

The idea was to transfer the homes, streets and amenities of a city into an 18-floor concrete block.

More than a thousand people still live here, but there’s a tour taking you into one of the restored original apartments, and up to the rooftop terrace where you can gaze out over the city.

Like all of Le Corbusier’s buildings it’s now protected as a UNESCO site.

12. L’Estaque

Now a north-western suburb of Marseille, L’Estaque is a fishing village that inspired Cézanne, Braque and an array of other late-19th-century painters.

Cézanne in particular spent a lot of time in L’Estaque, painting scenes of the village and sea in different seasons.

If you’re familiar with his work you may get thrills when you survey these seascapes with your own eyes.

The Marseille artist Adolphe Monticelli was another painter linked to the village in this period, and there’s a museum in L’Estaque with the largest single collection of his work in the world.

On a wander, go by the old port where stalls sell panisses (chips made with chickpea flour) and chichis fregis (donuts).

13. Musée des Docks Romains

Marseille’s ancient history is so rich that one museum isn’t enough to show you all there is to see.

The Musée des Docks Romains is a couple of streets in from the north side of the Old Port and covers the site of one of the world’s few known Roman commercial warehouses.

They were uncovered after the war, during the which a number of streets had been dynamited by the Germans.

What will blow you away here are the dolia, massive ceramic jugs as tall as full-grown adults and able to store 2,000 litres of wine or olive oil.

14. Beaches

Despite being on the Mediterranean and having 42 kilometres of coast, Marseille has never been thought of as a beach destination.

In the mid-70s though the Prado seaside park was created, reclaiming 40 hectares of sea and laying it with shingle and sand.

What really makes it is the view of the gnarled white rocks at the start of the Calanques to the southeast.

Your other option for seaside relaxation are the beaches of Corbière in the north, just past L’Estaque.

These are also man-made, and like Prado are protected from erosion by breakwaters.

15. Cuisine

Bouillabaisse is a Marseille dish that is cooked all over the world.

It’s a fish and seafood stew normally made with lean fish that have little market value and are better when cooked down, like scorpionfish, conger and sea robins.

These are stewed with wine, olive oil and saffron, although the remainder of the recipe varies from restaurant to restaurant.

Part of the ritual is rustic bread smothered with rouille, a kind of piquant mayonnaise, and dropped into the soup.

It all goes best with white wines from the Rhône Valley or Languedoc-Roussillon.

On the sweet side you can pick up navettes, cute boat-shaped biscuits in a variety of flavours, from anis to chocolate.

15 Best Things to Do in Marseille (France):

• Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
• Calanques National Park
• Musée d'Histoire de Marseille
• La Corniche
• La Plaine and Noailles
• Stade Vélodrome
• Boulevard Longchamp
• Cité Radieuse
• Musée des Docks Romains

Visit Marseille: Top 33 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions

Things to do in marseille: the 33 best places to visit and highlights.

You’re planning to visit Marseille , in the south of France?

Great idea!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have written this guide of the 33 best things to do in Marseille , with all must-see attractions and points of interest.

In addition to the best places to visit, you will also find itineraries to visit Marseille in 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days (or more!) as well as my selection of the best hotels depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Marseille? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

1. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Guard

2. le panier, 3. the old port, 4. the mucem, 5. la major cathedral, 6. the cours julian, 7. the vallon des auffes, 8. corniche jf kennedy, 9. the palais longchamp, 10. the frioul islands, 11. château d’if (if castle), 12. the calanques of marseille, 13. marseille’s beaches, 14. stade velodrome, 15. abbey of saint-victor, 16. the goudes district, 17. borély park, 18. la canebière, 19. other museums to visit in marseille, 20. other monuments to see in marseille, 21. other activities to do in marseille, 22. marseille’s markets, 23. shopping in marseille, 24. l’estaque, 25. aix-en-provence, 28. baux-de-provence, 29. the luberon, 30. camargue, 31. verdon gorges, 32. take a boat trip from marseille, 33. visit a vineyard in provence, how many days to visit marseille, one day in marseille, 2 days in marseille, 3 days in marseille, 4, 5 days in marseille or more, where to stay in marseille, where to eat in marseille, how to get to marseille, rent a boat in marseille, tourist map of marseille, what to do in marseille with your family, which districts of marseille to visit, how to visit the calanques de marseille, how to visit marseille on foot, you’re traveling in france these articles will help you, visit marseille: 33 must-see attractions.

Start with one of the best known landmarks in Marseille: the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde (Our Lady of the Guard).

Known as the Good Mother , this iconic monument of Marseille, built on a hill 150 metres above sea level, dominates the entire city. From the Esplanade de Notre-Dame , you can admire a 360° panorama of the city and the sea.

A place of pilgrimage for 800 years , the basilica is dedicated to Mary , whose statue located at the top of the bell tower is the protector of the city and of sailors . Covered with gold, it weighs more than 9700 kg!

The interior of the basilica, all in white and red marble , can be visited free of charge. You can admire the beautiful Byzantine mosaics .

To reach Notre-Dame de la Garde , you have several options:

• On foot: many paths lead to the top of the hill but it will take some effort on your calves!
• By car: paid parking next to the basilica
• By bus: line 60 will take you to the entrance
• By small tourist train.

And there’s one last, much more original way to climb up there. Segway!

The Segway tour that I propose allows you to discover the best places in Marseille like the Old Port and the MuCEM and then go up to Notre-Dame de la Garde to enjoy the view.

It’s a fabulous experience and the guide is really lovely and interesting.

Book your Marseille Segway tour now below:

To visit Marseille , I recommend you take the city pass . Valid for 24h, 48h or 72h , it includes:

• Free entry to all museums including the MuCEM
• Free and unlimited use of public transport : bus, metro and tram
• A small tourist train ride between Notre-Dame de la Garde and the old town of Marseille
• The boat to Frioul or Château d’If
• Discounts for boat trips in the Calanques
• Discounts in some shops.

The City Pass Marseille needs to be purchased by clicking on the following green button:

Le Panier is the highlight district of Marseille.

Visiting Le Panier means discovering the oldest part of the city . It has long suffered from a poor reputation, but the trend has now reversed and it has become an unmissable stop on any tour of Marseille.

And the famous French series “Plus belle la vie” might look familiar since the Mistral district that features in the show was very largely inspired by Le Panier, and many of the outdoor scenes were filmed there.

Strolling through the narrow and steep streets of Le Panier is also a great way to discover the craft shops and many small bistros.

What to see in the district of Le Panier , in Marseille:

• The Place de Lenche and its view of the Good Mother
• The Place des Moulins where several mills were once located
• The Vieille Charité, a former hospice that now houses four museums
• The Place des Pistoles, the perfect spot for lunch on a terrace
• The rue du Panier

If you want to take a guided tour of the Le Panier , I recommend three options:

• A Segway tour 
• An small party electric scooter tour
• A private tour with a local

Simply click on the orange links for more information and to book.

It is impossible to miss the Old Port (“Vieux Port” in French) during your stay in Marseille.

Symbol of the city (along with the Good Mother!), this is where the Phoceans landed in antiquity and founded Massalia . Since then, the port has continued to develop, becoming France’s second port in the 19th century.

Today, industrial activity has been transferred to the new port of La Joliette, while the Old Port hosts pleasure boats.

The Old Port docks, recently redeveloped, have become a highlight part of a walk in Marseille. They are bordered by a row of cafés and restaurants and the locals of Marseille like to gather there during sports or cultural events.

This is also where the Marseille fish market takes place every morning.

Finally, the Old Port is the starting point for boat trips to visit the Calanques, the Château d’If and Frioul. I’ll tell you more about that later.

You’ve probably already heard about the sardine that choked the Old Port ! But do you know where this story came from?

In 1779, “La Sartine”, a frigate carrying French prisoners who had just been released, ran aground at the entrance to the Old Port . The mighty ship would block all the activity at the port for a good while!

The people of Marseille couldn’t help but turn the “La SarTine” into Sardine, and make it one of the best known anecdotes of the city!

The MuCEM is the one museum you must visit in Marseille . It is located at the end of the Old Port.

Opened only in 2013, the Museum of Civilisations of Europe and the Mediterranean quickly became an icon as unmissable as Notre-Dame de la Garde, with more than 2 million visitors per year.

The MuCEM is actually divided into two parts:

• The J4, the futuristic building built to mark Marseille becoming the European Capital of Culture, which hosts exhibitions dedicated to the Mediterranean world. There is also a bookshop and a panoramic restaurant.
• The Fort Saint Jean is connected to the J4 by a footbridge offering an exceptional view of the whole city on one side and the Frioul islands on the other.

Entry to the MuCEM’s outdoor areas and walkways is free.

If you want to discover the exhibitions , however, you will have to pay an entrance fee . The MuCEM visit is included in the City Pass Marseille.

Alternatively, because this is a very popular attraction, you can buy your tickets for the MuCEM in advance by clicking here!

Opening hours and information about current exhibitions can be found on the official website.

Other tourist attractions in Marseille: the Cathedral of La Major , also known as the “Sainte-Marie-Majeure Cathedral”.

It is located on the edge of the Le Panier district and is not far from the MuCEM.

Built in the 19th century , this imposing Byzantine-style church is one of the largest in France . It’s very similar in size to the Basilica of Saint Peter in Rome .

From the outside, with its white and green marble façade, it is very reminiscent of the magnificent cathedrals of Florence and Siena . And the interior, with its archways, statues and mosaics , is well worth a look.

Entry is free.

You will have a beautiful view of La Major from the MuCEM footbridge and Fort Saint-Jean.

I continue this guide to Marseille through another iconic district: the Cours Julien.

The artists ‘ district is famous for its street art with many graffiti covering the façades between Cours Julien and Place Jean Jaurès.

If you don’t want to miss any of the most famous graffiti, I suggest you book a special 2-h guided tour of the street art by clicking here!

With its very lively and bohemian atmosphere , the Cours Julien is also home to many shops run by local artists and designers , second-hand shops, bookshops and junk shops.

Depending on the day of the week, there are also several markets, such as the farmers’ market or the organic market.

You’re going to Marseille?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Lots of people will be visiting Marseille on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Marseille.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Marseille, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Marseille!

During your trip to Marseille, do not miss the Vallon des Auffes.

This small port is very picturesque with its fishing huts and the fishing boats typical of Marseille: the pointus. An authentic and typical atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

You can also treat yourself to excellent traditional cuisine in one of the renowned restaurants there. For pizza, there’s “Chez Jeannot” and for fresh fish caught the same day or bouillabaisse , head for “Chez Fonfon” , an institution in the Vallon des Auffes!

Or if you have a slightly bigger budget and want to indulge yourself with gourmet cuisine and an exceptional setting, I advise you to try the restaurant “L’Epuisette”.

Reservation recommended because eating at the Vallon des Auffes is a real highlight in Marseille!

The Corniche Kennedy is a long promenade along the seafront.

It starts at Les Catalans beach and in particular passes the Prophet’s beach , the Vallon des Auffes and ends at the Prado beaches . The place is very popular with Marseille locals who come here to cycle, ride their scooters or go for a run.

On foot, you can enjoy beautiful views of the islands and château d’If . I also advise you to go up to Valmer park to contemplate the panorama.

If you don’t want to walk, bus 83 leaves from the Old Port and runs along the entire corniche to Prado.

If there is one place that I recommend you to see in Marseille, it is the Palais Longchamp.

Its architecture is really impressive and it is for me one of the city’s most beautiful monuments . It was built in 1862 to celebrate the arrival of the waters of the Durance in Marseille and there is therefore a commemorative fountain representing abundance and fertility.

The Palais Longchamp is made up of two wings that house the Natural History Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Take the stairs up to the top of the fountain to reach the gardens of the Palais Longchamp , one of the most beautiful parks in the city . It is one of the best places for a walk in Marseille.

Here you will find the observatory garden that houses the Museum of Astronomy, and the Zoological Garden. The latter used to house animals such as giraffes, lions, and even an elephant (the star of the zoo), which have now been replaced by life-size colourful statues.

The museums are free of charge with the City Pass Marseille, and entrance to the Longchamp park is also free.

If you’ve run out of things to do in Marseille, I advise you to escape to the Frioul islands.

Waterfront shuttles leave daily from the Old Port. The crossing takes about 25 minutes and costs about €10 for a round-trip. Prices and times can be found here.

The Frioul archipelago consists of four islands:

• The largest of these is Pomègues . It is known for having one of the most beautiful beaches in Frioul: Tahiti beach.
• Ratonneau, popular for its coves and beaches
• Tiboulen which is not served by shuttles
• If island where the castle of the same name is located: I’ll tell you about that later.

The boat will drop you off on the island of Ratonneau where there are a few restaurants. You can then go right around the island on foot (no vehicles are allowed) and swim in the small creeks with turquoise water .

There are also great views of If and Marseille from the Fort de Ratonneau and the former hospital.

From Ratonneau , walk along the seawall to the left of the port to reach the island of Pomègues .

To discover the Frioul islands, you can also spend a day sailing around Marseille. Yur skipper will show you the most beautiful places to swim!

Book via the button below:

For a romantic evening, I also recommend a sunset boat ride on a traditional wooden schooner.

You will sail towards the Frioul archipelago before stopping for a swim in a small cove with crystal clear water.

You can then enjoy a dinner served on board while admiring the sunset over the islands.

Book your sunset boat tour in Marseille by clicking on the button below:

And if you just want to go on a boat trip around Frioul islands for sunset but without dinner, click here to book this trip!

If you want to visit Ratonneau and Pomègues , allow for a full day to walk around and bathe. I advise you to take a picnic with you as the only restaurants are at the harbour.

For Ratonneau, 1/2 day is enough. Take the shuttle boat at least 3 hours before sunset , otherwise you won’t have time to discover the island. If you are in a hurry, the right side towards the Fort is preferable.

The same shuttles that go to Ratonneau also stop at If island where château d’If is located .

Its construction was decided in the 16th century by King François I to defend the shores against invasion but also to supervise the town that had just been annexed to the Kingdom of France. With its dungeon, towers, ramparts and moat, it is designed as a true fortress.

It was converted into a state prison in 1580. Famous prisoners include Mirabeau and the Marquis de Sade , but Château d’If is also where the Count of Monte-Cristo is held in the novel by Alexandre Dumas.

Guests can visit the Château d’If on their own or take a guided tour . There is an entrance fee to pay, and the waterfront shuttle costs extra. You can pick up your tickets on arrival or in advance online by clicking here.

To visit Château d’If, you can choose between:

• A return trip for If only
• A combined ticket for If + the Frioul islands: the boat drops you off on If, you visit the castle and take the shuttle back to Ratonneau.

Read the timetables carefully , as the last boat for If is at 3.00 pm or 4.00 pm depending on the season. More information can be found here.

As the Château d’If is one of Marseille ‘s top tourist attractions, it is best to book your tickets online in advance for the shuttle (especially in summer).

This is the highlight activity to do in Marseille: a boat trip to discover the Calanques.

These mini boat tours allow you to discover the most beautiful places in the Calanques National Park . On the programme: magnificent natural landscapes and beautiful creeks with translucent water.

From the Old Port, there are two tours to visit the Calanques of Marseille:

• The “L’integral des calanques” (Complete Calanques) route where you will enter all the Calanques from Marseille to Cassis. It lasts about 3 hours and a quarter hours, with a departure in the morning and in the afternoon.
• The small “L’essential des calanques” (Best of the Calanques) route which lasts 2 and a quarter hours, and allows you to pass through the three best known Calanques: Sormiou, Morgiou and Sugiton.

You will find more information on the shipping company’s website.

The big disadvantage is that the boats can carry hundreds of people so they are not necessarily ideal if you want peace and quiet or to take beautiful photos. And these tours don’t give you any opportunity to swim either.

But, good news, there are also some boat tours that are a little more luxurious and with fewer people , plus they include lunch and a swim in the Calanques. This is the type of day trip I recommend to make the most of the beautiful scenery!

For this type of high-end boat tour, you will have several options:

• A hybrid electric boat tour (max. 6 people – duration 7 hours – lunch included)
• A 5-hour catamaran trip.

This catamaran boat tour in the Calanques can be booked directly here:

• A full-day VIP boat tour on a magnificent boat (my favorite option!)

From the Old Port, you will discover the Calanque National Park on a beautiful boat: a traditional wooden schooner.

2 swimming stops in the Calanques are included (snorkelling equipment provided!), plus an aperitif and lunch highlighting local and organic products.

To enjoy a great day by boat in the Calanques of Marseille, you must book in advance by clicking on the button below:

Boat trips are the best way to discover several Calanques in one day , but you can also choose to walk to these magnificent coves. 

Several hiking trails run through the national park and allow you to go down in the coves. Bring sturdy shoes and plenty of water.

You can also go hiking in the Calanques with a guide . This activity must be booked in advance right here!

If hiking isn’t your thing, I recommend going to the Sugiton viewpoint. From the car park in Luminy, the starting point of the trail, it only takes 35 minutes to get there.

The viewpoint offers a splendid 360° view of the park and, below you, of the Calanque of Morgiou and that of Sugiton.

Finally, if you want to try scuba diving, I recommend that you opt for a an immersive scuba diving course in the Calanques . You can find more info and book by clicking here!

After the boat trip or hike, I end with another very nice way to visit the Calanques of Marseille: electric mountain bike.

This 3-hour itinerary with a tour leader leaves from the beach of Pointe Rouge beach and leads to the Calanque of Sormiou . The route is really well thought out and the landscapes are breathtaking.

You can book this activity via the green button below:

And remember, the Calanques park is the ideal playground for climbing and Via Cordata.  If you would like more information, click the links:

• Beginners’ introduction to climbing courses
• Climbing in the Calanques National Park – Beginner to intermediate level
• Multi-pitch climbing – Intermediate level
• Calanque d’En-Vau via cordata.

During your holiday in Marseille , you will most probably want to enjoy the beach!

So I have compiled a list for you of beaches to visit in and around Marseille:

• Catalans beach is not necessarily the prettiest, but it is the most centrally located and therefore the most practical if you don’t have a car
• Prophet’s beach located below the Corniche, is the most popular beach in Marseille. Ideal with children as the water is shallow to quite far out. Can be reached by bus number 83.
• The beaches of the Prado, a succession of beaches over several miles. Can be reached by bus 19 or 83. By car, payed parking is available along the whole stretch.
• Pointe Rouge, a long sandy beach well protected from the wind where you can have a go on a flyboard
• The very small beach of the Baie des Singes in the Les Goudes district
• The beach of L’Anse de la Maronais, not far from the Baie des Singes
• The three beaches of L’Estaque, north of Marseille
• The beaches and coves of the Frioul islands
• The Calanques, of course! Some of the most popular are the Calanque de Sormiou, Sugiton, the Calanque de l’En-Vau and Port-Pin.
• Sainte-Croix beach, located towards Martigues. This small sandy beach located at the foot of the rocks and on the edge of the pine forest is very pretty. There is also a path along the entire coastline.
• The beautiful beaches of La Couronne, which are very well equipped, are ideal for families
• The beaches of Cassis
• The numerous beaches of Sausset-les-Pins, a seaside resort located on the Côte Bleue.

A visit to Marseille without seeing the Stade Velodrome is inconceivable for OM supporters! The Olympique de Marseille is the legendary football club par excellence and is the pride of the whole city.

If you don’t have the chance to watch a match during your stay in Marseille, you can make up for it by visiting the inside of the stadium . The tour includes the players’ dressing rooms, the private boxes and behind the scenes, as well as a walk on the pitch to feel the turf!

And you can buy a souvenir of your visit from the official shop. A scarf, a shirt, a mug in OM colours: you will be spoilt for choice.

To organise your visit to the Stade Velodrome de Marseille, see the official website .

You will have a beautiful view of the stadium and Notre-Dame de la Garde.

Founded in the 5th century , the Abbey of Saint-Victor is a very beautiful building listed as a historical monument. 

Inside, you can visit the crypt (€2) which is made up of several chapels and contains numerous Paleochristian sarcophagi. 

From the terrace opposite the entrance to the Abbey, you can enjoy the unobstructed view of the Old Port and the MuCEM.

Just next to the Abbey, on Rue Sainte is the oldest bakery in Marseille “Le Four des Navettes” . Founded in the 18th century, this is where the iconic biscuit of Marseille was created: the navette.

You now know where to go to taste them!

Located at the gateway to the Calanques, the Goudes district is built around a small fishing port and its huts.

The picturesque setting attracts visitors every year, especially in the summer, to swim on the beach of the Baie des Singes or go hiking in the Calanques.

There are also several bars and restaurants. 

Borély Park is a huge 18-hectare park located near the Prado beaches.

There is a lake, playgrounds for the children, a rose garden and a botanical garden.

 At weekends, it is the busiest park in Marseille: picnics, strolls, rollerblades, bikes or football games, there’s plenty to keep busy! It is very nice, well equipped and is the perfect place for a walk outside the city.

Borély Park has long been famous because Marcel Pagnol mentions it in his book “La Gloire de Mon Père (The Glory of My Father). More recently, the series “Plus belle la vie” (Most Beautiful Life) regularly descends on the place to shoot scenes.

The park offers a pedalo, bicycle and boat rental service . There is also a café and the château which houses the Museum of Decorative Arts. 

Free entry to the Borély park/€3 for the botanical garden.

Let’s continue this tourist trail through Marseille with La Canebière.

The city ‘s iconic avenue connects the Reformed Church to the Old Port for nearly 1 km. This long retail street is lined with shops, restaurants and cafés.  You can also admire several historical monuments like the Opera or the Hotel de Noailles Hotel, a highly luxurious hotel now converted into a police station.

The Marseille information centre is also located on La Canebière.

But there is one slight drawback: La Canebière is often mentioned as a must-see spot in Marseille, but frankly it’s far from being very clean and doesn’t always smell great… 😅

The MuCEM is not the only museum to visit in Marseille.

If you have decided to spend a few days in Marseille , I recommend that you explore some of the other museums:

• The Marseille History Museum to learn all about the oldest city in France
• The Vieille Charité centre centre that houses the Museum of Archaeology and the Museum of African, Oceanic and Native American Art
• The Museum of Decorative Arts, Fashion and Ceramics in Borély Park
• The Museum of Contemporary Art 
• Longchamp Palace Museum of Fine Arts
• The Natural History Museum
• The Marseille Soap Museum where you can make your own soap.

Most of these museums are free to visit with the City Pass Marseille. 

In addition to the main attractions of Marseille, there are a few other beautiful landmarks not to be missed:

• The town hall, built in the 17th century
• The Alcazar library , a very famous former concert hall named after the Alhambra in Granada
• The Daviel Pavilion, the former courthouse of Marseille
• The Palais de la Bourse
• The Statue of David, an exact replica of the one displayed at the Accademia Gallery in Florence
• The triumphal arch, listed as a historical monument
• The prefecture, a very beautiful building located on rue Saint-Ferréol
• The Docks of Marseille for its unusual architecture
• The Marseille Opera House
• The Palais des Arts
• The Diamantée House and its pointed stone façade
• The Hôtel-Dieu, the city’s main hospital dating back to the Middle Ages. Today converted into a 5* luxury hotel: Hotel Intercontinental.
• The Pharo Palace for its view of the MuCEM and the Fort Saint-Jean

In addition to everything I’ve told you about, here is my selection of other unusual activities to try during your stay in Marseille (you can book by clicking on the links in orange):

• A four-and-a-half hour Food Tour where you will be stuffed with the amount of food to taste: Provençal burgers, local ‘panisse’ fritters, ice creams, macaroons, navettes and oriental pastries are all on the menu.
• A cocktail workshop to learn how to create two different cocktails
• An introduction to oenology with tasting of five wines from the South-East of France
• A brewing and beer tasting workshop
• Visit Marseille’s old town in a méhari 
• Side-car tour of the main districts of Marseille
• A private VIP tour of Marseille by van or limousine
• A Quiz Room: as a team, you will be required to answer questions on the subjects of sports, music and daily life, in a setting inspired by the most famous television games. A great activity to do in Marseille with friends or family.
• An escape game: there are lots of themes to choose from, and you’ll have an idea what to do in Marseille when it’s raining
• A virtual reality laser game
• A helicopter flight over the city and the waterfront

Do not hesitate to discover the best activities to do in and around Marseille by clicking on the button below:

I suggest you now take a tour of one of the city’s markets to soak up the scents and flavours of Provence .

For smell, you will visit the fish market that is held every morning at the Old Port. It’s the best place to buy the morning’s freshly caught fish!

Each district of Marseille has its own dedicated market:

• La Castellane: food and clothing market, with a bit of everything is one of the most popular
• Capuchins for fruits and vegetables
• La Friche de la Belle de Mai farmers’ market
• The flower market on Boulevard Chave
• The organic market at Cours Julien
• The Sunday flea market at Les Arnavaux.

To discover Marseille’s specialities, there’ nothing better than a gastronomic visit!

This three-hour tour includes many tastings, and will allow you to discover all the gastronomy of the South of France: pastries, seafood , tapenade, navettes , panisses and of course pastis !

I recommend that you book this gastronomic walking tour of Marseille on foot by clicking on the following button:

If you want to blow the budget during your visit to Marseille, here are the best places to go:

• Les Terrasses du Port, one of the city’s newest shopping centres, whose rooftop with a sea view quickly became a trendy place to go out in Marseille in the evening
• The Cours Julien for its more bohemian boutiques
• Saint-Férreol pedestrian street and its well-known brands such as Zara and H&M
• The Bourse centre, home to Galeries Lafayette, FNAC, Go Sport
• The street dedicated to fashion with its trendy boutiques of designers, jewellery and accessories
• La rue Paradis for more luxurious shopping with high-end boutiques such as Lacoste and Kenzo
• The brand new shopping centre “Le Prado” , next to the Velodrome
• Les Docks Village , an atypical indoor shopping centre.

If you don’t know what to do in Marseille on a Sunday , remember that most of the shopping centres and museums are open.

L’Estaque is the district located to the north of Marseille.

The name L’Estaque is often associated with painting because it has inspired many famous artists such as Cézanne, Renoir and Braque . A walking tour called “le petit chemin des peintres de l’Estaque” (a short trail following the artists of L’Estaque) allows you to discover the places depicted in their paintings as well as the history of the neighbourhood.

L’Estaque also has a beautiful beach with with a water sports centre, showers and toilets.

When exploring the area, do what Marseille’s locals do and taste chichis (sweet doughnuts) and panisses (made with chickpea flour) in one of the kiosks on the seafront.

From the L’Estaque, you can also enjoy a superb kayak ride along the Côte Bleue and its creeks with turquoise water. Book in advance by clicking here!

This trip is also available at sunset (reservation here).

To go to L’Estaque , I advise you to take the waterfront shuttle from the Old Port. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the scenery.

What to do around Marseille?

Now you know what to do in Marseille!

But my recommendations don’t stop there since I have compiled a list of the most beautiful places to visit in the surroundings of Marseille . They are all easily accessible by car or through organised excursions from Marseille.

The first city I suggest you explore in the surroundings of Marseille: Aix-en-Provence.

There aren’t necessarily any great monuments to see apart from the Cathedral of Saint-Sauveur , but the walk through the centre is very pleasant, with its shops, restaurants and brasseries .

Art lovers can also visit the Cézanne studio and the Granet Museum.

From Marseille , you can also take an organised day trip to visit Aix-en-Provence. 

There are three types of trip :

• A 4-hour guided tour of Aix-en Provence.
• A visit of Aix-en-Provence + Cassis.

The tour, in a small party, offers a guided walking tour of Aix-en-Provence and a walk on your own in Cassis . Alternatively, you can take a boat ride in the Calanques.

• A tour on your own of Aix-en-Provence + exploration of the lavender fields of Valensole

Arles is about a one-hour drive from Marseille.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can discover many Roman monuments such as the amphitheatre, the ancient theatre and the Constantin thermal baths.

If you want to visit Arles with an organised tour, I recommend you choose this one. You will not only visit the historic centre of Arles but also the beautiful village of Les Baux-de-Provence and that of Saint Rémy de Provence.

You can book by clicking the green button below:

To organize your visit to Arles, I have prepared a complete guide in this article: What to do in Arles?

Around Marseille, I advise you to visit Cassis . You can drive there in just 40 minutes.

With its small fishing port and the picturesque alleys, the setting is really lovely. Boat trips from Cassis allow you to discover the Calanques of En-Vau, Port-Miou and Port-Pin. 

If you have time, I also advise you to take the route des Crêtes that goes from Cassis to Ciotat. The landscape is beautiful!

If you don’t have a car, no problem, you can visit Cassis with an organised tour:

As with the Calanques of Marseille, three-hour electric mountain bike tours with an experienced instructor are offered to discover three Calanques of Cassis.

You can book directly by clicking here. 

You can also opt for (click the orange links for details):

• A hike with a tour leader that goes through three Calanques
• A sea kayaking day trip in the national park
• A stand up paddle board trip with an instructor.

Known as one of the most beautiful villages in France , it would be a shame not to go to Baux-de-Provence during your trip to Marseille.

The mediaeval village has a castle overlooking all the Alpilles . A beautiful panorama in perspective!

Just a five-minute walk from the village , do not miss visiting the Carrières de Lumière .

These former quarries have been completely reimagined and offer truly original multimedia exhibitions with works of art projected on the walls at more than 15 metres high.

Near Marseille, why not plan a day to visit the Luberon?

Not to be missed in the region:

• The perched village of Gordes , one of the most beautiful villages in France
• Senanque Abbey, a 12th century Cistercian monastery
• The village of Roussillon , where you absolutely have to go for a walk along the Ochre Trail, in the heart of an ancient ochre quarry. The colours are simply splendid!

And good news if you don’t have a car, just opt for an organised day trip to discover the Luberon and the villages I just mentioned.

Another beautiful region to visit around Marseille: Camargue.

You can discover the manades (bull and horse farms), go horse riding , watch the pink flamingos or take a boat ride on the Rhone!

A little further away but still feasible, I suggest you visit Verdon.

It takes about an hour and 40 minutes to get Moustiers-Sainte-Marie , the best known village in the area. From here, you can also visit the Lake of Sainte-Croix , the gateway the Verdon Gorge.

And if you prefer to take an organised tour, the best one from Marseille is this one. It also includes a visit through the Valensole plateau to discover the lavender fields (in high season).

In addition to the sea excursions I mentioned above, I recommend two other options that will allow you to discover the surroundings of Marseille by boat away from other tourists.

To enjoy a VIP experience, I therefore suggest you:

1) Book a private boat trip from Marseille

I think this is the best way to make the most of your day at sea in Marseille!

You rent a boat with a skipper , and he will take you to the most beautiful places close to Marseille: the rocky inlets, the Frioul islands and other spots. You will be spoilt for choice!

Motor boat, sailing boat, catamaran or even yacht : just choose the right boat for your dream day!

I always recommend that you rent a boat with skipper as early as possible , as this type of VIP day trip is very much in demand, and it would be a shame to miss out!

You will find all the skippered boats in Marseille by clicking on the button below:

2) Rent a boat to discover the surroundings of Marseille

If you have a boat licence, the 2nd solution for a great day at sea is simply to opt for to rent a boat in Marseille !

It’s very simple to do: click on the button below and book your boat immediately:

You will find a list of all the vineyards open to visitors near Marseille by clicking on the green button below:

And even better, some of the tours are free! Here are my three favourites (click on the orange links to book):

• The Domaine de la Bégude is 27 km from Marseille, and offers a free 30-minute guided tasting
• The Domaine Terre de Mistral offers five wines to suit your tastes
• Château Paradis offers six wines from a selection of white, rosé or red.

I advise you to allow at least three or four days to visit Marseille. This gives you time to discover the city as well as the Frioul islands and the truly magnificent rocky inlets .

And if you want to visit the surroundings, a week won’t be too long . No risk of getting bored!

Do not forget that to visit Marseille in 24h, 48h or 72h , the City Pass Marseille that I told you about at the very beginning is a great way to save money.

Do you have one day to visit Marseille ?

Here is the itinerary I suggest you follow to see the main districts and landmarks:

• Explore the Le Panier district
• Taking in the Cathedral of La Major
• The MuCEM: visit or just take the footbridge for the view
• A stroll in the Old Port
• The Cours Julian
• Go up to Notre-Dame de la Garde
• See the Abbey of Saint-Victor or the Palais du Pharo to admire the view

If you don’t want to or can’t walk, you have several other options (click the links to book):

• The hop-on hop-off bus
• The small tourist train , included in the City Pass Marseille
• The Segway tour. 

If you plan to spend a weekend in Marseille , I suggest you start by following the itinerary for day one.

For the second day , I recommend you visit the Calanques of Marseille:

• You can take the boat trip in the morning : return around 1.00 pm or 2.00 pm depending on the route
• Lunch break (or choose a luxury boat ride of the Calanques on a catamaran including lunch, or a luxury boat ride aboard a wooden schooner! )
• In the afternoon you can choose between shopping or a visit to the Palais Longchamp and park
• And in the evening, you can opt for a dinner boat tour on a catamaran , for example!

You can also spend an entire day hiking and swimming in the Calanques .

To make the most of your 2-day stay in Marseille, you should read my detailed itinerary: How to visit Marseille in 2 days?

What to do in Marseille in three days? Repeat my suggestions for days one and two.

On the third day, you can choose to:

1) Visit to the Château d’If and the Frioul islands: walking and bathing

Or take a boat ride around the Frioul archipelago:

Book a day’s sailing here

Sunset boat ride + dinner

2) Stay in Marseille:

• Take the Corniche to reach the Vallon des Auffes
• Follow the road to the Prado beaches
• Enjoy the beach or a walk in Borély park
• Then you can continue to the nearby Stade Velodrome or follow the seaside road to reach Les Goudes. 

On the fourth day in Marseille, I advise you to choose the option that you didn’t have time to do on day three.

If you spend five days or even a week in Marseille , get out of the city and visit the surrounding areas:

• A day for Cassis and Aix-en-Provence
• A day in Arles and Les Baux-de-Provence
• A day for the Luberon
• Visit to Camargue
• Explore the Verdon Gorge and also plan to spend a night there to really enjoy it.

Wine lovers can also plan a visit to a winery , Marseille being close to the vineyards of Bandol appellation.

You will find all the vineyards to visit around Marseille by clicking on the button below:

And even better, some of the tours are free!

Some of the most popular include (click on the links to book):

• The Domaine de la Bégude specializes in organic red and rosé wines
• The Château de la Galinière , where all the wines come from organic viticulture.
• The Terre de Mistral estate which offers wine tasting and olive oil.
• The Font des Pères estate, whose wines are produced under the Bandol, Côtes de Provence and IGP Mont-Caume appellations.
• Toyoko INN Marseille Saint Charles: located 1 km from the Old Port and 5 minutes from the train station. Very clean and comfortable double rooms from €70 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the breakfast choices, the warm welcome, the location close to the train station and the town centre.
• Citadines Castellane Marseille: situated 400 metres and 1.3 km from Notre Dame de la Garde. Modern studio and apartment with fully equipped kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, hob…) from €78, breakfast €10. Strong points: the very convenient location, the comfortable bedding, the quiet. It’s my favourite hotel for its excellent value for money in Marseille!
• Staycity Aparthotels Centre Vieux Port: located 550 metres from the port. Fully equipped designer studio and apartment from €92, breakfast €9. Strong points: spacious, the perfect location to visit Marseille, the very friendly staff.
• NH Collection Marseille: located in the Joliette district, 900 metres from the MuCEM. Double room with simple and elegant décor from €160. Strong points: the excellent breakfast and the very varied choice, the comfortable beds, the location. One of the best hotels to stay at in Marseille!
• The Residence du Vieux Port: located on the docks of the Old Port. Modern double rooms with sea view from €200. Strong points: the view of the port and Notre-Dame de la Garde, the charming staff, the location. A great choice for a high-end stay in Marseille.
• InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu: in the historic district of Marseille, located 300 metres from the port. This 5* hotel offers comfortable and warm rooms from €290, breakfast €29. Strong points: the spa, the swimming pool, the gourmet restaurants, the terrace with view. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Marseille.

• Bistro o’Prado : located at 1 Boulevard Perier, just next to the Perier metro station. This brasserie offers a menu with few choices but a guarantee of quality. The dishes are delicious, with a touch of originality, and really plentiful. Very reasonable price.
• Le Bistro du Panier: located at 58 rue Caisserie. If you fancy a good burger in Marseille, head for the district of Le Panier. This small restaurant offers excellent burgers made entirely from fresh, high-quality ingredients (bread, meat, cheese), plus there’s the home-made fries that go with them! And don’t forget to save some room for the desserts, which are also home-made.
• Lacaille restaurant: located at 42 rue des Trois Mages. On the menu: atypical and gastronomic cuisine, a very good wine list, top-notch staff, a pleasant setting and affordable prices with a €30 fixed menu (starter/main/dessert).

Marseille has an international airport.

The prices of flights to Marseille vary greatly, so it is a good idea to compare them as soon as possible. To do this, you can use our flight comparison tools in partnership with Skyscanner. This will guarantee you the best price.

 You can also reach Marseille by bus or train.

I advise you to check the train times and fares and book your tickets directly here:

Finally, if you need to rent a car for your stay in Marseille, I recommend you go through Rentalcars.com .

You can compare the rates of all the rental companies with one click! And the you can change or cancel your booking at no cost.

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day at sea during your stay in Marseille, you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental!

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Marseille? 😊

To help you visualise the city a bit better, I have created this tourist map of Marseille , with all the best places to visit and things to do in Marseille and its surroundings.

You can display the map legend by clicking on the top left button, the one with a small arrow on it.

FAQ – I answer your questions about Marseille

• Take the little train and visit Notre-Dame de la Garde
• Take the boat to the Frioul Islands and/or the Château d’If.
• Visit Borély Park
• Enjoy the Prado beach just opposite the park
• Take a trip to the Calanques , on foot (easy stroll) or by boat!
• A tree-top adventure trail at Ecopark Adventures – There is even a mini park for 2-to-4-year-olds.
• Le Panier district, the oldest part of the city
• The Old Port district
• La Canebière , the most famous street in Marseille
• The Vallon des Auffes, for its picturesque port and excellent restaurants
• The Les Goudes district, far from the centre, close to the calanques.
• Visit the Calanques on foot
• Visit the Calanques by electric bike
• Visit the Calanques by boat
• Visit the Calanques with a luxury boat tour on a catamaran . If you have the budget, that is clearly the best option!

If you want to visit Marseille on foot, I recommend following the itinerary which I have described in the section: Visit Marseille in one day . This tour will allow you to discover the highlight sites of the city such as the district of Le Panier, the MuCEM, the Old Port and Notre-Dame de la Garde.

If you need help planning your stay in Marseille, don’t hesitate to ask me your questions in the comments section below.

France travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet France guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the Rick Steves France guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

Discover all our articles about France: All Voyage Tips articles about France are listed here.

• Honfleur: Top 15 things to do and discover
• La Rochelle: 15 things top do and see
• Strasbourg: Top 25 things to do

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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14 Best Things to do in Marseille, France

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: February 9, 2024

Marseille is the second-largest city in France after Paris, the capital of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, and the oldest city in the country.

Located on the Gulf de Lyon, which is part of the Mediterranean Sea, Marseille is the perfect blend of African and French culture. Known as the bridge between North Africa and Europe, Marseille is a city that will charm you with its beautiful blue waters and historic old town. There are so many things to do in Marseille that you can easily spend a few days in this seaside city.

Table of Contents

Top Things to do in Marseille

From its dazzling Old Port to the legendary Chateau d’If, Marseille this Mediterranean City should not be missed when visiting Southern France .

The majority of the cool things to do in Marseille are located in the Vieux port/Le Panier part of town. This natural harbor has been used for the last 2400 years and is the perfect place to start off your exploration of the city.

1. Old Harbour – Le Vieux Port 

Marseilles is one of our favorite cities in France.  Le Vieux Port of Marseilles is stunning and filled with the raw energy that you would expect from any lively port city. Surrounded by historic buildings and filled with fishing boats and leisure crafts, the port feels as if it has stood still in time. And it should, the Old Port of Marseille dates back to 600 BC!

The old fort stands proudly at the water’s edge and the cathedrals look down over the main square. Other than the slick bistros and cafes lining the boulevards, it looks as if it could be the setting for an old pirate movie . We could imagine what it was like back in the 17th Century when schooners would come into the Vieux port filled with sailors. And it feels like it hasn’t changed a bit.

When visiting the Old Port, we suggest grabbing a spot at an outdoor patio with a glass of sparkling wine accompanied by fresh mussels to take in the energy and atmosphere.

When visiting Marseille, we suggest getting a Marseille City Pass – The city pass is valid for 1-3 days and lets you hop on hop off to see all the top tourist attractions. With unlimited access to public transportation plus a tour on the Tourist train to Notre-Dame de la Garde or through the Old Marseille. You’ll have entry to MUCEM, and Regards de Provence Museum, plus crossing Frioul Island, or If Island with entrance to Chateau D’If. There are plenty of discounts, entry to municipal museums, and a guided city tour. See details here.

2. Le Panier

When visiting Europe, we always love getting lost in the old towns of its historic cities. And Marseille is no different. Le Panier, The Old Quarter dates back to 600 BC when the ancient Greeks settled in these parts. It is the oldest district in Marseille and was originally called Massala when it was founded and eventually morphed into its French name today. It has been the center of immigration to the city creating a multicultural flare filled with excitement.

The narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful shuddered windows make for a lovely walk through the daily lives of the locals and the area is filled with restaurants and cafes.

This guided audio tour lets you experience Le Panier, the historic district of Marseille where you’ll visit Vieux Port, City Hall, Saint Nicolas, and Saint-Jean forts, and the Notre Dame “Bonne Mère” Basilica.

3. Fort Saint-Jean

Standing front and center of the Old Town is one of the most visited monuments in Marseille. Fort Saint-Jean is connected by a footbridge to MuCEM (Museum of the Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean). Fort Saint-Jean can’t be missed with its tall watchtower. Built by shipowners in the Middle Ages to fortify the area and defend Marseille from invaders.

3. MuCEM – Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean

It is fitting that this museum stands in one of Europe’s oldest cities. In 2013, Marseille was named a European Capital of Culture and The MuCEM – Musée des civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée was opened as part of its inauguration. The modern structure is a sharp contrast to the historic architecture lining the waterfront. Built between land and sea, MuCEM, is located beside Fort Saint-Jean bringing life to the area.

While the museum is dedicated to the history of European civilization and Mediterranean Culture , it is the building itself that has caught the attention of tourists. It is the newest of Marseille’s tourist attractions and is quickly becoming the most popular thing to do in Marseille.

4. Chateau d’If

Marseille is the setting for this famous novel, The Count of Monte Cristo written by Alexander Dumas, but Chateau d’If is not a fictional location. It is very real and this island prison stands just off the coast of Marseille in the Mediterranean Sea. 

Originally built as a fortress, Chateau d’if was later used as a prison for political prisoners. Take the boat over to If Island (included in our CityPass) and then explore the cells of the famous political prisoners who suffered a dreary fate with no chance of escape.  

Surprisingly, the cells of Chateau d’If were quite large. The higher-ranking prisoners paid for better cells that were spacious and even had fireplaces. The poorer prisoners were condemned to the lower dungeons which were intolerable and we were not able to see.

If you have read The Count of Monte Cristo or are familiar with any of the movies, Chateau d’If must be added to your list. Poor Edmond Dantes was sent to the prison island of Chateau d’If where he spent 14 years suffering at the hands of his tormentors before escaping and taking his revenge. Get your copy on Kindle or Paperback here.

• €10 will get you a seat on the 20-minute ferry ride out to the island. You will have to pay another €5 once you arrive at Chateau d’If to see the sites. 
• Or if you have a City Pass, the entry and crossing are included.

4. Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

Paris isn’t the only city with Notre Dame. Marseille city has its own Notre Dame, the Notre Dame de la Garde standing high on a hilltop keeping watch on its ships. This is a great place to head up for views of the city of Marseille and its port. Make sure to look up, a large Virgin Mary sits atop the bell tower keeping watch over the sailors.

Also known as La Bonne Mère, this viewpoint is not to be missed. The steep walk up 150 meters is worth it but if you don’t want to walk, you can catch the tourist train up to see the views and the giant gilded statue of the Virgin Mary. Arrive early to beat the rush of tourists as it is Marseille’s most famous attraction.

• This full-day sightseeing tour includes a visit to the basilica Notre Dame de la Garde plus many more attractions including, MuCEM and the Villa Méditerranée, Saint-Victor Abbey, and its 4th-century crypt, and much more.

5. Marseille Cathedral – Cathédrale de la Major

When visiting Europe, we always “find our religion” (well, at least we find an interest in seeing its monuments) Cathédrale de la Major is a beautiful monument on the waterfront dating back to the 19th century.

Like many of the buildings in Marseille, The Cathedral blends Romanesque and Byzantine styles. It is a massive cathedral spanning 141 meters (462 feet). Its dome towers reach a height of 16 meters (52 feet) This cathedral reminded us of the Duomo in Florence , but with a far more beautiful setting.

6. Parc National des Calanques

A good day trip from Marseille is Calanques National Park. It is the only national park in Europe that is located near urban areas and is both on land and sea. It is located directly beside Marseilles en route to Cassis.

Calanques National Park is a large park at 520 square km (201 square miles) and it most certainly looks like something from the Greek Islands . It was designated a national park in 2012 and has great hiking trails and areas for kayaking and exploring the limestone cliffs and quiet coves.

Take a boat ride to see the stunning coast and hidden fishing villages that line the shore. This Catamaran tour to Calanques National Park. This 5-hour tour goes along the Mediterranean Sea between La Madrague and the town of Cassis, via Les Goudes and Callelongue. It is a wonderful way to explore the coast.

9. History Museum – Musée d’Histoire de Marseille

With Marseille being the oldest city in France, it is only fitting to visit the History Museum. The Musée d’Histoire de Marseille houses 4000 exhibits and interactive attractions showcasing the 26-century history of the city. Entrance to the History Museum is included in your City Pass.

10. Palais Longchamp

Palais Longchamp is a monument that was built to celebrate the completion of a long canal, The Canal de Marseille that supplies the city with water from the Durance River. It is a large green space with interconnected parks. It houses the Museum of Fine Arts dating back to 1801 and it is also home to the Natural History Museum. Its two wings are connected by a beautiful large water fountain and waterfall.

11. Abbaye Saint-Victor

If you haven’t gotten enough of the history in Marseille, pay a visit to Abbaye Saint-Victor. Not only will you learn about the city’s religious history, but it is also an Abbey with a view. The Basilica and the crypts have beautiful views of the Old City. \

A great way to get around Marseille is to take a cycling tour . This 3.5-hour tour covers all the highlights of Marseille while taking in the fresh sea air. You’ll go through:

• The Panier Neighborhood (the oldest district of Marseille)
• The Major Cathedral
• The new MuCem Museum area
• The Old Port (the main place in Marseille)
• The Pharo (where you have a beautiful view of the Old Port)
• Malmousque Little Port
• The Vallon des Auffes
• The Kennedy Corniche
• Notre Dame de la Garde (the “bonne mère”)
• The Abbaye of Saint-Victor

12. Vieille Charité

Vieille Charité was once an old almshouse (a building to help the poor) and is now a museum and cultural center. It is a hip area with a Bohemian vibe containing three tiers of art galleries, street art, and boutiques. This is a great place to get a feel for the local culture, and to do some shopping a the art market. There are many bars and cafes and it’s perfect for people watching. Plus there are two important museums in the complex, the Museum of Art of Africa and the Museum of Archaeology.

13. Parc Borély

Marseilles was lovely and anyone going to the south of France should make it a stop on their list. It is filled with history, beautiful architecture, and parks. Parc Borély is considered one of the most remarkable gardens in France . It was constructed in the 17th century and is composed of three different gardens. An English Garden, a French garden, a horse racing track connected by a botanical garden.

How to get to Marseille

Marseille is located in the south of France and you can fly to the Marseille Provence Airport which is just 27 km away. There are flights daily from all cities in Europe. International flights to Marseille connect via London , Paris, and Dublin.

The train is one of the easiest ways to get to Marseille and there are daily trains from Paris . Marseille’s main station is the Gare de Marseille St Charles.

The main bus station in Marseille is Gare St Charle (St. Charles bus station) and arrives from all over Europe.

Where to Stay in Marseille

When traveling through Europe, we often stay at Ibis or Etap hotels when traveling on a Budget. Now that we are a bit older, we prefer to splurge on higher-end accommodation, but we still think these are two great hotel chains.

Vieux Port – The best area to stay in Marseille is the Old Port. It is centrally located and easy to see most of the top Marseille attractions. It can be quite noisy and busy though.

• Recommended Luxury Hotel – Intercontinental
• Recommended Budget – The Ibis Budget Hotel

Le Panier – The Old Town is another great option in the second arrondissement. Not far from the Old Port, there are several choices of accommodation. made up of three areas in Marseille and this is a good option for a quieter stay than the old port. Les Grands Carmes, Town Hall, and La Joliette.

• Recommended Luxury – Intercontinental Centre Vieux
• Recommended Budget – Ibis Centre Vieux

Train Station – This is a good option that is a more affordable area, but it is still easy to get around. We stayed at the Ibis Hotel and found it to be quite pleasant.

• Check out prices and availability on TripAdvisor

Getting Around Marseille

We had a car while visiting Marseille, but traffic was busy, so we parked it and mostly walked. But because we had a car rental so we were very mobile in Marseille and had the freedom to stay outside the city while traveling on a Budget.

If you don’t want to walk, a Marseille City Pass is a great option. It lets you Ride Marseille’s public transport for free. Passes can be bought for 24, 48 or 72 hour and cover:

• Free access to Marseille’s museums including – the Marine Museum, Natual History Museum, Fine Arts Museum, Palais Longchamp, and more.
• A Ride on the train to Notre-Dame de la Garde or le Panier old town
• Get tastings and discounts in certified boutiques.

Plan your Trip to France With These Resources

• French Food: 24 Traditional Dishes To Try in France or At Home
• 22 Beautiful Cities in France To Visit
• 11 Interesting and Fun Facts About France
• Where To Stay In Paris – Best Neighborhoods and Hotels Updated
• 3 Days in Paris: The Best Paris Itinerary for Your First Visit

Travel Planning Resources

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Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

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20 thoughts on “14 Best Things to do in Marseille, France”

We just returned from a two week stay in Marseille, absolutely loved it. We rented an AirBNB near La Pointe Rouge right across the road from the beach, just south of Parc Borely (a great spot!). We had a wonderful experience, and it’s interesting how many people have expressed surprise at us choosing Marseille for two weeks. We did not once encounter a local who was not kind, gracious, helpful, courteous and friendly. We hired a wonderful driver and professional tour guide and explored Aix-en-Provence and Chateauneuf-des-Papes, with several private winery visits and tastings. We spent the whole day on a Catamaran in Calanques National Park. We attended an entire day market visit and cooking (and then eat what you cook!) class. We bused (line 19 took us everywhere we needed to go) up to the City Center, seeing Le Panier, Notre Dame, Old Port, Boulevard Longchamps, and our favorite but not mentioned in your article: Le Cours Julien (loads of street art, fun vibe, wonderful cafes, outdoor farmer’s market, indie shops). We had some great food, the seafood is second to none. Being on the beach was wonderful and was very enjoyable when we had some down time. This trip occurred during the sad aftermath of the 2023 police shooting in Nanterre, and we did not personally encounter any problems as a result of the nightly riots. Like anywhere, Marseille requires being smart about one’s surroundings, but being from Detroit this is normal way of life for us. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Marseille to anyone. The City itself has much to offer and the City was a great jumping off point for a southern France vacation.

Thank you D&D for your inspiring post! I am planning to spend 6 to 7 days in Marseille and Provence in the spring and would like to know are there any multi-day tours to book, offering sightseeing of several places in one trip. I don’t want to rent a car, but want to move around the area. Thanks for your answer.

I’m surprised nobody here mentionned the Calanques of Marseille. They are probably the beautiful part of the city, at only 10-15 minutes of downtown. They are a sort of mediterranean fjords completely wild, still very well preservered despite of tourism.

Look at theses http://www.google.com/images?q=calanques+marseille ! All visits in Marseille should include a day in the calanques !

Marseille is a very unique City in France… Glad to hear you liked it 😉

Hi! I am going on holiday to Marseille in 2 days, looking forward to it, even more after reading this blog! Henriette

These photos are very impressive. Thanks for sharing experiences from your Marseilles trip. .-= PA Injury Attorney´s last blog ..Congressional candidate in car accident =-.

Thanks! It is easy to be inspired with beautiful scenery.

We only made it as far south as Lyon… we heard the same rumors about Marseille and decided to skip it. I’m glad it was a positive experience for you guys, now I’m kinda kicking myself! Maybe next time 😉 .-= Cam´s last blog ..Photo of the Week: Sydney Harbour, Australia =-.

Don’t worry Cam. We skipped a tonne of things. We would be black and blue if we kicked ourselves for all the things we missed:-) Besides, I bet you saw amazing places that we didn’t get a chance to see.

The port was a real surprise for me as well. I never made it out to the island but I took a walk up the hill to the Notre-Dame de la Garde, which has great views over the whole city.

Looks awesome! I may have to throw France into our European adventure! .-= Bethany´s last blog .. Interview with Bernard & Danielle from BorderJumpers.org =-.

I know how you feel. We kept adding countries and cities into our itinerary. There is so much to see in Europe. We need a couple of years to explore!

I love those grass chaise lounge chairs. I want to test that out! .-= Laura´s last blog .. Rwanda Gorilla Tracking: Taking the Plunge =-.

Those chaise lounge chairs looked awesome eh! I just loved how beautiful everything was in Marseille, they have really thought about making people comfortable. Park benches were everywhere, a park was in the middle of the city and people were having picnics on the dock. Fabulous.

Well that will teach me to not listen to the naysayers! We clearly made a mistake by choosing to bypass Marseille a few years ago when we were in France – after spending 2 weeks working our way from Monte Carlo down to St. Tropez, we headed inland up through Avignon to Paris – all that we had heard of Marseille at the time was that it was crowded and dirty – now I’m bummed that we missed out on such a jewel along the coast! I will definitely have to visit Marseille next time I get to the Mediterranean.

As usual, gorgeous photos! .-= Trisha Miller´s last blog .. The Power Of Print =-.

I had read some things that Marseille was a rough place but apparently they have cleaned it up. At least the waterfront anyway. We loved it! But there are many other amazing places in on the Mediterranean and we just can’t see them all.

Thank first picture of the port is freaking amazing. I was only ever in Brittany, which had mostly the same climate as Newfoundland. How cool to be next to the Mediterranean just on the other side of the country… .-= Candice´s last blog ..Sometimes Growing Up in a Bilingual Country Sucks =-.

It is pretty amazing. You never would think that France would have such a diverse landscape and climate. But we witnessed that during our short time there. It is an amazing country that we want to go back to and really spend some time in. Maybe I will learn french there for a year!

That panoramic shot is just stunning and exploring all of the history around the town and in the old prison sounds like amazing fun 🙂

The prison was pretty cool. I didn’t know Chateaux d’If was real. I always thought that it was fictional!

• Tourism in Marseille
• Get Inspired
• Towns and Villages
• Bouches-du-Rhône Tourism

Marseille , the oldest city of France, overflows with cultural, architectural and artistic treasures to discover. It is a tourist destination particularly appreciated by the French and foreigners. Between tradition and modernity, the city of Marseille is waiting for you. From the Vieux Port (Old Port) to the Calanques (rocky inlets) by way of the Panier district and the Corniche facing the sea, you will certainly be amazed by the beauty of the cosmopolitan city . Beyond the game of Pétanque and its football club Olympique de Marseille (OM), Marseille reveals itself behind its emblematic monuments such as the Château d’If, Les Docks, the Palais de la Bourse, the Fort Saint Jean fortification, Notre-Dame de la Garde, the Palais Longchamp, the Marseille Cathedral of la Major to name just a few.

European Capital of Culture in 2013 , Marseille aims to be a destination of choice for art and culture enthusiasts. Still in 2013, Marseille inaugurated the MuCEM, a museum dedicated to the Mediterranean civilizations of the 21st century. It is today one of the most visited museums. In the historic center of the city, you can also go to La Vieille Charité. There, you will find many cultural structures : the Mediterranean archaeology museum, the African, Oceanic and Native American art museum (MAAOA), but also a cinema, a bookshop…

While exploring the city, alone or with a guide, immerse yourself in the local culture and discover the traditions of Marseille. Relax on the terrace of a restaurant, under the southern sun, to taste Marseille’s cuisine . Let yourself be tempted by the bouillabaisse, a fish specialty, or by the pieds paquets, the panisses, etc. If you were to bring back only one souvenir of Marseille , no doubt you would choose the famous soap. Particularly effective and renowned, it can be used to clean skin, hair, clothes, floors, walls… Ideally located, the Bouches-du-Rhône prefecture, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, is a starting point for various tourist destinations accessible by train, plane and boat.

Notre-Dame de la Garde

Notre-Dame de la Garde , more commonly called « Bonne Mère » by the people of Marseille, watches over the sailors and fishermen. Overlooking the city from the top of its hill, it offers a remarkable view. The basilica is an old observation post, and François I built a fort there to defend the city. It was only after a few years that it would become a true place of pilgrimage when Eugène de Mazenod (Bishop of Marseille) commissioned the great basilica. A true symbol of Marseille, the Basilica Notre-Dame de la Garde is visible throughout the city. The site is the most visited monument of the city and has been listed since 1917.

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The Palais Longchamp

Located in the 4th arrondissement of Marseille, the Palais Longchamp is a water tower made up of a garden and two museums. The building was built by the architect Henry Espérandieu, who also designed the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, to store drinking water coming from the Durance River. Several artists participated in the beautification of the park with the creation of sculptures and a fountain. A visit to the Palais Longchamp is an opportunity to discover the Musée des Beaux-Arts (Museum of fine arts), the oldest museum in Marseille, which preserves paintings and drawings dating from the 16th to the 19th century. You can also stop at the Natural History Museum of Marseille, which has cabinets of curiosities dating from the 18 th century.

The Calanques National Park

The Calanques National Park is known throughout the world for its breathtaking scenery. Surrounded by cliffs, sea, fauna and flora, nature lovers will never get tired of it. Hiking, diving, canoeing and kayaking… On land, on the sea or underwater, different activities allow you to discover the Calanques. Once deserved, the rocky inlets reveal themselves to you with idyllic coves such as Port Pin, En-Vau, Sugiton, Morgiou or Sormiou.

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La Canebière

La Canebière, the famous high street of the old quarter, connects the Old Port of Marseille to the Église Saint-Vincent-de-Paul church (Les Réformés). It was a true symbol of elegance with its chic hotels, department stores and posh cafés. Performance venues such as theaters were later set up there as well as the santons fair, part of the Christmas tradition. Nearly 1 km long, La Canebière is a lively district where you can find many shops, cafés, restaurants, the old Hôtel Louvre et Paix, the Monument des Mobiles… La Canebière is a parade route when demonstrations that go down to the Town Hall or the Prefecture are held, or when the French National Day and the carnival are celebrated.

A real open-air museum, the mythical and picturesque Panier district can be discovered through its narrow streets. The district resembles a small village in Provence where it is good to live. Colorful facades, street art, shops of craftsmen and designers… a visit to Le Panier is a must during your holidays in Marseille. For a gourmet break, sit on the terrace in Place de Lenche and admire the view of the Old Port.

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Practical information

• Tourist Office of Marseille : http://www.marseille-tourisme.com/fr/
• Road service: A7-A51 Highways (from Aix or Lyon), A55 Highway (from Aix, Fos, Lyon, Montpellier or Barcelona) and A50 Highway (from Cassis, Toulon, Nice, Genoa)
• Air access: Marseille Provence Airport
• Railroad access: Saint-Charles station
• Sea access: autonomous port
• Discover also : markets , beaches , private beaches

nearby towns

• Aix-en-Provence
• Salon de Provence
• TO & Travel Agents

The Truth About Marseille & What It’s Like To Visit

Posted on Published: December 27, 2019  - Last updated: April 12, 2024

Categories Travel , France , Honest Reviews

It’s no secret that Marseille has struggled with a high crime rate, a huge drug problem, and even levels of government corruption over the years… but what does this all mean for you?

The truth about Marseille is that it’s had a rough past, and it might even still be rough today, but it’s trying to change for the better .

So is Marseille safe for you to visit today ?

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!

Why You Should Visit Marseille, France?

If you’re visiting the South of France, Marseille is a very popular destination, and for good reason.

Marseille is the second largest city in France (after Paris), and the capital of the Provence region .

Marseille also has some of my favourite views I saw in the South of France (and that says a lot… the South of France is beyond BEAUTIFUL!). I swear I couldn’t put my camera down for a second at the Marseille Old Port!

There’s also a lot of history to discover in Marseille, some that you would never had expected!

For example, it went from rich Greek connections, to drug trafficking, and more recently, how the city putting in the effort to change for the better!

Related How To Make The Most Of One Day In Marseille – A Suggested Itinerary

Why Should You Avoid Visiting – Is Marseille Dangerous?

As I mentioned, Marseille is a very prominent city in France.

So why shouldn’t you visit Marseille if it’s such an important city?

Well Marseille doesn’t exactly have the most inviting past, and it’s not completely in the clear today either.

A Look At Marseille’s Shady Past

Marseille France actually used to supply 85% of the United State’s heroin … yup, you read that right!

But even more than that, the heroin was all made in the homes in Le Panier neighbourhood (a very popular up-and-coming artsy neighbourhood near the Old Port in the city centre!). 

Better yet, when the judge revealed the names of the important players in this heroin ring, he was murdered for doing so.

At least some good came of the judge’s death, this was one of the key factors that lead to improving the city.

These are only two examples of the largest crime and murders in Marseille in the past. And the truth about Marseille is that this isn’t all still in the past .

What About Marseille Safety Today ?

Even though the city is trying to crackdown on the drug problem in the city, it’s not that simple.

When I say that Marseille is still dangerous, that’s because 2023 was unfortunately Marseille’s deadliest year in a while.

In fact, according to the article , the crime rate and deaths more than doubled since 2020!

What About Petty Crimes In Marseille?

When asked is Marseille dangerous, it’s hard to say no. Marseille is the one of the most dangerous city in Europe today…

So if you’re worried about petty crimes like theft and pickpockets, you still have to be careful in Marseille, and maybe even a bit more than you would in other major cities in Europe.

There are ways to try and avoid these petty crimes that would make visiting Marseille safer for you. For example, don’t draw attention to yourself by wearing fancy jewellery.

If you’re travelling with a bag, make sure to keep it in front of you and hugging your body (that’s why I love travelling with my Lululemon Belt Bag ).

It’s also important to be aware of your surroundings . Take note if someone bumps into you, or keeps looking at you.

Is Marseille Safe At Night?

I didn’t stay in Marseille overnight because we were a bit concerned for what Marseille is like at night, and for good reason.

We did leave after it was dark though and I’ll be honest I could have left earlier .

The Old Port itself is quite lively at night, and it’s very well lit, so I felt very safe in this area of Marseille at night.

It was only once we left to walk back to the train station that I became a bit uncomfortable…

I don’t know how, but we took a wrong turn and ended up walking on some of the smaller streets which were dark, and had some people of questionable character along the way.

You Should Try To At Least Stay For Golden Hour

If you visit Marseille, I’d recommend staying to watch sunset at the Old Port, and then heading back to your base city before it gets too dark. 

The way golden hour lights up the boats on the water and the basilica in the background is just unimaginably beautiful and really shouldn’t be missed. 

The Truth About Marseille: Why You Don’t Have To Avoid It

You don’t have to completely avoid visiting Marseille France anymore.

We have the Marseille tourism board to thank for that back in 2013, it made the Marseille safety a lot better for tourists.

Marseille Has Been Trying To Change For The Better

What happened in 2013 to evoke this change in Marseille safety?

In 2013 Marseille won the Cultural Capital of Europe award .

With this award, Marseille for the first time ever, actually invested money into the city.

It was able to open up a conference centre, and two new museums ( Marseille History Museum , and  MuCEM ) which are now the two most popular things to do in Marseille.

This was a huge change. The space of the Marseille History Museum went from a parking lot to a Greek archeological site.

And the Fort Saint-Jeans was finally reconstructed after being left in ruins after the Second World War. 

And remember Le Panier, the main heroin neighbourhood? The city actually started to commission local graffiti there to bring in artists.

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Marseille Safety Concerns: Crimes Aren’t In The City Centre

You might also notice that most of the crimes and deaths in Marseille happen outside the city centre, in neighbourhoods like La Castellane, North of the city.

And the old dangerous city neighbourhoods have been transformed.

Like Le Panier is no longer the heroin haven it was once, but rather an up-and-coming as an artist’s hub for locals and tourists to enjoy.

But Is Marseille Worth Visiting After All?

Despite all these new changes it’s important to set certain expectations for your time in Marseille.

Just because it’s in the South of France, doesn’t mean it’s set to the same standards as some of the other Southern cities. 

Even though Marseilles is situated along the coast, this isn’t going to be anything like Côte d’Azur in the South of France. And, although it’s the second-largest city in France, it’s not going to have the same wealth or population as Paris.

It’s going to be a mix of run-down Provence and Parisian architecture. You’ll have a mix of bigger and smaller streets than you might be used to coming from either Aix or Paris, but definitely not as well kept.

Am I Happy I Visited Marseille? The Truth Is…

The truth about Marseille is that it’s still a growing and changing city but I’m really happy I included a day trip to Marseille in my South of France itinerary.

But as much as it already has changed for the better, there’s still ways to go.

For the most part, Marseille is safe during the day. It was only at night where I started to feel uncomfortable, so I was happy to be going back to Aix for the night.

But Marseille is definitely worth the visit for those views alone , to learn about how it’s gone through so much change is also very impressive.

It was a great day trip in the South of France and I would highly recommend spending one day in Marseille .

How To Visit Marseille & Stay Safe

As I mentioned, if you stay in the city centre and heavily populated areas, you should have nothing to worry about when visiting Marseille.

And if you’re extra cautious, like me, just visit for the day to avoid staying overnight.

I felt very safe in Marseille when we were visiting the Old Port, New Port, Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde, and even Le Panier neighbourhood. And we did not stray from these touristy areas.

I think we did stay a bit too late in the evening, leaving only after the sun went down… so I’d probably try to leave even earlier if I went back.

One Day In Marseille Is All You Need!

The truth about Marseille is that even though it’s the second-largest city in France you can see it all in one day (well the parts you want to anyway). 

And this way you don’t have to worry about Marseille safety at night (which is questionable).

With only one day in Marseille you don’t have time to venture too far away from the city centre if you don’t want to, there’s more than enough to see around the Old and New ports. 

If you are looking to leave the main city centre of Marseille you still can – within reason – to still feel safe in Marseille. We ventured a bit out of the cite centre to go to the Basilica Notre Dame de la Gare (up the hill) and then walked down to Vallon des Auffres, and never felt unsafe for a second.

Book An Organized Tour For Maximum Marseille Safety

My best advice for spending the day and staying safe in Marseille is to book a walking tour  in the morning. Not only was it a great way to learn about the city, but we felt safer walking around with someone who knew where it was safe to go before we went out on our owns.

You can also book a longer tour of Marseille, like this one on Viator .

Or if you’re staying in Aix-en-Provence, you can book this half day tour to all the must-sees in Marseille . So you don’t have to worry about a single thing!

See tours on Viator .

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• How To Make The Most Of One Day In Marseille – A Suggested Itinerary
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Thursday 23rd of June 2022

Thank you for this article! I like to call Marseille the un-Paris. If you’re looking to avoid the corporate, tourist vibe that has sadly spread throughout much of Paris, then Marseille might be for you. I visited Marseille as a solo female traveler in December 2019 and spent a week there. I mainly stuck to the port area and city center, but did venture further out a few times including once at night, which was the only time I felt I needed to be extra careful of my surroundings. Having grown up in Los Angeles, I felt safe in Marseille. I had a rental next door to the opera house and they were putting on a nightly light show for the holidays. The whole town was done up for Christmas, hot chocolate and roasted chestnut carts on the street corners. The seafood was delicious and also great Lebanese food. Everything was very affordable, as well. I highly recommend spending a couple of days there, just use common sense, don’t stand out and be aware of your surroundings.

Monday 20th of February 2023

I do agree! I’ve been traveling to Marseille since 2013. Always stay in an apt. Rental for 4-8 weeks in the Vieux-Porte . I’m older, blonde & blue eyed and walk 4-10 miles a day in Marseille. I shop in the Noailles Market several times a week. I walk to my favorite restaurants for 8pm dinners and home again. I ride the busses when going to the beaches or surrounding towns. I’m aware of my surroundings & am safe and happy. I live in San Francisco and also walk often or ride the busses. Enjoy Marseilles! It’s fun and joyful.

Friday 24th of June 2022

Thanks so much for your comment and glad you had a good time in Marseille as a solo-female traveler! I definitely think that it really depends on comfort levels (I tend to be on the more nervous and anxious side!). That sounds so lovely at Christmas time and it probably much the city much livelier - especially at night!

Sunday 29th of December 2019

You had maximized well that one-day adventure..great review! Hope to find more like you.

Saturday 28th of December 2019

I've never really thought about Marseille and while it looks nice enough, it's also good that you mention some of the safety aspects and a true account of the place. Could be a great day trip like you said

Marseille has so much potential, it's just important to remember that it's still a growing and changing city!

This was so helpful! Thank you for sharing all of this info and your insights!!

Glad to hear that!

I love visiting these side cities of France that’s not over populated. So much history!

The South of France is definitely a nice change from the bigger cities like Paris!

Best Beaches

Where to Go Shopping

Food to Try in Marseille

Best Restaurants

Nightlife Guide

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Marseille Provence Airport Guide

Neighborhoods to Explore

Best Hotels

Public Transportation

48-Hour Itinerary

Day Trips From Marseille

Top Things to Do

The 14 Best Things to Do in Marseille, France

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One of France's largest urban centers, the Mediterranean city of Marseille is as distant from Paris as you can imagine—both geographically and culturally. It's an ancient port that has long been a center of trade; "les Marseillais" (the locals) are proud of their distinctive culture and centuries-long history. It's known for its beauty, but also for being a bit "rough around the edges"—and that's all part of the appeal.

At once laid-back and vibrant, Marseille has it all: superb beaches and coastlines ; varied, fascinating neighborhoods; awe-inspiring historic monuments; and delicious local dishes and drinks that are certainly worth sampling. Add the opportunity for day trips to nearby national parks and postcard-perfect Provençal towns , and you'll soon see why the city makes an ideal hub in southern France. Here are some of the best things to see and do in Marseille, especially on a first trip.

Explore the Old Port

TripSavvy / Paula Galindo Valle

There's something timeless—even mythical—about Marseille's Vieux Port (Old Port), the waterfront that has seen some 26 centuries of trade and cultural exchange. The Phoenicians founded a colony called Massalia here in around 600 BC, and it became a major center of commerce in the Mediterranean, incorporated into the Roman Empire before being christianized during the 5th century. During the medieval period and religious wars known as the Crusades, the Port was guarded by the forts of Saint-Nicolas and Saint-Jean ; both continue to dramatically flank the port, and can be visited.

The Vieux Port may have tons of history, but it's still a vibrant center of present-day life in Marseille. Come take a stroll on the waterfront and admire the countless boats and ships moored in the harbor. Sit out at a terrace overlooking the port and enjoy a glass of wine or pastis, a typical Marseille liqueur flavored with anise and botanicals. Take a tour of the two forts, and/or a boat cruise out to the Friouil archipelago and islands beyond.

Visit the Chateau d'If, an Old Fortress and Prison

One of Marseille's most dramatic landmarks, the Chateau d'If looms near the coast of the old city, on the smallest island of the nearby Frioul archipelago. Built by King François I and completed in 1571, the formidable compound has served as a defensive fortress designed to protect Marseille from military invasions, as well as a state prison. Protestants and anti-monarchy figures were the most frequent prisoners between 1580 and 1871.

In 1844, French author Alexandre Dumas brought the Chateau d'If worldwide fame by placing it at the center of his novel "The Count of Monte Cristo." Today, it's an essential tourist destination and affords fantastic views over the sea and Old Port.

Getting there: From the Old Port, you can take a boat shuttle operated by Frouil If Express ; boats depart several times daily.

Head to the Beaches

During long summer days, planting a big beach umbrella in the sand and spending the whole day swimming, sunbathing, or boating can be an idyllic prospect. And even if you're visiting in the winter when chilly winds and cool temperatures often reign, you'll still probably want to hit the beaches around Marseille for activities such as coastal walks and sea views.

Where to find the best beaches in Marseille and its surrounding area depends on your style and preferences. If you're after a quick swim close to the city center, Catalanes Beach is only a 15-minute walk from Vieux Port. It's not the prettiest beach in the area, but it's ideal for a spontaneous dip.

For lifeguarded swimming during high season, head to the Plage du Prado or the Plage du Prophète , both wide, sandy beaches that are ideal for families, sunbathers, and sports enthusiasts. If you're drawn by wild beaches with stunning natural scenery or opportunities for snorkeling, head to the Calanques National Park and its remarkable coves.

Taste the City's Best Bouillabaisse

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Not everyone will think that Marseille's most-famous dish, bouillabaisse, sounds appealing. But unless you're vegetarian or vegan, we still strongly recommend you try a big, steaming bowl of this centuries-old fish stew originating in ancient Greece, and imported by the Phoenicians who colonized the area. Typically made with the fresh catch of the day or a variety of local seafood specialties, the stew is composed of an herb and saffron-rich broth, olive oil, and seasonal vegetables. Traditionally, you'd enjoy it accompanied by a toasted hunk of baguette and a spicy, garlic-rich paste called rouille.

The stew is so popular that you'll find it all over the city, year-round. But some of the best (and most picturesque) places to taste it are found on the Vieux Port; these include Le Miramar and Restaurant Michel .

See the City's Iconic Basilica—and Enjoy Panoramic Views

Looming over one of the city's highest points, Notre Dame de la Garde is widely seen as the symbol and figurative guardian of Marseille. The basilica is locally referred to as "La Bonne Mère," meaning "The Good Mother," and a bronze and gold-leaf statue of the Virgin Mary emerges from the bell tower.

Consecrated in 1864 on the site of several former chapels, the basilica was built in a Roman-Byzantine style. Come not only to admire its opulent façade and interior—rich with gold leaf, mosaics, elaborate dome structures, and stones in multiple hues—but also to enjoy sweeping panoramic views over the city, Old Port, and the waters beyond.

Getting there: We recommend taking the Petit Train de Marseille sightseeing train from the Old Port to the Basilica; this is also a great way to get an overview of some of the city's other key sites.

Take in the Splendor of Calanques National Park

Detractors sometimes describe Marseille as a city lacking in "traditional" beauty, yet they've clearly overlooked that the city is surrounded by some of the region's most stunning and well-protected marine environments. The Calanques National Park , sprawling between the outskirts of Marseille and the pretty port town of Cassis, is remarkable for its azure waters, which wend through craggy creeks (calanques) teeming with lush Mediterranean greenery.

Swim in protected coves whose waters are too blue to believe, or go snorkeling, boating, hiking, or rock-climbing in the park's seemingly endless calanques.

Getting there: From Marseille's Old Port, drive or take a taxi south to the national park (around 35 minutes). Alternatively, you can take the train to Cassis; from the town center, the "Port Miou Calanque" is around 30 minutes away on foot. There are numerous other trail departure points there as well.

Wander and Shop the Canebière District

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To get an authentic local sense of daily life, head to La Canabière , the longest and widest avenue in the city. Built in 1666, it was greatly expanded during the end of the 18th century, and its grand neoclassical-style buildings reflect the period. It now extends all the way to the Vieux Port, making it an easy access point from the waterfront to the city center.

This is a popular place to stroll, browse for clothes and other items in the avenue's many boutiques, window-shop, and people watch from café terraces. Department stores, grand hotels, and restaurants also occupy the long avenue, which is adjacent to some of the other best shopping streets in Marseille, including rue Paradis, rue Saint Ferréol, and rue de Rome.

Get a Taste of Local Culture at the Capucins Market

If you share our enthusiasm for local farmers' markets and the opportunities for cultural discovery and exchange they tend to afford, this place is for you. Located in close reach of La Canebière shopping district, the Marché des Capucins is well known for proffering some of the city's best, and least expensive, fruit and vegetables.

You'll also find numerous stalls selling food products, spices, and textiles from North Africa and other parts of the Greater Mediterranean. You might say the market—also referred to as the Marché de Noailles—carries forth Marseille's centuries-old tradition as a bustling, diverse center of trade and cultural exchange.

Bask in Mediterranean History at The MuCEM

If you're interested in learning about the region's history—including Marseille's—spend some time exploring MuCEM (Museum of the Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean). It only opened in 2013, but is now one of the world's 50 most-visited museums. Tracing diverse traditions from the Antiquity to the present, its collections and special programs tell the fascinating story of Mediterranean cultural practices, archaeology, art history, cultural traditions, and contemporary art,

The main site near the Old Port, designed by Rudy Ricciotti and Roland Carta, stands beside the 17th-century Fort Saint Jean. Footbridges between the new and old structures dramatically symbolize how the Mediterranean forged powerful connections between European and Middle Eastern cultures.

Wander Old Marseille in the Panier District

Situated just north of the Old Port, Le Panier (literally, "the basket") has had inhabitants since around 600 BC, making it the oldest part of the city. It was once the center of a Greek colony called Massalia, from which Marseille's name is derived. During the 17th century, it was abandoned by more affluent residents for new developments to the east, and became a principally working class district populated by sailors and fishermen. It has also welcomed waves of immigrants from Italy, Corsica, and North Africa over the centuries. As evidenced by the old almshouse (La Vieiille Charité), it was until recently one of the city's poorest districts.

Today, Le Panier's narrow little streets, cheerful squares, and hidden corners are dotted with café terraces, hip restaurants, street art, and boutiques selling everything from Marseille soap (savon de Marseille) to jewelry. Be sure to take in the ochre and bright yellow façades, stone stairways, and hilly passageways; then wander through a few boutiques before settling for lunch on one of the area's sun-soaked squares.

Stroll or Drive La Corniche, Marseille's Coastal Road

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One fantastic way to see the ancient port, sea, and islands from different vantage points is to take a long (often blustery) stroll along La Corniche , a boardwalk-style pathway built parallel to the coastal road of the same name. You can also drive it if you choose to rent a car.

The promenade stretches for 3 miles from the Catalanes beach to the Prado beach. Along the way, you'll see noteworthy sites including the aforementioned Chateau d'If and Iles du Frioul  (Frioul islands), opulent villas and mansions like the one pictured above, and excellent sea views.

Getting there: Pick a sunny day to enjoy the route or path to the fullest—not a difficult task in a city that gets an average of more than 300 days of sun a year. To walk, follow the signs and easy path from the Old Port to La Corniche.

Take a Train to Cézanne's Favorite City

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Hop on the train from the Marseille Saint-Charles station and spend a few hours roaming Aix-en-Marseille , one of the prettiest towns in the region. The birthplace of French painter Paul Cézanne, Aix and its surrounding mountains are the subject of many of his paintings. The popular market town is also renowned for its historic district, where you can bask in the sun on Provençal squares lined with warm-colored buildings and shaded by large trees. Have a drink or al fresco lunch on one of the terraces in the Cours Mirabeau, and take in the sights, colors, and traditions of the farmers' markets on and around Place Richelme.

Getting there: Trains depart around six times daily from Marseille Saint-Charles to Aix, with the direct TGV (fast train) taking only around 15 minutes. Booking in advance generally means you'll get lower fares.

Play a Game of Boules

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Especially during the warmer months, a common sight in Marseille is locals playing a game of pétanque , or boules. The game, similar to bocce, involves throwing grooved metallic balls on sandy pitches, aiming to get yours as close to the smaller target ball (called a "cochonnet") as possible. While some play it competitively, most locals enjoy it casually, as an excuse to catch up with friends and sip tall, ice-cold glasses of Pastis de Marseille mixed with water.

The game is widely played across the city, including around the Old Port and in local parks. To rent equipment and access pitches, you can head to recreation centers such as the Cercle des Boulomanes (50 Rue Monte Cristo).

Frolic at Borély Gardens & Château

 Courtesy of Chateau Borély 

Situated around 3 miles south of central Marseille, the sprawling grounds and gardens of the Château Borély offer an ideal way to get a break from the urban ground and enjoy some fresh air. The Parc Borély is one of the city's most popular local green spaces, boasting enormous green lawns, botanical gardens harboring thousands of species of plants, poetic canals filled with ducks and swans, and playground areas. There's even a beach-side walk from the grounds.

The 18th-century château now houses the Museum of Decorative Arts and Fashion, whose collections are noteworthy for their fine ceramics and exhibits dedicated to the history of style.

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Grit and grandeur coexist seamlessly in Marseille, an exuberantly multicultural port city with a pedigree stretching back to classical Greece.

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Best things to do, leave the planning to a local expert.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde

Occupying Marseille’s highest point, La Garde (154m), this opulent 19th-century Romano-Byzantine basilica is Marseille's most-visited icon. Built on the…

'The Basket' is Marseille's oldest quarter – site of the original Greek settlement and nicknamed for its steep streets and buildings. Its close, village…

Musée des Civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée

The icon of modern Marseille, this stunning museum explores the history, culture and civilisation of the Mediterranean region through anthropological…

Ships have docked for millennia at Marseille’s birthplace, the vibrant Vieux Port. The main commercial docks were transferred to the Joliette area in the…

La Vieille Charité

In the heart of Marseille's Le Panier quarter is this grand and gorgeous almshouse, built by Pierre Puget (1620–94), an architect and sculptor born just a…

Musée d’Histoire de Marseille

This intriguing 15,000-sq-metre museum traces the story of 'France's Oldest City' from prehistory (the paintings of the Cosquer Cave) to the present day,…

Château d’If

Commanding access to Marseille's Vieux Port, this photogenic island-fortress was immortalised in Alexandre Dumas’ 1844 classic The Count of Monte Cristo…

Musée des Beaux Arts

Set in the lavish, colonnaded Palais de Longchamp, Marseille’s oldest museum owes its existence to an 1801 decree of pre-Napoleonic France's short-lived…

Top picks from our travel experts

15 top things to do in marseille for the best of the provençal capital.

L’Epuisette

This swanky restaurant has a Michelin star and knockout water-level views from an elegantly austere dining room. Many splurge on what may be Marseille’s…

La Cité Radieuse

Visionary modernist architect Le Corbusier redefined urban living in 1952 with the completion of this vertical 337-apartment tower, popularly known as La…

Intercontinental Marseille – Hôtel Dieu

Occupying a heritage-listed 18th-century hospital, the Hôtel Dieu, the Intercontinental Marseille has a commanding position in Le Panier overlooking the…

Fort St-Jean

Intended as much to control the citizens of Marseille as guard them from external threat, Fort St-Jean was built by Louis XIV in 1660 on the site of a…

Chez Étienne

Family photos and veteran service staff hint at the longevity of this Le Panier favourite, known for authentic, hand-thrown pizza, topped with homemade…

La Caravelle

On the 1st floor of Hôtel Bellevue, this lovely little bar is styled with rich wood and leather, with a zinc bar and yellowing murals that hint of its…

Jardin du Pharo

Perched high above the southern side of the Vieux Port are the six immaculately grassed hectares of the Jardin du Pharo, the grounds of the Palais du…

This long-standing classic in a 1940s seaside hotel with Mediterranean views has plenty of atmosphere, however kitschy. Although this is one of the most…

Parc Borély

Five kilometres south of central Marseille, this 17th-century park encompasses a lake, a miniature of the Notre-Dame de la Garde cathedral, a botanical…

Cours Julien

Marseille's most vibrant bohemian quarter centres on Cours Julien, an elongated concrete square shaded by palm trees. It’s lined with great bars, cafes…

Maison Empereur

If you only have time to visit one shop in Marseille, make it this one. Run by the same family since 1827, France’s oldest hardware store remains a one…

L' Eau a la Bouche

You haven’t had pizza until you’ve eaten at chef Rodolphe Bodikian’s mouth-watering pizzeria. Scattering unusual ingredients – such as sobrasada (spicy…

Musée d’Art Contemporain

Creations of Marseille-born sculptor César Baldaccini (1921–98) jostle for space with works by Christo, Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Nice New…

Marseille’s creative chameleon and the heart of the cours Julien scene, Waaw ('What an Amazing World') has everything you could possibly want for a night…

Pizzeria La Bonne Mère

Reservations are essential at this fantastic pizzeria in the lee of Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. La Bonne Mère uses only the freshest organic and…

10 free things to do in Marseille, from seaside treks to sunset shows

Vallon des Auffes

Nestled around this picture-postcard fishing village, a remnant of old maritime Marseille long since swallowed by modern sprawl, are traditional cabanons …

Plage des Catalans

The small, bustling, beach-volleyball-busy Plage des Catalans is the closest stretch of sand to the Vieux Port.

Musée Cantini

Donated to the city by the sculptor Jules Cantini on his death in 1916, this 17th-century mansion-turned-museum conceals some superb art behind its…

La Friche La Belle de Mai

This 45,000-sq-metre former tobacco factory is now a vibrant arts centre with a theatre, cinema, bar, bookshop, artists’ workshops, multimedia displays,…

Abbaye St-Victor

To the west of the Vieux Port lies Abbaye St-Victor, the birthplace of Christianity in Marseille, built on a 3rd century BC necropolis. It's €2 to visit…

Marseille Provence Greeters

A great idea: free walking tours led by locals, covering street art, history, food shops, football culture and lots more. Sign up in advance online and…

Cathédrale de Marseille Notre Dame de la Major

Standing guard between the old and new ports is the striking 19th-century Cathédrale de la Major. After its foundation stone was laid by Napoleon III in…

Fort St-Nicolas

Guarding the southern side of Marseille’s harbour (and threatening its sometimes rebellious citizens, who attempted to destroy it during the Revolution)…

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Here's a look at Marseille's most interesting enclaves, and what to expect in each one. 

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Follow these tips on transport, meals, low-cost sightseeing and other essentials to get more for less on your next trip to Marseille.

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Marseille’s reputation as a frenetic, fast-paced port city is not unwarranted, but the best way to get around is often by foot.

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• 1.1 Climate
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By train
• 2.5 By boat
• 2.6 By bicycle
• 3.1 By bus, tram, métro
• 3.2 By boat
• 3.4 By taxi
• 3.5 By bicycle
• 4.1 Museums and places of interest
• 4.2 Outside of town
• 5.2 Beaches
• 7.1 Universities
• 8.1 La Bouillabaisse de Marseille
• 8.2.1 Around the Basilique Notre-Dame
• 8.2.2 In the city centre
• 8.3 Mid-range
• 8.4 Splurge
• 9.1 English and Irish pubs
• 9.2 Craft beer
• 9.3 Arty bars
• 9.4 Theme bars
• 9.6 Splurge
• 10.1 Budget
• 10.2 Mid-range
• 10.3 Splurge
• 12 Stay safe
• 13.1 Houses of worship
• 13.2 Consulates

With 1.6 million people in its urban area (2019), Marseille ( Provençal : Marselha ) is the second most populated city of France (and third urban area) the biggest Mediterranean port and the economic center of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. In 2013 the city (with its region) was the European Capital of Culture, a large series of cultural events took place, and several new infrastructures were inaugurated.

Understand [ edit ]

Marseille has a complex history. It was founded by the Phoceans (from the Greek city of Phocea ) in 600 BC and is one of the oldest cities in Europe. The town is a far cry from the Cézanne paintings and Provençal clichés of sleepy villages, "pétanque" players and Marcel Pagnol novels. With around one million inhabitants, Marseille is the second largest city in France in terms of population and the largest in terms of area. Its population is a real melting pot of different cultures. It is also said that there are more Comorian people in Marseille than in Comoros! Indeed, the people of Marseille have varying ethnic backgrounds, with a lot of Italians and Spaniards having immigrated to the area after the Second World War.

For people not afraid to discover a real place with real people, Marseille is the place. From colourful markets (like Noailles market) that will make you feel like you are in Africa, to the Calanques (a natural area of big cliffs falling into the sea - Calanque means fjord), from the Panier area (the oldest place of the town and historically the place where newcomers installed) to the Vieux-Port (old harbor) and the Corniche (a road along the sea) Marseille has definitely a lot to offer.

Forget the Canebière, forget the "savon de Marseille" (Marseille soap), forget the clichés, and just have a ride from l'Estaque to Les Goudes . You will not forget it.

• 43.296035 5.376107 1 Office de Tourisme et des Congrès de Marseille ( Main Tourist Office ), 11, la Canebière , ☏ +33 826 500 500 , [email protected] . M-Sa 09:00 - 07:00, Su and holidays 10:00 - 05:00 . ( updated May 2015 )

Climate [ edit ]

The city experiences a Mediterranean climate with cool winters and hot summers. Winters are cooler and windier than in other areas of the French Riviera, but also sunnier (sunshine hours are among the highest in Europe). Spring, on the other hand, features a much faster warm-up than in nearby Nice . Autumn experiences variable temperatures and is generally the cloudiest season of the year. Summers are hot and dry, but the sea breeze moderates the heat and makes it more comfortable.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

Getting to the airport:

• Bus . Bus #91 is the easiest way to get to Marseille's city centre. The shuttle leaves approximately every 15-20 minutes, taking 25 minutes and goes directly to the St. Charles bus/train station where you can take the metro or walk to your hotel. The price is €10 for a one-way or €16 for a round-trip (as of May 2022). Buses go to some other directions too .
• Train . The airport is served by the Vitrolles Marseille Provence Airport train station on the TER network. This train station can be reached in 5 min by bus #13 , departing from bus station's platform 5. This TER line serves Marseille and Miramas in one direction, and Arles, Tarascon, Nîmes and Montpellier in the other.
• Taxi . The airport website indicates the price of €50 for a trip to Marseille during the day and €60 at night.

By train [ edit ]

Marseille sees TGV trains from Paris (3 hours) via Lyon (1hr 45min), Nice (2.5 hours) and from Brussels (5 hours). Slower Intercités trains connects with cities not on the TGV network. All trains within France are run by SNCF or for low-cost TGV by Ouigo . Additionally, Eurostar has previously offered an all year round direct service from London (6½ hours); they were discontinued in 2020, and there is no indication (Oct 2022) that they will resume.

For travel from Spain, there are daily AVE service operated by a joint venture of the French and Spanish railway companies from Barcelona (4½ hours), and Madrid (8 hours). Alternatively, there are frequent connections to Cerbère and onwards to Barcelona by means of a series of regional trains.

Regional TER are frequent and connects with several nearby cities and can be a cheaper alternative then using TGV trains for shorter journeys.

By bus [ edit ]

• Nice – Buses leave from Nice Gare SNCF at 05:22, 06:23, 08:13, 11:23, 14:23, 15:12, 16:23, 17:40, 18:13, and 19:13, often daily. They take about 3 hr and cost €33. There are additional direct connections from Nice Care Routière Vauban and Nice airport via Aix-en-Provence . See https://zou.maregionsud.fr/ .

FlixBus has many connections all over Europe.

• Gare Routière St Charles ( bus station ) ( next to the main train station St. Charles; access through Platform N ), ☏ +33 4 91 08 16 40 , [email protected] . M Tu Th F 07:30-19:00; W Sa Su holidays: 08:00 - 13:00, 14:00 - 19:00 . ( updated May 2015 )

By car [ edit ]

Marseille is very well connected to most French cities through numerous highways. As always in France those highways are expensive but practical, comfortable and fast. Marseille is around 8 hours from Paris by car, 2 hours from Nice , 1 hr 30 min from Montpellier , 4 hours from Toulouse and 3 hours from Lyon . However, be aware that driving in the city centre is a nightmare - park your car somewhere safe and stick to public transport whenever you can.

By boat [ edit ]

Marseille has a big harbour. There are direct daily services to Marseille from Ajaccio , Bastia , Porto Torres , Porto-Vecchio , and Propriano as well as ferries traversing the Mediterranean from Oran and Algiers in Algeria , usually with one or two crossings per week.

There are several piers at the harbour, so it is advisable to check well in advance from which pier you are departing.

By bicycle [ edit ]

If traveling by bicycle, you should arrive early in the day to avoid getting lost in this vast metropolis. Maps from the tourist office focus on the city center, so you should come with your own map to navigate the suburbs.

Get around [ edit ]

By bus, tram, métro [ edit ]

Marseille is served by a transit system, the Régie des Transports de Marseille (RTM) comprising 2 métro (subway) lines, 3 tram lines and 74 bus lines. Almost every métro station has steps in it somewhere and some will have several flights of stairs. If you have any mobility problems, are in a wheelchair or have a child in a push chair, the trams and buses are a better option.

The tickets for bus, tram and métro can be bought in the cafes, at the métro stations, or on the bus; it is advised to buy a 10-journey ticket at €15 (+ 10 cents for the reusable card), which are not sold in the buses. The number of transfers is unlimited (including the return journeys) within the one-hour limit between the first boarding and last transfer on all the network (you must validate with each entry to the bus). The métro runs between 05:00 and 00:30. The tram system operates until 00:30 7 days a week. Most bus routes do not operate after 21:00 or so, although a limited network of night buses (Fluobus) operates with infrequent service (only about every 45–60 minutes or so) until about 00:30 or so. Using a taxi is recommended if you need to travel after 21:00. There is no service at all on 1 May.

The Pilote website , includes all the bus, tram and métro schedules but is easier to read than the RTM sites. Moreover, this site repeats the schedules of the majority of transport in common runs of the agglomeration (tram, bus interurban, trains regional) and makes it possible to search for journeys in Marseille and the nearby communes.

There is a useful RTM app for both Android and iPhone providing journey planning & timetable info. It is reasonably obvious to use even if you don't speak French.

Airport transfers are available by bus for €8.30 each way to/from Gare St Charles. Tickets may be bought at the cabin between Hall 1 and Hall 3/4 of the main terminal and at a separate kiosk in the new Gare Routière, after Voie N in the Gare St Charles. The bus runs every 20 minutes on 10, 30, and 50 minutes past the hour. The ride is about 30 minutes. The bus says Navette Aeroport Gare St Charles on it. From Gare St Charles, the metro can get you to most hotels. A cheaper (€5.70) way to get to Marseille, Gare St Charles is by TER train, there are free shuttle buses to the railway station, the train part of the journey is about 20 minutes.

Single tickets allow unlimited transfers onto bus or tram within 1 hour of initial use for the €1.70 fare and one entry (1-hour limit) to the metro. A daily ticket (carte journée) costs €5.20 or 72 hours for €10.80. If you a are staying longer there is 7-day pass €15.50 but this requires a "La Carte" personalised transport card which is free but you will require a passport sized photo & photo ID. It can be obtained from a RTM customer reception like the one in St Charles. La Carte can also be loaded with euros and be used on a pay as you go basis where a single ticket cost is €1.40.

Like most large cities, there is a city pass that include entrance to various attractions. Check whether they meet your needs before purchase; as starting at €27 (adult) for 24 hours, they are an expensive option for transport alone.

A Ferry Boat crosses the Old Harbour ( Vieux Port ). It is a tourist attraction in itself known as the shortest commercial boat ride in Europe. Several other ferries propose connections with L'Estaque, Les Goudes, La Pointe-Rouge and Le Frioul. They cost €10 return trip but a 1-week RTM transportation pass (€14.50; passport and color photo needed) comprises them (except Frioul island) which is very interesting. Also there are several companies proposing boat tours of the Calanque, like mini-cruises.

Avoid taking your car if you possibly can. Marseille, at least the centre, has narrow streets, one-way streets, random lane changes and so on which can drive both locals and non-locals crazy. The local drivers have a well deserved reputation for fearlessness - particularly if they are on two wheels. In addition, Marseille has some of the lowest parking fines in France - parking fines are rarely enforced and consequently you will find cars parked (and sometimes double parked) everywhere.

Due to the new tunnel that is being built to try to alleviate some of Marseille's traffic problems, satellite navigational systems such as the Tom Tom are likely to be out of date and dangerous if followed. For instance, following a Tom Tom in the centre of Marseille could take you across newly installed pedestrian areas or Tram lines. The one-way system has also completely changed.

By taxi [ edit ]

Be careful of rogue taxi drivers. While there aren't many, there are a few and a €20 ride can quickly become a €40 ride. If you think you've been cheated get the taxi driver's number (in the rear of the car, often on the window) and go to the Tourist's Office at 11, La Canebière (near Le Vieux Port) and speak to a representative, they can and will get your money back if you've been ripped off. They will also get the taxi driver in significant trouble.

Marseille has the excellent le vélo cycle hire scheme in place (but a very small number of cycle paths ), this makes it possible to get round the city quickly and very reasonably. It costs €1 for a week's subscription. Each time you hire a bike, the first 30 minutes are free, then each hour costs €1. There is a €150 deposit which will be charged if you don't return the bike properly.

See [ edit ]

Museums and places of interest [ edit ]

• 43.305815 5.367679 22 FRAC Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur , 31 rue Vincent Leblanc ( bus #35, #55 & #82 Jolette    M2     T2     T3   ). W-Sa 12:00-19:00, Su 14:00-18:00 . Contemporary art in a building designed by architect Kengo Kuma. Part of a national network . €5 full, €2.50 reduced (-25 +60 students) . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 43.295607 5.362473 26 Deportation Memorial ( Mémorial des déportations ), Avenue Vaudoyer ( Close to the MuCEM ). Tu-F 11:00-18:00; Sa Su 09:00-18:00 . Memorial & museum relating to repression & persecution during World War II. Run by the Marseille History Museum (MHM). free . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 43.328185 5.404121 28 Motorcycle Museum ( Musée de la Moto ), 18 rue Jean Marsac Quartier du Merlan ( Bus #32, 38 or Malpassé    M1   then bus #38 ), ☏ +33 4 91 55 48 43 . Tu-Sa 09:00-17:00 . Museum in a former flour mill featuring motorcycles from 1885 to the present day. Four levels of bikes. It may look closed but you need to press the button by the gate to gain admission. Permanent collection: free, exhibitions eur6-12 also free for -18 & EU students 18-26 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 43.248911 5.40471 29 Mazargues War Cemetery , On the way to Luminy ( Ste Trinite    B1   ). A war cemetery dedicated to World War I and World War II martyrs from the Allies, especially the Indian and Chinese gunners and runners. A very serene place, it is the perfect place to spend sometime thinking about the people who laid down their lives to give us the freedom we enjoy today. ( updated Jul 2023 )
• La Corniche : a walkway and a road by the sea that provides lovely views of the sea, the Chateau d'If to the south, and les Calanques to the east.
• 43.2612 5.3964 30 Unité d'Habitation ( Bus#   B1   ,21j,22 from Rond-Point du Prado    M2   ). Designed by Le Corbusier, and one of 17 of his buildings to be listed as a World Heritage Site . The building is called "la maison du fada" (the house of the foolish) by locals. The building contains a shopping street, a church, a children's school and housing. You can access the roof and enjoy the breathtaking view of Marseille between hills and sea (10:00-18:00). There is a bar/restaurant/hotel on the 3rd floor too. ( updated Jul 2016 )

Outside of town [ edit ]

• The Calanques . The Calanques are a series of miniature fjords to the south of Marseille near Cassis . From Marseille these are best accessed from the University campus at Luminy which can be reached by bus #21 departing from Rond Point du Prado opposite the Stade Velodrome or from Vieux Port. The 'fjords' are amazing with wonderful blue sea and spectacular lime stone cliffs. The walk along the coast from Cassis to Marseille is spectacular, it can be done in one day at a fast pace. The trail (GR) is clearly marked (red and white strips). From Luminy, you can turn left to Cassis or right to Callelongue (bus #20 connects you to bus #19, which takes you to Rond-Point du Prado    M2   for connections to the centre, or you can use also bus #21, 23). From June to September some of the Calanques can be closed due to high risk of fire. Since 2022, in order to preserve the National Park from erosion due to the large number of visitors, it is now mandatory to make a free reservation to visit Pierres Tombées and Sugiton's calanques during the summer.
• There is an app available for Android & iphone called " Mes Calanques " (App in English) that offers many walks rated by difficulty. The maps are of sufficient quality to assist you in following the marked trails and give you public transport access points and opening information. The App also shows you information about the types of fauna, flora heritage sites you can expect to see.
• Château d'If The Château d'If is built small island off the city, initially as a defensive structure and was later used a prison. It is most famous for its place in the novel The Count of Monte-Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. Tourist boats leave from the Vieux Port.
• Allauch and Plan de Cuques are communes on the outskirts of Marseille, both blessed with beautiful countryside. You can take the metro to La Rose    M1   and then a bus #142, #144. Take a picnic and go for a walk in the hills, the views of Marseille and the Mediterranean are stunning.
• L'Estaque and côte bleue L'Estaque is fishing port that is just starting to exploit its tourist potential through its connections to Cézanne. You can get there on the #35 bus from Joliette    M2   .

Do [ edit ]

You can visit the fabulous restaurants and cafes. You can go and do many adventurous things such as diving and hiring boats! The calanques (fjords) between Marseille and La Ciotat are a very popular sports climbing area. And of course, if the weather is fine, you can simply go to the beach!

• Stade Vélodrome , 3 boulevard Michelet. Watch football in the home of Olympique de Marseille. They play in Ligue 1, the top tier of French football, and often qualify for European tournaments. The stadium, capacity 67,394, is in St Giniez district 2 km south of the city centre, use Metro station Rond-Point du Prado. Buy match tickets online or from the official shop next to the stadium.
• 43.298726 5.382757 1 Artplexe ( Artplexe Canebière ), 125 la canebière ( cr La Canebière & All Leon Gambetta. Canebière Garibaldi    T2   Noailles    M2   ). New multi-screen cinema showing some films in VO combined with exhibition spaces and restaurant. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 43.360714 5.330256 2 Cinéma l'Alhambra , 2 Rue du Cinéma ( Bus# 36, 36B from Bougainville    M2   ), [email protected] . Art House Cinema with original 1930s facade out of the city centre. Shows some films in VO (the original language) Adult €6 . ( updated Nov 2022 )

Events [ edit ]

• The festival Avec le Temps that occurs every spring at the Espace Julien (one of the main concerts halls in town) consists in many concerts of French artists, in many genre (Pop, Chanson, Rock, Folk.)
• La Fête Bleue , "the Blue Festival" at the end of June. A lot of shows (concerts, movie projections, exhibits) occur in many places in the city, and the theme is the colour blue.
• La Fête du Panier , at the end of June. During two days, you will be able to see shows, concerts and markets in the oldest area of the town.
• Le FDAmM or Festival de Danse et des Arts Multiples de Marseille , is the main dance festival in Marseille and lasts all summer.
• Le festival du Plateau , at the Cours Julien, in September.
• The music festival Marsatac occurs in the end of September and was created 10 years ago. Artists who performed there were for example Public Enemy, Nouvelle Vague, dEUS, Mogwai, Peaches, Amon Tobin, De La Soul, Laurent Garnier, and Aphex Twin.
• La Fiesta Des Suds , at the Dock des Suds, in October is a famous festival dedicated to World music. You can attend concerts of artists such as Asian Dub Foundation, Buena Vista Social Club, Cesaria Evora.
• La Foire aux Santons is a very picturesque Christmas market held from late November near the Canebière and Vieux Port. Provence is the home of santons, terracotta figurines used in nativity scènes known as crèches. Some merchants and many churches display impressive crèches of their own.
• 43.301789 5.375633 3 City of Music ( Cité de la Musique ), 4 rue Bernard du Bois ( Jules Guesde    M2   ). Music school & concert halls Diverse musical types ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 43.310533 5.366581 4 CEPAC Silo , 35 quai du Lazaret ( bus #35, 82; Euroméditerranée Gantes    T2     T3   ), [email protected] . Concert venue/theatre in a former grain silo. The performance space is reconfigurable according to the type of show performed. Total capacity 2,050 seats. ( updated Nov 2022 )

Beaches [ edit ]

Let's be honest, beaches in Marseille are not always great. Moreover, depending on the weather, they can be rather polluted.

However the small beaches south of the city centre between La Pointe Rouge harbour and La Madrague harbour are cleaner, nicer and usually slightly less crowded.

There are also good sandy beaches at L'Estaque - take bus #35 from ( Joliette    M1     T2     T3   ) stop to the end of the line (20–25 minutes).

Buy [ edit ]

Learn [ edit ], universities [ edit ].

Marseille is home to many universities and has a reputation for great education. The universities have a wide array of focuses from art to business.

• Main focus on Architecture
• Institut de Mathématiques de Luminy ( Luminy Institute of Mathematics ), 163, avenue de Luminy , ☏ +33 4 91 26 96 30 . Main focus on Mathematics.  
• Main focus on Business (Business Management and International Business)
• General studies university
• Main focus on Medical Field and Pharmaceuticals

Eat [ edit ]

Unsurprisingly, Marseille's cuisine is focused on fish and seafood. Its two flag-bearing specialities being the famous fish broth " bouillabaisse " and " aïoli ", a garlic sauce served with vegetables and dried cod.

La Bouillabaisse de Marseille [ edit ]

La bouillabaisse is an excellent fish-based soup served with la rouille (a garlic-saffron sauce) and bread similar to crostini. In fact, Bouillabaisse is a 2-course meal: first you get soup from the pot, then you get the rest, i.e. fish.

La bouillabaisse cannot be enjoyed on the cheap. If you are invited to the home of someone making bouillabaisse, then you are in the clear. But never eat cheap bouillabaisse at a restaurant unless it's not called bouillabaisse; only eat it at a place where you have to reserve in advance.

Budget [ edit ]

There are lots of Kebab restaurants along the Canebière. Many cheap, authentic couscous eateries are to be found around the Cours Belsunce, where the local Maghrebic immigrants have their lunch.

Around the Basilique Notre-Dame [ edit ]

• 43.288987 5.366707 1 Café Cantine , 17 Pl. Joseph Etienne . This little place has the best food made fresh onsite! Very kind and friendly staff. Fast service, fresh and good products. Very warm welcome and very good homemade meal. ( updated May 2022 )
• 43.289734 5.365202 2 Sampolo , 14 Av. de la Corse . Sampolo is a nice family place. The dishes and desserts are very tasty and homemade. Great place and great atmosphere in the evening. ( updated May 2022 )
• 43.289947 5.366521 3 Brasserie Le Saint Victor , 126 Bd de la Corderie . A very friendly neighborhood brasserie with good traditional dishes and caring, fast and efficient staff. The catering is excellent with a wide variety of daily specials. ( updated May 2022 )
• 43.290348 5.369792 4 Moon Burger , 29 Bd de la Corderie . The quality is exceptional, the products are fresh, the bread is homemade, the meat is succulent. The homemade sauces are top of the line. Also the staff is very warm and attentive. ( updated May 2022 )
• 43.291314 5.369658 5 Santa Pizza , 88 Rue Sainte . Very good pizza and pasta. Hearty toppings, thin crust, tasty ingredients. ( updated May 2022 )
• 43.290365 5.366404 6 Perle d'Asie , 29 Rue d'Endoume . A cuisine that makes us rediscover Asian flavors. There is a possibility of having vegetarian spring rolls. ( updated May 2022 )

In the city centre [ edit ]

• 43.297318 5.373091 7 five pizza original , 11 Rue de la République . Interesting concept, which is very simple: You create your pizza by choosing all the toppings of your pizza with a lot of choice on an electronic terminal. ( updated May 2022 )
• 43.294808 5.376999 8 Restaurant Le Palmier , 42 Rue Vacon . A very good Tunisian restaurant with a good welcome and a good meal. ( updated May 2022 )
• 43.29673 5.372482 9 Chez Tri , 33 Rue Coutellerie . An extraordinary and very pleasant Vietnamese restaurant! Fresh and especially homemade products. ( updated May 2022 )
• 43.297653 5.371009 10 Le Par Azar - Restaurant Libanais , 31 Grand Rue . Small Lebanese restaurant. The food is very good, homemade and very fresh. The small terrace is pleasant even if it is on the side of the road. ( updated May 2022 )
• 43.295202 5.377939 11 New School Tacos , 24 Rue Vacon . Super welcoming and the quality of the tacos is exceptionally good. ( updated May 2022 )
• 43.295299 5.376543 12 L'heure de Marseille , 24 Rue Pavillon . Very good Indian and Pakanian dishes and fast food. Quiet street with terrace. Best Naan Poulet. ( updated May 2022 )
• 43.298345 5.377033 13 Bodrum City Kebab , 42 Cr Belsunce . Clean and comfortable establishment, air-conditioned room. Very pleasant staff. Wide variety of choice and very tasty for dishes. ( updated May 2022 )
• Sur le Pouce , 2 Rue des Convalescents , ☏ +33 4 91 56 13 28 . Daily 11:30-15:30, 19:00-22:30 . Very tasty, copious and affordable Tunisian restaurant. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 43.301426 5.380824 14 Café l'Écomotive , 4Pl. des Marseillaises ( near the foot of the large staircase by Gare Saint Charles. near Saint-Charles    M1     M2   Place des Marseillaises exit. ), ☏ +33 6 52 35 83 31 , [email protected] . Sa Su 09:30-18:00, M-F 08:30-18:00 . Excellent veggie café Mains €12 . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 43.304417 5.36706 15 Flower burger , 64 Av. Robert Schuman ( near Jolette    M2     T2     T3   ). 12:00-14:30, 18:30-22:00 (M 21:30) . Multi coloured buns and no meat. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 43.292461 5.38404 16 V&V House , 4 Rue des 3 Frères Barthélémy ( near Notre-Dame du Mont    M2   ). Fast food place with wide choice of Vegan options including Poke bowls. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• L'Usyne , 16 Place Notre Dame du Mont ( near Notre-Dame du Mont    M2   ), ☏ +33 4 13 63 12 82 , [email protected] . M 18:30-22:00, Tu-Th Sa 11:30-14:00, 18:30-22:00; F 11:30-22:00, Su closed . Small Vietnamese restaurant & tea house. Good choice of veggie dishes. ( updated Jun 2023 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

Many affordable restaurants with sunny terraces are to be found on Cours Julien, a pedestrian-only street near the Canebière and the "Plaine".

• 43.2907 5.3664 17 Four des Navettes , 136 rue Sainte ( next to the St Victor Fort ), ☏ +33 4 91 33 32 12 . This bakery is famous for its "Navette" dry biscuit which recipe has been kept secret for almost a century. This is one of Marseille's culinary specialities. Not to miss, through you can get it in other bakeries in Marseille, too. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 43.299188 5.38605 18 La Boite à Sardine , 2 Boulevard de la Libération ( m. Canebière Réformés ), ☏ +33 4 91 50 95 95 , [email protected] . Despite its name, there is no canned fish in the menu there. A member of Gourméditerrannée association. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 43.297319 5.385498 19 Le Cercle Rouge , 41 Rue Adolphe Thiers ( just off the Canebiere ). This unusual restaurant does excellent Corsican tapas such as figatelli sausage, stuffed artichokes, panchetta in honey and red mullet in tomato sauce. Worth booking to get a spot on the lovely terrace. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 43.285725 5.349832 20 L'Epuisette , 156 rue du Vallon des Auffes . Its amazing location in the very picturesque Vallon des Auffes harbour is an undeniable plus. Seafood specialities and affordable bouillabaisse. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 43.244512 5.369425 21 La Riviera , Place Joseph Vidal ( at the end of the parking lot and the most western part of the Pointe Rouge beach ), ☏ +33 4 91 73 27 27 . Tu-Su 11:30 - 15:00, 19:30 - 22:30 . Good fish restaurant where you can try "Soupe de poisson à la rouille" and other Marseille's sea food. Sea view. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• Le Richelieu , 8 Place de Rome . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 43.292914 5.383297 22 Mariposas , 102 Cours Julien ( near Notre-Dame du Mont    M2   ), ☏ +33 6 26 55 61 92 , [email protected] . Tu-Sa 12:00-14:30, 19:00-22:00; Su 11:00-15:00 . Popular and highly regarded Vegan restaurant. ( updated Apr 2023 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 43.297458 5.365915 23 Le Glacier du Roi , 4 Place de Lenche , ☏ +33 4 91 91 01 16 . Perhaps the best ice cream establishment in the city. Yet another member of Gourméditerrannée association. ( updated Jun 2015 )
• 43.290739 5.35606 24 Chez Michel , 6 rue des Catalans ( Bus 83, 81 and 54, stop Catalans ), ☏ +33 4 91 52 30 63 . For bouillabaisse and other sea food. ( updated Jun 2015 )
• 43.285543 5.351431 25 Chez Fonfon , 140, Vallon des Auffes ( Vallon des Auffes ), ☏ +33 4 91 52 14 38 , [email protected] . Seafood (again bouillabaisse ), nice views. ( updated Jun 2015 )
• 43.292868 5.37107 26 La Table du Fort , 8, rue Fort Notre Dame ( by the Vieux Port ). A gastronomical restaurant consistently ranked among the city's best, specialized in seafood and fish dishes.  
• 43.280216 5.352069 27 Le Petit Nice Passédat . A 3-star Michelin restaurant on an idyllic location by the sea, facing the islands, held by local celebrity chef Gérald Passédat. It ranks among Southern France's very best restaurants and serves the best bouillabaisse in town at a cost. From €180 pp .  
• 43.296132 5.375479 28 1860 Le Palais , 9 La Canebière ( by the Vieux Port ), ☏ +33 4 91 99 54 84 . 07:30 - 23:00 . Very good classic French cuisine, made from quality products, in the historic building of the Chamber of Commerce. One of the best places near the old port. ( updated Sep 2021 )

Drink [ edit ]

Lots of new places have opened in Marseille, at night, three main districts are interesting (besides beaches between April and October where people go and spend the night), the Old Port with lots of bars and pubs (particularly on the southern side and on Cours d'Estienne d'Orves, La Plaine/Cours Julien with numerous alternative and underground bars, and La Joliette/J4 with trendy chic new bars and clubs. However La Friche should not be forgotten, particularly during summer when the very large rooftop hosts dj parties for free every Friday and Saturday. For events and concert agenda, see La Nuit Magazine [dead link] or printed paper Ventilo , particularly during summer as lots of music festivals, boat parties (mini-cruises at night with DJs in the Calanques for €20-40), rooftop parties and concerts take places.

English and Irish pubs [ edit ]

• O'Brady's Irish Pub , 378, Avenue de Mazargues , ☏ +33 4 91 71 53 71 . Su 12:00–01:30; M-Sa 11:00–01:30 .  
• Shamrock Irish Pub , 17, Quai de Rive-Neuve , ☏ +33 4 91 33 11 01 . ( updated Jul 2023 )
• Red Lion cours Julian , 6 Pl. Notre Dame du Mont . Small pub ( updated Jul 2023 )
• Red Lion , 231 Av. Pierre Mendès ( bus# 19,47 ). English pub at La Pointe Rouge, southern Marseille, next to the beach. ( updated Jul 2023 )
• O'Malleys, 9 Quai de Rive Neuve (less than two minutes away from the aforementioned Shamrock Irish Pub). Often has live music and rugby.

Craft beer [ edit ]

• Le 143 bar à bières , 143 Rue Sainte , ☏ +33 6 49 49 53 29 . Tu-Sa 16:30-01:00, closed Su M . ( updated Dec 2022 )
• Beer District Marseille , 4 Rue de la République ( Vieux-Port     M1   ). Beer Hall ( updated Mar 2023 )
• Les BerThoM Marseille , 31 Cr Honoré d'Estienne d'Orves . Modern craft beer bar. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• La Cane bière , 32 Bd Philippon ( near Cinq Avenues    T2   ), ☏ +33 7 69 89 67 19 . M-F 08:30-22:00, Sa 10:00-22:00 . Enormous selection for such a small place. Confusingly not on the Canebière. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• La Brasserie Communale , 57 Cr Julien ( Notre-Dame du Mont    M2   ). Su M 17:00-01:00, Tu-Sa 11:00-02:00 . Microbrewery serving locally brewed beers ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 43.294063 5.375377 1 Bière Academy , 22 rue Beauvau Marseille ( Vieux Port    M1   ). Craft beer bar a few streets away from the old port. ( updated Jul 2023 )

Arty bars [ edit ]

• Polikarpov , 24 Cours Honoré d'Estienne d'Orves , ☏ +33 4 91 52 70 30 . Lively and good value late bar with outside terrace. Does a wide range of cocktails and one of the cheaper places for beer.  
• Le Marengo , 45 Rue Sainte Françoise , ☏ +33 4 91 91 56 49 . In "Le Panier", a nice terrace with a nice atmosphere  
• E-wine : on Le Cours Julien, small bar with terrace where some local house and techno djs play.
• Bar des 13 Coins , 45 Rue Sainte Françoise , ☏ +33 4 91 91 56 49 . Next to the Old Port, small bar with terrace which offers a huge number of cocktails for €5. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• le Petit Nice : on La Plaine next to the Cours Julien , nice little cafe.

Theme bars [ edit ]

• Le Barberousse : between the Vieux-Port and l'Opéra, rhum-specialised bar with pirates and boat decoration.
• Play Bar : small gay bar between the Vieux-Port and Notre Dame de la Garde, rue Breteuil.

Clubs [ edit ]

• Le Trolleybus , 24 quai de Rive Neuve , ☏ +33 4 91 54 30 45 . This three room cave-like club, is a great place to go if you like to listen to different types of music. One room or cave, plays hit music, another room plays underground techno and house music (room led by La Dame Noir records), and the last room plays jazzy and 1950-60s music. The drink prices range from €5 for a mixed drink or well beer to €10 for more quality alcohol.  
• Le Cosy Bar , 1 rue du Chantier . Le Cosy Bar is a club aimed at the younger demographic. This is a multi-roomed club, plays top music in techno, dub step, hip hop, and reggae til 06:00. Le Cosy Bar is known for their extravagant theme nights such as Moscow Beach, where everyone's attire is mixed between winter wear and beach clothes, and Soiree Pyjamas, where everyone dressing in pajamas. The drink prices are €5-10, like most of the other night clubs in the area.  
• Le Baby , 90 Boulevard Rabatau , ☏ +33 6 58 52 15 15 . The best electronic music club in Marseille. €5 in advance or €10 with a drink.  
• Le Palais de la Major , Boulevard du Littoral . Restaurant and club under the Major cathedral, the place hosts live bands from Corsica playing French and international hits. The place is luxurious and beautiful people fit in.  

Sleep [ edit ]

• Hello Marseille Hostel , 12 rue de Breteuil , ☏ +33 9 54 80 75 05 , [email protected] . It's in a safe area in the very center of Marseille, the “Vieux Port”. They offer shared rooms accommodating 6 people for the single price of €20 only. 24/7 reception & security. multilingual staff, no curfew; Online booking and reservation; Accommodation in 6 persons large rooms with lockers. Breakfast offered (French baguette, butter & marmalade, fruits, coffee at will); Linens included; Single price €20/person/night. Services: laundry, luggage store, printer, free city bikes spot; free Wi-fi everywhere, skype-ready computer at disposal in the lobby. Sunny balcony, cosy lounge, guest kitchen, large TV screen with international channels.  
• Hotel Lutetia . From €60. Between the St Charles Train Station and the old port +33 491 508 178. A renovated hostel with free internet, great atmosphere, and friendly staff.  
• 43.312726 5.424876 1 Auberge de Jeunesse Marseille - Bois Luzy , Allée des Primevères ( 1 km north of La Fourragère    M1   , bus #9 Félibres Aiguillette till around 21:00 ), ☏ +33 4 91 49 06 18 , [email protected] . reception 09:00 - 10:00, 17:00 - 21:00. Closed from Late November to the start of March . The hostel is in a château north of the city centre, about 15 minutes walk from the Metro station. Beautiful views across the city. 22-40 per per person per night . ( updated Oct 2022 )
• Adagio Marseille Prado Plage , 46 rue des Mousses , ☏ +33 4 912 297 00 . Completely renovated, the residence is in the heart of the Le Prado quarter, 100 metres from the beach, easy to get to via the Avenue du Prado or the Corniche. It lies in a quiet residential area close to a large number of restaurants and the Palais des Congrès. This site can accommodate people with reduced mobility (minor disabilities, elderly people) with an able-bodied escort and families with young children. ( updated May 2016 )
• Hotel Kyriad Rabatau , Boulevard Rabatau Daniel Matalon 162 ( Distance from Vieux-Port 3 km ), ☏ +33 4 91 80 31 00 , [email protected] . Clean basic hotel. Room includes air-conditioner, bathroom and water boiler. Nearest metro station Sainte-Marguerite Dromel is situated 1.2 km from hotel to south.  
• Greet Hotel Marseille Centre Saint Charles , 4 Allee Leon Gambetta . Check-in: 12 , check-out: 11 . Newish Eco brand from Accor with a different look & feel inside. Friendly staff. Close to transport connections. ( updated Jul 2023 )
• New Hotel has four different hotels in Marseille tailored to individual needs. For a quiet and greenery stay, the New Hotel Bompard [dead link] is particularly suitable, while being close to the city center.
• Hotel La résidence du Vieux Port Marseille . Completely renovated in 2010 in a 1950s style with a tribute to Charlotte Perriand and Le Corbusier. The hotel offers beautiful views of Marseille from its balconies and three suites on the top floor have terraces overlooking the Old Harbour and the Church. All the rooms are facing the port.  
• Best Western La Joliette , 49 Avenue Robert Schumann , ☏ +33 1 45 74 76 72 . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 10:00 . Clean, cosy hotel in a quiet location near Joliette metro/tram station. Good location for the port and Le Panier.  
• 43.292685 5.360277 2 Novotel Marseille Vieux Port , 36 Boulevard Charles Livon , ☏ +33 4 96 11 42 11 . A four-star resort near the Pharo gardens overlooking the Vieux Port with impressive views. The place to stay for most public figures.  
• 43.280202 5.352057 3 Le Petit Nice Passedat , 17 Rue des Braves , ☏ +33 4 91 59 25 92 . One of the city's most upmarket hotels, this villa by the sea boasts the region's only Michelin 3-star restaurant.  

Connect [ edit ]

Marseille has 5G from all French carriers. Wifi is widely available in public places, transport, cafes and so on.

Stay safe [ edit ]

For much of its history, and still to this day, Marseille has been seen as a crime-ridden city by a lot of French people, and this reputation is sadly not entirely unwarranted. Nevertheless, tourists will have a great time by taking the basic precautions, and the city center is very safe. As a very broad rule of thumb, any area within a 15/20-minute walk of the Old Port is safe.

However, muggings and pickpockets have dramatically increased, so do avoid carrying valuables and watch your surroundings, like in most cities. Most of the northern neighbourhoods ( quartiers nord ), with the very notable exceptions of L'Estaque and Château-Gombert, are among the most dangerous in France outside the Paris area, and should be avoided by tourists. Thankfully, there is no reason for going there.

Furthermore, Marseille is one of the few cities in France to still have prevalent Mafias and gangs.

The area around Boulevard Michelet teems with prostitutes and should be avoided on soccer nights, as you can meet potentially angry and drunk Olympique de Marseille hooligans. Marseille is one of Europe's premier football cities, and local fans will not take too kindly to those who dare wear a visiting team's jersey, especially Paris Saint-Germain.

Cope [ edit ]

Houses of worship [ edit ].

• Notre-Dame de la Garde , Rue Fort du Sanctuaire , ☏ +33 4 91 13 40 80 .  
• Eglise réformée de Grignan Centre Sud , 15 Rue Grignan , ☏ +33 4 91 33 17 10 .  
• Eglise Réformée de France , 103 La Canebière , ☏ +33 4 91 17 06 40 .  
• Eglise Arménienne , 339 Avenue Prado , ☏ +33 4 91 77 84 70 .  
• Eglise Ev Baptiste Paix Aujourd'hui , 95 Boulevard de Strasbourg , ☏ +33 4 91 64 08 09 .  
• Eglise Biblique Baptiste de Marseille , 72 Boulevard Plombières , ☏ +33 6 81 84 55 69 .  
• Eglise Chrétienne de Réveil , 4 Place Sébastopol , ☏ +33 4 91 34 35 63 .  
• Consistoire Israëlite de Marseille , 117 Rue Breteuil , ☏ +33 4 91 37 49 64 .  
• [formerly dead link] Centre Communautaire Israélite , 184 Avenue Lazare Carnot , ☏ +33 4 94 92 61 05 .  

Consulates [ edit ]

Go next [ edit ].

• Aix-en-Provence : Easily reached by Cartreize coach or SNCF train. There is a dedicated express coach from St Charles station which takes 30–40 minutes.
• Cassis : attractive sea resort south-east of Marseille.

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Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

13 Best Things To Do In Marseille, France

• Destinations

When you visit an ancient coastal city, founded in 600 B.C., you expect to find a melting pot of cultures, rich history, century-old architecture, and amazing sea-focused food traditions. Marseille sits on the Gulf de Lyon, part of the Mediterranean Sea, and is known as the bridge between North Africa and Europe. The multicultural city offers a unique blend of African and French traditions that permeates its long history. Given the city’s time-tested and rich background, you will find plenty to explore on your Marseille getaway.

1. Notre Dame De La Garde

The Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde stands guard high on a hilltop overlooking the harbor. Her namesake, the Virgin Mary, is positioned atop the bell tower where she keeps watch over Marseille’s sailors.

Notre Dame de la Garde is one of the most popular tourist locations in the city. Allow plenty of time for your visit. The walk up to the top is a steep 150 meters (almost 500 feet) high. There is also a train that will save you the walk. Either way, you should visit; the panoramic views are spectacular.

2. Fort Saint Jean

On the edge of Old Port, Fort Saint Jean is easily recognizable by its tall watchtower. The fort has been the lookout for the city port since it was built and added throughout the 13th–17th centuries. An important military complex, Fort Saint Jean is a vital piece of Marseilles history.

Pro Tip: The steep ramps connect sections of the fort, making the assent slightly challenging, but the reward is stunning panoramic water views.

3. Old Port

The Old Port across Europe imparts a sense of timelessness. Filled with intriguing architecture, history, and winding cobbled streets, these sections of town beckon tourists to explore. Once rundown and gritty, a revitalization has taken hold of Marseille’s Old Port district.

Former warehouses and shipyard-focused buildings have been transformed into charming cafés, restaurants, and shops. It is a lovely spot to sip your favorite beverage and admire the pleasure boats coming and going along the docks.

4. Le Panier

Le Panier is the historic neighborhood of Marseille. The Old Quarter, populated by the Greeks around 600 B.C., is pretty old. Like most ancient and medieval towns, the cobblestone streets are narrow and winding.

Getting lost while wandering through neighborhoods is one of the best ways to explore old European cities, and Marseille is no exception. As you turn left then right, you will discover charming shops and restaurants to enjoy, stunning picturesque backdrops, and an important scene of the city’s historic old town.

5. Cathédrale De La Major

The beautiful, 19th-century Cathédrale de la Major is also known as the “Cathedral of Sainte-Marie-Majeure,” or “La Major” by the locals. Surrounded by shops and cafés, the cathedral towers rise above the square with an artful presence. The striped marble towers add a striking visual to this beautiful church.

The cathedral is even more stunning on a clear night. The towers brightly lit against a dark sky impart a feeling of power and importance to the city.

6. Musée Des Civilisations De L’Europe Et De La Méditerranée

Juxtaposed by the 19th-century architecture of the Cathédrale de la Major, the uber-modern Musée des civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée creates a distinct contrast. Much like the city of Marseille, the cityscape is constantly evolving and growing.

The artistic concrete-cube-shaped museum houses permanent and evolving gallery exhibits chronicling the history of Mediterranean culture and art.

7. Chateau D’If

The imposing fortress, Chateau d’If , sits on its rocky bed just off the coast of Marseille. It began life as a defensive fortress protecting the city and later it was used as a prison. The island of If was made famous by Alexander Dumas’s The Count of Monte Cristo, a fictional story about escaped prisoner Edmund Dantes.

You can visit Chateau d’If and tour the prison cells, if you dare. Political prisoners were housed based on their ability to pay. The wealthy prisoners enjoyed (hardly) their confinement with fireplaces and water views. The poorer political dissidents were housed in the dark, dank dungeon, living out their days in sickness and misery.

Pro Tip: I strongly suggest you read The Count of Monte Cristo before you visit. It will certainly enhance your Chateau d’If experience.

8. Palais Longchamp

To celebrate the arrival of clean water to the city, a Herculean feat, in the late 19th century, the city erected Palais Longchamp. The beautiful gardens and colonnades are like the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Fine Arts .

Palais Longchamp offers locals and tourists the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful green space, pretty fountains, botanical gardens, and playgrounds. Sections of the park were once a zoo and some cages remain, some with artful flowerbeds and others with fun animal replicas.

The Observatory and Planetarium offers guided tours and exhibitions about the stars and planets.

9. La Vieille Charité

La Vieille Charité is a historic building now a museum dedicated to Marseille’s cultural heritage. Built in the 17th century as a home for Marseille’s poorest citizens, the massive building has a long central courtyard, arched walkways, and a Baroque-style chapel.

The center houses the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology and Museum of African, Oceanian and Amerindian Arts . You can stop at the Charité café for a nibble after exploring this beautiful building.

10. The Beaches

Not traditionally a Mediterranean beach destination, Marseille now has its own beachy vibe. The beaches stretch from Corbières to Pointe Rouge and are visited by local families and tourists alike. There are plenty of beaches along Marseille’s coastline ; some sandy, some not so much.

A favorite is Prado Beach , consisting of North Prado and South Prado. The Prado Beaches reside on land recovered from the Mediterranean Sea. They stretch out and have plenty of room for all the beachy fun you would expect. Hemmed in by a large green park where soccer players show off their foot skills and families enjoy picnic lunches, it is a wonderful spot to enjoy southern France’s sunshine coast. The popular Plage des Catalans is located in the center of all the city’s action. It is a busy and crowded beach, however, it is perfect for a quick swim. One of the main attractions of Plage des Catalans is that it is open from 7 a.m.–10 p.m. during the week and from 7 a.m. on Saturday to 10 p.m on Sunday. It is the perfect spot for an evening picnic on the beach under the stars.

11. Skate Park Du Prado

Even if you don’t skateboard, the Skate Park du Prado is worth a look-see. The bowls and cavities create a platform for riders to skate in beautiful wave-like motions, echoing the nearby ocean. Situated near the Prado Beaches, the Bowl attracts riders from across the city and beyond.

The park is lit at night creating an atmosphere of gliding shadows with the music of grinding wheels across the concrete as a back note.

If you are able, grab your board and take a dip. Or, simply watch and marvel at how wonderful it is to be young and flexible.

12. The Food

Marseille is generally acknowledged as the home of bouillabaisse , a delicious fish soup. Traditionally made with rascasse (rockfish), whiting, eel, spiny lobster, and crabs, it is stewed in wine, saffron, and olive oil. Sampling a hearty bowl of this rustic dish in Marseille is a must for any foodie.

You will also find wonderful restaurants serving North African cuisine. Save at least one lunch or dinner for a spicy tagine and couscous.

Keep an eye out for navettes , a traditional sweet treat classically flavored with orange blossom water. You can also find other delectable flavors like chocolate, vanilla, or lavender.

13. Day Trips From Marseille

After you have explored everything Marseille has to offer — and it will take a few days or more — you will find yourself very close to several other wonderful cities in southern France that are worth a day trip.

The beautiful Aix en Provence will capture your heart. Spend the day, spend the weekend, spend lots of days enjoying this charming city. Beautiful Avignon on the banks of the Rhone will entice you to linger and indulge in her relaxing vacation vibe. Then, explore why Van Gogh loved Arles and made it his home. 

Related Reading:

• 6 Best Restaurants In Marseille, France
• 8 Reasons The South Of France Is A Perfect Winter Destination
• 8 Unique Ways To Spend A Few Hours In The South Of France

Sandi loves writing about culture, cuisine, adult beverages, cruising, golf, skiing, road trips, hiking, New England, and photography. Traveling solo, with hubby Chris, or the entire Barrett clan there is always a story waiting to be told.

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A local's guide to Marseille: 10 top tips

Transformed but not gentrified since its year as Capital of Culture in 2013, France’s second city remains a vibrant cultural, ethnic and gastronomic melting pot

Alexandre Mazzia’s AM

Alexandre is a modernist chef who I admire a lot, and his restaurant is worth a gourmet splash out, especially at lunchtime (midday tasting menus from €39-92). He opened AM four years ago and was awarded a Michelin star in 2016. A meal here is very much a surprise: no written menu, just tasting selections that can run to 10 servings, but actually include 20-30 tiny dishes. Alexandre was born in the Congo, and incorporates surprising global ingredients in his cuisine – tapioca from Africa, kumbawa fruits, satay and sake from Asia – but also the wonderful fish and seafood we have in the Mediterranean.

Pizza at La Bonne Mère

We’ve been passionate about pizza here ever since the 1950s, when the town hall authorised pizza trucks with wood-fired ovens – early street food. There’s a pizzeria on every street corner, including legendary addresses such as Chez Etienne and Chez Sauveur , known for the classic thin, crispy tomate, anchois, olive . But I have recently discovered La Bonne Mère , a tiny place behind Notre-Dame de la Charité. Young owners Jeremy and Mahéva are purists, serving a small but tasty selection (from €12). Pizzas made with organic flour and juicy buffalo mozzarella are cooked in a wood-fired oven. I like their speciality Bonne Mère with extra anchovies. Booking essential.

Food shopping

Le Marché des Capucins , in a maze of narrow streets, is the foodie heart of Marseille. Tourists will find fresh, cheap fruit, vegetables and picnic supplies. I have always found inspiration from its exotic food stores, such as Saladin , whose spice emporium is as well stocked as Marrakech’s souk. Up the street, check out Maison Empereur , a labyrinth dating from 1827, with every kitchen gadget under the sun. For lunch, try a €6 plate of grilled sardines, Algerian salads and chorba soup at the street-corner Comptoir des Beaux Arts, or join a more chic crowd at L’Epicerie l’Ideal , a new cafe-deli recently opened by Julia Sammut, from France’s influential Le Fooding guide.

Swim in a calanque

It doesn’t take long to get out of our city to the calanques , wild, gorge-like creeks along the coast as far as Cassis. The nearest calanques, Sormiou and Callelongue, are half an hour away, with quiet beaches and nature trails. But I would recommend the less accessible but spectacular Calanque de Sugiton . Take bus 21 to Marseille University’s Luminy campus for a dramatic and strenuous trek of over an hour. Even better, take a boat tour that visits several calanques before dropping anchor in Sugiton for a swim in the turquoise waters. Half-day trips depart from the Vieux-Port (€32pp) , visite-des-calanques.com

Patisserie and picnic

Clément Higgins is a talented young baker who recently opened Pâtisserie Bricoleurs de Douceurs , a modern bakery-boutique in an old garage south of the city. Don’t expect baguettes and sandwiches – Clément concentrates on sweet stuff, producing just seven fun, inventive pastries, tarts and gateaux each day, inspired by local seasonal fruits, with no colourants or preservatives. Don’t miss his praline Marseille-Brest, a contemporary take on the classic Paris-Brest choux creation, and the succulent Peach Me I’m Famous. There is a small salon de thé , but a better plan, after buying a selection of pastries (€5 each), is to walk down to the seafront, with its numerous steps leading down to huge rocks and tiny beaches … perfect for a picnic.

Funky food kiosk

Fanny opened her eponymous snack bar in the historic Panier neighbourhood when she was 21. Everything is prepared fresh each morning, though she admits to being hopeless with recipes: “I can’t do the same dish two days running, as it always comes out different.” So one day she might cook a traditional beef daube, the next a vegetarian tagine, then pasta with clams. She dubs the kiosk sandwicherie d’autrefois (old-style), so while burgers may well be on the menu – you can’t ignore what everyone wants to eat – she makes them her own way, with, say, organic goat’s cheese or homemade tapenade. The plat du jour is €6, either at the counter or in a cardboard container.

Founded in 1815 L’Herboristerie du Père Blaize is a medicinal herbalist, and is an institution, stocking over 1,000 dried herbs, plants, essential oils and spices. When I was growing up, my schoolmates and I would get dragged to this strange, aromatic apothecary by our grandmothers, who came here for magic potions to cure every ailment under the sun. Ten years ago, I saw that people were drinking less alcohol, so I collaborated with Père Blaize to create a range of “Herbes de Vifs” – a modern cocktail of infusions that can be drunk hot or chilled, neat, or mixed with fruit or vegetable extracts.

And a few months ago, the Herboristerie itself opened its own Tisanerie, where you can choose and taste your own detox concoctions, under the guidance of Vincent Eliot, who used to be my barman.

Friche la Belle de Mai has been around a long time now, but it still dominates Marseille’s alternative arts and culture scene. Located in one of the city’s poorest neighbourhoods, just behind Saint-Charles train station, this friche , an urban regeneration project, sprawls over what was once an enormous cigarette factory producing France’s emblematic Gitanes and Gauloises cigarettes. You can find avant-garde art exhibitions here, a Saturday morning farmers’ market, free outdoor cinema screenings, a huge skateboard park and graffiti artists, and everything from jazz to techno concerts. In summer, the whole of the rooftop is opened up for performances, picnics and parties.

They have an excellent canteen, Les Grandes Tables, which hosts memorable one-off events – such as when we organised the first Le Fooding extravaganza in Marseille, bringing together innovative chefs and regional farm producers.

The best bars

The Endoume is the most interesting quarter in Marseille right now, throwing off its old, sleazy reputation dating back to the days of The French Connection movie. Although it has become one of the city’s trendiest addresses, there is still a real neighbourhood atmosphere, typified by the rebirth of the historic La Relève bar.

I remember when this was a real dive. Now there are craft beers and a selection of organic and natural wines. The place comes to life for early-evening apéro , packed out from 7pm with a fun, young crowd from all over the city. However, I would also still say that no visitor to Marseille should miss the cafe terraces of Place de Lenche in the Panier quarter, where Le Barjac serves mojitos and caipirinhas for €5, while a generous shot of Ricard is still only €2, with no extra charge for sitting outside.

Cantini museum

Marseille now has a brilliant selection of world-class museums, from the avant-garde Mucem to La Vieille Charité , housed in a former 17th-century almshouse But this is the new, modern Marseille; when I was growing up, pretty much the only museum kids were taken to was Cantini , right in the city centre. It impressed me enormously at the time: an immense mansion originally constructed as the headquarters of an African trading company, with a remarkable collection of 20th-century art, including works by Max Ernst and Miró, Picasso, Matisse, Balthus and Francis Bacon. Now I suggest friends visit it as somewhere under the radar, away from the crowds, where you can stand in front of a canvas without being surrounded by a scrum of people.

Gérald Passedat, chef at Le Petit Nice , was interviewed by John Brunton

Getting there EasyJet and Ryanair fly to Marseille from several UK airports; Eurostar train travel via Paris costs from £68 one-way. Where to stay Two stylish but affordable B&Bs near the train station are Casa Ortega (doubles from €90 B&B) and Pension Edelweiss (doubles from €85 B&B).

What’s on The traditional Foire aux Santons ( santons are the terrracotta figurines used in Provençal crib scenes) runs from 18 Nov-31 December at Marseille’s Vieux Port.

Further information marseille-tourisme.com .

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Visit Marseille

The city of Marseille can be visited in all sorts of ways! By boat, by paddle, by bike, by sidecar, or simply on foot… By sea or on land, discover all the ways to visit Marseille to discover and enjoy the city at 100%.

Visiting Marseille

By the  sea  and the seaside.

We  cannot talk  about  Marseille without  mentionning the  Mediterranean sea! You  really need  to pass by  the  littoral and the  seaside  to  enjoy Marseille to the  fullest.

By  boat, thanks to theses  numerous guided tours or  just walking throughout the  different districts of  Marseille in order  not to miss a  single  thing!

Many  disttricts in Marseille have  a  breathtaking view on the  ‘marseillais’  seaside. Pass  by the  Corniche considered as  a public maritime  domain. Walking through, you  can  discover the  islands of  Marseille,  beautiful properties, memorial for  repatriates, la porte d’Orient, le Marégraphe, the  hidden beaches and the restaurants.A walk to add on your ‘must-do’ list.

The  city also repletes of  small and pittoresque fishermen’s port loved  by the  people from Marseille, le vallon des Auffes, Malmousque or even les Goudes, the tourist office of Marseille’s guided tours make you  discover all the best  spots of  Marseille and their stories

Many  activities make you  discover Marseille  by the  sea!

By  boat, sailing  boat or  even paddling, there are many  ways to  discover  Marseille

Marseille, its districts and its  surroundings

Many  guided tours  are offered by the tourist  office of Marseille in order to discover the  city, its  districts and surroundings

Guided tours in the  heart  of  Marseille and  also lesser known areas are available all year  long!

Discovering the  History of  the Old port, visit the  Mucem and its  gorgeous architecture, walk in the ‘Panier’ Historic district of the  city or visit le Cours  Julien and its artistic streets. Our Guided tours are  for the  whole family,  children and Adults !

Unusual  visits of Marseille

Unusual activities to  visit  marseille.

Visit Marseille in sidecar ! a unique activity to  enjoy  Marseille and its  unmisseable districts. Departing from the ‘Vieux-Port’ onboard on a vintage sidecar, discover the Panier district with its  atypical artists, enjoy the Vieux-Port walk  along Vauban until Notre Dame de la  garde and ending your visit by  walking  alors  the  Corniche  John Fitzgerald Kennedy! A  unique city tour to  enjoy Marseille in an unusual  way !

Enjoy the most  beautiful viewpoints while climbing the  Marseille  hills. Climbing the  Marseille’s cliffs with our many climbing activities. A  unique activity open to all levels to  discover Marseille in a   different way !

Marseille, it’s  going  up ! Visit Marseille and its highlights by electrical bikes! From  the  city centre  to the  Calanques. Experience an  unforgettable moment discovering the  most  beautiful places of the Phocean  city.

Our unusual guided tours district of Marseille

At the  bottom of  Marseilleveyre massif near the  national park, the  Roy d’Espagne park is a  residence with its avant garde architecture, labelled as 20 th century heritage in  2006. An amazing town in the  countryside  becoming today a piece of countryside in town.

An urban, poetic, litterary and phylosophic walk in the districk of l’Estaque :” village aux confins” the Comedian and “Tchatcheur” (very talkative person) Jean-Marie  Sanchez give you  the opportuninty  to sport off the  beaten track by  visiting a  village full of History! Discover this small fishermen’s port and its lovely alleyway in bloom.

Have a great time in the  belly of Marseille and walk throughout the  alleyways of the M.I.N des Arnavaux ( National Interest  Market) with a guide to meet producers.Enjoy a breakfast at  dawn in the middle of the seasonal products. An extraordinary guided tours !

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Marseille -France's oldest city

A short guide to marseille.

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 Marseille - city visitor and tourism information 

 Access to Old Marseilles

Main central marseilles tourist attractions.

Le Vieux Port - the old port

Marseilles open tour - hop-on hop-off tour bus, the fort saint jean., the eglise saint laurent, la major cathedral, le quartier du panier - la butte, la canebière, le musée cantini, other sites, notre dame de la garde, the chateau d'if, musée des beaux arts - fine art museum, plages du prado.

The Little Train

Madragues de montredon, in the area - around marseilles, les calanques.

Aix en Provence

The camargue, roman nimes and arles, a choice of carefully selected hotels and apartments in marseilles., key tourist information for marseilles :, access - getting to marseilles, marseilles train stations : , the marseilles city pass : , marseilles or marseille .

France Travel Blog

Marseille Travel Guide

Are you planning to visit France without a trip to the city of Marseilles? You might want to check this Marseille Travel Guide and include this breathtaking port city in your itinerary. With a busy harbor and vibrant urban vibe, Marseille emits an irresistible appeal to tourists from all over the world; that is what you might need to feed your travel inclination. Being the country’s oldest city and trailing Paris as the second largest, Marseilles has lots to offer from history and arts to sumptuous cuisines to peachy beaches. 

Specially poised, its gorgeous seaside scenery is strikingly beautiful. Whether strolling in an old street or feeling the refreshing breeze that is always imposing, visitors are close to the tranquil blue waters everywhere in the city. Marseille is a culturally diverse and colorful city with a multiethnic heritage soul. Therefore, you will have the chance to experience not French culture alone but a potpourri of cultures. Its sizeable community of North Africans lends credence to this. I hope this Marseille Travel Blog will help you make the most out of your trip.

Here Are Some Marseille Travel Tips for a Fascinating Travel Experience: 

Basilique notre-dame de la garde.

Situated in a breathtaking top location, this humongous church stands on the peak of Marseille as its most prominent landmark. From almost anywhere throughout the city, you can see the church’s structure resting where it is. It used to be an observation point in ancient times, and it also housed a pilgrimage chapel. The Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde today is a beacon for the faithful, with an incredible glided Madonna crowning the belfry.

It was built between 1853-1864, lavishly styled with Neo-Byzantine interior of light and dark marble arches that support glided mosaic cupolas. In its crypt, you will find votive tablets and model aircraft given by aviators. After viewing the magnificence of the interior, visitors can also spend some time on the fantabulous terrace. The panorama extends from the red tops of Marseille’s buildings and the harbor to the Frioul Islands in the Mediterranean Sea; thereby offering a splendid view. 

>>Also Read: Must-See Cathedrals in France

Witness History at The Vieux Port (Old Harbor)

The Vieux Port is the symbol of Marseille’s origin. It is where the city started off as a Greek port around 600BC. Circumvented by calm, serene blue waters, the Old Port is situated in the West of Marseille near the Canebière Boulevard. A walk around this old harbor will give visitors a rare feel for the city’s lively Mediterranean atmosphere.

The thriving waterfront is also regarded as the main attraction for visitors, and as many say, this area is the best place to find bouillabaisse. That is a flavorful seafood stew that is all a specialty of Marseille. Quai des Belges, on the east side of the harbor, hosts a fish market every morning. Used to be a major commercial port, today Vieux Port is majorly used by sports craft and fishing boats. And if Château d’If and the Calanques near Cassis are on your itinerary, the Old Port is a perfect launching point for ferries to sail to.

>> Day Trips From Marseille

Hear the Heartbeat of Le Panier (Old Town)

Brilliantly positioned on a hillside atop the Vieux Port is the Old Town. This lively neighborhood is often referred to as the historic center and cultural heart of Marseille. Inhabited since the Greeks settled there in 600BC, Le Panier is the city’s oldest quarter. With its steep, narrow winding streets and quaint pastel buildings, this quarter gives a peep into the enticing character of Marseille. 

It used to be a working-class area but gentrified now. However, it still preserves many of its unique Algerian cuisine, art galleries, local artisan boutiques, and gourmet food shops. As a thriving residential area, its typical houses have shuttered window and lines of laundry that suggests family abode. Visitors to the Old Town can begin a walking tour on the north side of the Vieux Port harbor basin at the Quai du Port and then proceed to the La Canebiere, a bright and active boulevard. You will see several famous monuments like the Genoese-inspired Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), which was built in the second half of the 17th century. Other landmarks worth seeing are  Cathédrale de la Major  and the  Vieille Charité  which boasts of a museum with exquisite modern artworks. 

>> Most Famous Monuments in France >> Hotels Near Vieux Port in Marseille >> How To Get From Paris To Marseille

Appreciate Nature at the Calanques National Park 

The city’s southern and eastern suburbs are located in an area of amazing natural beauty. The Calanques are rocky white limestone cliffs and creeks that reach astonishing heights and descends sharply to the sea. Whether by land or sea, nature lovers would adore this national park for its unique natural compositions and craggy elegance. 

You can hike as well, and if you do, you might need a courage spirit, as the GR 98 from Marseille to Cassis usually takes about 11 hours as it leads you into some tough country. However, the captivating scenery evens up for the toil. Also, some mini-cruises leaves from the old port and guided kayaking adventures. Sounds very much like fun, doesn’t it?

Admire the Stade Vélodrome

Marseille locals and Olympique de Marseille, the city’s major football club, are two inseparable lovers. Make a stop at the city’s football spiritual home, the sublime Stade Vélodrome. Designed by Henri Ploquin in 1937, the stadium has a 67,000-plus capacity. And even before the extensive renovation, it underwent in the build-up to Euro 2016 football tournament, Stade Vélodrome is one of the most gripping football cathedrals in world football. 

It is the largest football stadium in France and is protected from the fierce Mistral wind by a huge moving roof. Although a city icon, the stadium has endured cruel treatments from the city and Olympique de Marseille’s fans. You will learn all you need to know the stadium on an hour-long tour. You will also be seeing the dressing rooms, the terraces’ peak, and the pitch-side.

>> Areas To Avoid In Marseille

Stop for a Delicious Bouillabaisse Experience 

Add taste to your tours as you indulge Marseille’s very own bouillabaisse. It is a fish and seafood stew that is usually made with lean fish and have little market value but are better when cooked down, like scorpionfish, conger and sea robins. These are stewed with wine, saffron, and olive oil, although the remainder of the recipe varies from one restaurant to another.

A common feature of this dish is rustic bread smothered with rouille- a type of attractive mayonnaise and immersed in the soup. Bouillabaisse goes best with white wines from the Rhône Valley or Languedoc-Roussillon. And to wrap it up, you can go the French way as you take navettes, cute boast-shaped biscuits in a variety of flavors, from anis to chocolate. 

Marseille Hotels 

Golden tulip villa massalia.

Located at Place Louis Bonnefon, the Golden Tulip Villa Massalia is a high-standing hotel five minutes from the Prado beach. The hotel offers many luxury services to visitors, to make their stay a momentous one. You can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, or the oriental spa Le Siwa, which offers massages and beauty cares with natural oils, a sauna, a fitness room, a Jacuzzi, and a hammam. 

The Golden Tulip also has a brilliant array of gastronomic options. For example, the Yin-Yang restaurant has Mediterranean foods with a view from the terrace overlooking Borély Park, and the Asian bar Chang’An offers cocktails and snacks. In addition, the rooms come with air conditioners, free Wi-Fi and a television. Though not available to every room, on request, you can book a room with a balcony or terrace that has a great view of the sea.

Les Chambres de Jeannette

Situated in the 9th district of the city, and ten minutes away from the Stade Velodrome stadium, Les Chambres de Jeannette offers you home away from you. It welcomes visitors with the hospitality and spontaneity of a guesthouse. Sainte-Marguerite Dromel metro stations are also 200 meters away and give you access to the heart of the city and the Vieux Port in a timely fashion. 

In this hotel, all the rooms come with a soundproof system and the internet is free. Other features are; a television, a private bathroom, and aircon, with a design and modern décor. Some do have a living room as well. The customer experience here is topnotch. As a plus, the hotel’s staff knows the city incredibly well. Hence, they will not hesitate to help if you need it.

The Ryad Boutique Hotel

Looking to change the environment or just in need of premium luxury, Ryad Boutique hotel is the place to be. Located in the first district of Marseille, it is only 10 minutes’ walk away from the Saint Charles railways satiation. This is a Moroccan hotel in every sense of the word: from its interior décor to its restaurant’s menu. The restaurant is usually opened from Thursday to Saturday, and they serve mint tea, fruit juices, and delicacies every day. 

Ryad boutique hotel’s rooms have a unique way to impress visitors with their decorations. The rooms are with air conditioners and a private bathroom. For the bon vivant, they can dine and have a swell time in the hotel’s garden- where nature meets pleasure. 

Marseille Beaches

Do relax at beaches in the city which all offer pleasant Mediterranean weather, closeness to the allure of the old port, and a variety of pebbly or sandy beaches. And while other beaches at the French Riviera have more charm than the ones at Marseille, the city’s own is well worth a morning or afternoon of sunbathing or swimming and diving.

>> Things To Do In Marseille

Below Are Some Of The Best Beaches In Marseille

Plage du prado.

Plage du Prado enjoy the titles of the most popular and the main beach in Marseille. You can take a bus or taxi from the central part of Marseille to convey you to this beautiful and exciting beach. Accommodation ad relaxation is common themes here as you will find bars and restaurants close to the beach. More so, its attention-grabbing credentials won the beach the 2008 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup hosting right. Major sports events in beach volleyball, football, and other sports have all been hosted on Plage du Prado’s sandy areas in recent times.

Plage Escale Borely

This somewhat pebbly beach south of downtown Marseille in to perfect for lounging around the sand. However, it is the place to visit for windsurfing during summer and surfing during winter. During winter there are usually lovely waves, but there is a lot of competition to catch them. By going there on a weekday, you avoid the crowds who might want the waves too. Showers, restaurants are among amenities in place at Plage Escale Borely. 

Plage de la Pointe Rouge

Plage de la Pointe Rouge is one of Marseille’s beautiful sand beaches located in the south of the city. Blessed with a stunning ocean view, it is an idyllic destination for families and children. Here the sand is soft and comfortable as the ocean floor shelves downwards, making the water shallow and warm. In summer, Plage de la Pointe Rouge tends to be full of people as restaurants and food stands are all around the beach. During such times, it is difficult to find a parking space. For lovers of kite-surfing, they can rent a paddle-boat to get on the water. Safety is paramount here; it is why you will see lifeguards around. 

Plage des Catalans

This is another beach you will love to visit. It is the closest beach to the Old Port of Marseille, and famous for its convenience. Though close to the buildings of the town, the sand is pleasant. You will find a beach volleyball court, showers, and lifeguards, and restaurants by the roadside. Granted the view is probably not the best of Marseille’s beaches because it is surrounded by roads and buildings. However, you can look out on the ocean and swim in the clear blue waters. 

>> Best Beaches in France >> Beaches On The French Mediterranean >> Best Nudist Beaches in France

Marseille Travel Blog – Conclusion

Marseille  is the second-largest city in France and is located on the Mediterranean Sea in the province of Provence. It is 771km (479 miles) south of Paris; 187km (116 miles) southwest of Nice and 31km (19 miles) south of Aix-en-Provence. It is one of the most important cities because it is the largest commercial port in France. Marseille is the capital of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur région and is surrounded by many historical buildings. Despite this, Marseille is a modern city with charming beaches and shopping centers.

Marseille was known as Phocee; this was because of its founders, the Phoceans. The city then became a commercial port having the famous ‘Savon de Marseille’ as one of its products. It also became important as a crossroad for many ships in the Mediterranean.

This is a very elegant city, and now that can easily visit from Paris, it is much more accessible for visitors. As it has always been one of the main points of entry to France, Marseille has attracted many immigrants -mainly from North Africa-, making it into a multicultural melting pot. Marseille has some problems in the past with corruption, the Mafia, crime, racial discrimination, and unemployment, mostly in the poorer, immigrant neighborhoods. Nowadays, though, the city is in a renaissance period and is now one of the most visited cities in France.

Marseille is definitely a city worth visiting. It offers some outstanding architectural pieces, unique cuisine and one of the oldest ports in Europe that you can enjoy. Do not forget to put Marseille in your itinerary for at 2-3 days. There are also a lot of activities you can participate in not available in any other part of France.

Do you have anything else to add in this Marseille Travel Guide? Leave your comments down below!

Peter is the editor of France Travel Blog. He has traveled to France many times and is ready to share the knowledge in this travel guide for France.

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11 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Marseille

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Lisa Alexander spent two years living in France and has traveled the country extensively.

With a busy harbor, vibrant urban energy, and a long list of things to do, Marseille appeals to visitors seeking an authentic tourist experience. This lively cosmopolitan city is France's oldest and the second largest after Paris .

The city has a distinctly Mediterranean ambience, from its red-tile roofed houses to the fishing boats in its port. Everywhere in Marseille, visitors are close to the serene blue waters, whether walking along a charming old street with a view, or feeling the refreshing sea breeze.

The city's colorful, multiethnic heritage also makes Marseille a fascinating place to visit. Considered the bridge between Europe and North Africa, Marseille is home to a sizable immigrant population from Algeria. It's possible to find traditional Arab souks as easily as a classic French bouillabaisse.

Find out more about the top attractions and how to spend your time here with our list of the best things to do in Marseille.

1. Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

2. abbaye saint-victor, 3. explore the vieux port, 4. wander through the colorful streets of le panier, 5. musée des civilisations de l'europe et de la méditerranée, 6. enjoy nature walks and scenic boat tours at calanques national park, 7. château d'if, 8. musée d'histoire de marseille, 9. la vieille charité, 10. cathédrale de la major, 11. musée cantini, where to stay in marseille for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to marseille.

Perched on a hilltop above the harbor, this spectacular church is the most important landmark in Marseille. The site was used in ancient times as an observation point, and during the Middle Ages, was the location of a pilgrimage chapel.

Today, the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde is a beacon for the faithful, with an enormous gilded Madonna crowning the belfry. Built between 1853 and 1897, the church features an opulent Neo-Byzantine interior of light and dark marble arches supporting gilded mosaic cupolas. The lavish design has a mesmerizing effect.

After seeing the interior, visitors can spend time on the outdoor terrace that offers breathtaking views. The panoramas extend from the red-tile rooftops of Marseille's buildings to the Vieux Port (historic harbor), all the way to the Frioul Islands in the Mediterranean Sea.

Address: Rue Fort du Sanctuaire, Marseille

A short walk from the Vieux Port, the Abbaye Saint-Victor is another must-see tourist sight with splendid harbor views.

The Abbaye Saint-Victor was founded in the 5th century and incorporates the original basilica, which makes it one of the oldest buildings in Marseille that is still intact. The basilica, along with its crypt, is considered a gem of Early Christian architecture and art.

Most of the abbey was rebuilt in the 12th and 13th centuries during the Romanesque era. With its crenellated walls and towers, the foreboding exterior has the feel of a medieval fortress.

Inside, this 5th-century basilica reveals a simple and somber design, which gives it a special aura. The crypt houses a precious collection of sarcophagi from the 4th and 5th centuries, as well as the 11th-century tombstone of Abbot Isarnus. It is believed that the relics of Saint Victor are also buried in the basilica's crypt.

The Abbaye Saint-Victor is open for visits every day year-round.

Annually on Candlemas (February 2nd), pilgrims participate in a religious procession from the Vieux Port to the Abbaye Saint-Victor with a stop along the way at the Four des Navettes , an 18th-century bakery that makes the special boat-shaped biscuits of Marseille ( Navettes de Marseille ).

Address: 3 Rue de l'Abbaye, Marseille

The Vieux Port represents the birthplace of Marseille. This is where the city began as a Greek port around 600 BCE. Surrounded by serene blue waters, the Old Port is located in the west of Marseille near La Canebière boulevard.

A stroll around this bustling harbor immerses visitors in the sights and sounds of a thriving Mediterranean port. The waterfront is a focal point for tourists, and many say it's one of the best places to visit in Marseille for authentic local cuisine. Seafood restaurants specialize in bouillabaisse , the flavorful seafood stew that is the city's signature dish.

On the east side of the harbor, the Quai des Belges hosts a fish market every morning. Once an important commercial port, the Vieux Port is now used primarily by fishing boats and sports craft.

The Old Port is also the launching point for the ferries that sail to two popular tourist destinations: the Château d'If and the Calanques near Cassis.

Splendidly situated on a hillside above the Vieux Port, this colorful neighborhood is the historic center and cultural heart of Marseille. Le Panier is Marseille's oldest quarter, inhabited since antiquity when the ancient Greeks settled here in 600 BCE.

With its steep, narrow winding streets and quaint pastel-painted buildings, this quarter offers a glimpse into the charming personality of Marseille. Once a working-class neighborhood, Le Panier is now a gentrified residential area, but the typical houses with shuttered windows and lines of laundry provide a glimpse of its old-fashioned character.

Visitors may begin a walking tour on the north side of the Vieux Port harbor basin at the Quai du Port and then walk up La Canebière , a vibrant boulevard that buzzes with activity.

Wandering through this atmospheric neighborhood leads to discoveries of local artisan boutiques, gourmet food shops, and art galleries. Le Panier also brims with inviting little restaurants that feature outdoor terrace seating. Many restaurants serve excellent fresh-caught seafood; others specialize in French, Italian, or authentic Algerian cuisine.

The quarter has several important monuments such as the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), which was built in the second half of the 17th century based on a Genoese architectural model.

Other landmarks include the Cathédrale de la Major and the Vieille Charité , a dormitory for the poor in the 17th and 18th centuries that now houses a museum of contemporary art.

The Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée, also known by its acronym Mucem , provides an in-depth look at civilizations of the Mediterranean Basin.

A stunning complex of three different sites, this expansive museum presents a wealth of exhibits in various disciplines: ethnography, art, history, and cuisine of Mediterranean cultures.

Covering this wide range of content, the museum's galleries display paintings, photographs, documents, antique furnishings, and everyday objects, as well as lectures and film screenings.

The newest part of the museum is a dazzling ultra-modern waterfront building (on the former J4 Pier) with outlooks onto the harbor and the Mediterranean Sea.

The J4 building displays the museum's most important permanent collections, as well as temporary exhibits, and also hosts cultural events. The J4 building contains the museum's main gift shop, which sells a wide range of books on topics related to European culture and history.

Gourmands will be happy to discover the dining options on the rooftop of the J4 building. With renowned chef Gérald Passedat at its helm, Le Môle Passedat (open for lunch and dinner) offers breathtaking sea views and traditional Mediterranean cuisine (including mezze ) prepared from seasonal ingredients.

Also on the rooftop, the casual restaurant La Cuisine is open for lunch and dinner, and Le Café serves coffee, refreshments, and snacks.

An aerial footbridge connects the J4 Pier building with another section of the museum in the vaulted rooms of the Fort Saint-Jean , a 12th-century monument that played a role during the Crusades. The Fort Saint-Jean includes lush Mediterranean gardens and a ramparts path where visitors can admire sweeping panoramas of the Marseille cityscape, the Vieux Port, and the sea.

The third site, Le Centre de Conservation et de Ressources du Mucem , is located in the Belle de Mai quarter. This center provides a behind-the-scenes look into the work of the museum.

Address: 7 Promenade Robert Laffont (Esplanade du J4), Marseille

Official site: http://www.mucem.org/en

Between Marseille and the quaint fishing village of Cassis is the Parc National des Calanques , a splendid nature site where the Mediterranean meets the Massif des Calanques mountain range.

The landscape is distinguished by majestic limestone rock walls with fjord-like coves (" calanque " translates to "cove") filled with pools of saltwater in mesmerizing turquoise hues.

Outdoor sports enthusiasts will find many things to do at Calanques National Park, such as swimming, kayaking, rock climbing, and hiking. An excellent system of trails allows visitors to appreciate the pristine landscape and gorgeous coastal views.

For those who enjoy yachting and boat cruises, the fjords provide spectacular scenery on an idyllic journey through the tranquil maritime environment.

The largest calanques, Port-Miou, En-Vau, and Port-Pin, can be reached by car or by ferry from Marseille. It is also possible to take a guided boat tour or arrange a private boat trip.

A short ferry ride away from the Vieux Port of Marseille, the Château d'If is located on the Île d'If in the Frioul Islands archipelago, a nature conservation area that includes the tiny islands of If, Pomègues, Ratonneau, and Tiboulen.

The spectacular scenery features protected coves, turquoise waters, pristine beaches, sandy creeks, and impressive limestone cliffs. Thanks to the Mediterranean sunshine, the light creates a serene shimmering effect on the water, and a microclimate allows rare floral species to thrive here.

In this beautiful natural setting, the Château d'If was built as a fortress by King François I in the 16th century. Soon after, the fortress was converted into a prison. The location is depicted in Alexandre Dumas' novel The Count of Monte Cristo .

Ferry boat service is also available from the Vieux Port in Marseille to the Île de Ratonneau , where tourists may sunbathe on the beach, go for a hike, or visit the 19th-century Fort de Ratonneau .

In Le Panier quarter, just a few steps away from the Vieux Port, the Musée d'Histoire de Marseille tells the story of Marseille from its Gallo-Greek origins through the Middle Ages to the present day. The museum offers an impressive collection of artifacts, covering 2,600 years of history.

The historical evolution of France's oldest city comes to life in this sleek modern museum's bright spacious rooms. The collections contain 4,000 items and hundreds of multimedia exhibits.

The museum also has a garden, the Jardin des Vestiges , which is actually the excavation site of the 3rd-century BCE port of Massalia (also spelled "Massilia").

Address: 2 Rue Henri-Barbusse, Marseille

La Vieille Charité is located on the Place des Moulins that lies at the highest point in Le Panier .

The building was created in 1640 when the Town Council of Marseille decided to give impoverished residents decent accommodations, in compliance with a royal policy of "enclosing the poor."

In 1749, a three-floor public hospital with four wings was added to the building. There is a chapel at the center courtyard of the hospital complex. Built from 1679 to 1707, the chapel is a wonderful example of Italian Baroque architecture.

The facade of La Vieille Charité is more modern, dating from 1863. Upon close observation, visitors will notice the depiction of two pelicans feeding their young, to represent Charity looking after poor children.

Since 1986, La Vieille Charité building has been used to host scientific and cultural events and to house a museum, Le Centre de la Vieille Charité . This museum presents cultural events, ethnographic exhibits, and themed art expositions throughout the year.

Address: 2 Rue de la Charité, Marseille

Near the northwest corner of Le Panier, the Cathédrale de la Major (Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure) stands majestically on an esplanade overlooking the waterfront. This ornate Neo-Byzantine cathedral seems to keep watch over the Old Port, with its soaring twin towers and 70-meter-high dome.

Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte commissioned the construction of this cathedral in 1852. Completed in 1893, the Cathédrale de la Major is the largest church (and the only cathedral) constructed in France during the 19th century.

Its dimensions (142 meters long by 20 meters high) are similar in scale to Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. Classified as a Monument Historique , this cathedral incorporates an Early Christian baptistery that dates to the 5th century.

The lavish interior is richly decorated with Carrara marble and exquisite Venetian mosaics. An impressive assortment of statues is also found throughout the sanctuary.

At the foot of the cathedral is a plaza called " Les Voûtes ," a popular gathering place filled with shops, restaurants, and cafés. Locals and tourists alike enjoy strolling through this happening area. In addition to the trendy scene, Les Voûtes also offers fabulous sea views.

Address: 10 Place de la Major, Marseille

Art lovers will appreciate the superb collection of modern and contemporary art found at the Musée Cantini, displayed within a 17th-century hôtel particulier (mansion). The local art collector Jules Cantini bought this elegant house in 1888, and he bequeathed it to the city of Marseille in 1916.

The Musée Cantini boasts one of the country's most extensive assortments of modern art created between 1900 and 1960. Highlights of the collection include works by André Derain, Raoul Dufy, Wassily Kandinsky, Max Ernst, Joan Miró, and Pablo Picasso.

A short walk from the Musée Cantini is the Cours Belsunce , a wide esplanade designed in the 17th century as a place for residents to enjoy leisurely strolls.

Address: 19 Rue Grignan, Marseille

Most major attractions in Marseille are close to the Vieux Port and in Le Panier, the colorful and historic neighborhood of steep, narrow streets that wind up the hillside above the west side of Vieux Port. In these two quarters of Marseille, you'll find these highly rated hotels :

Luxury Hotels :

• The Hôtel La Résidence du Vieux Port features exceptional views of the waterfront and the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde across the harbor. This four-star hotel has been recently redecorated in a retro 1950s style.
• The InterContinental Marseille - Hôtel Dieu occupies a Monument Historique perched on a hilltop in Le Panier. This five-star hotel has a chic brasserie with an outdoor terrace, a Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurant, room service, and an upscale spa with a sauna, two hammams, an indoor pool, and a fitness center.
• Overlooking the Vieux Port, the Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port is nestled in a picturesque location next to a spacious park and near the Abbaye Saint-Victor. The five-star property has a spa, hair salon, and several restaurants.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• The three-star Hôtel Escale Oceania Marseille is just steps away from the Vieux Port in the city center near many restaurants and shops. Stylish modern guest rooms feature large windows, private balconies, and Italian-style "rain" showers.
• Located right on the waterfront, the Radisson Blu Hotel Marseille Vieux Port offers great views of the Old Port along with four-star amenities. Guests love the outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace area, as well as the gourmet restaurant with pleasant outdoor patio that overlooks the marina.
• The bright, spacious guest rooms at the four-star Grand Hôtel Beauvau Marseille Vieux-Port - MGallery are decorated in cheerful Provençal style. The hotel is near the Vieux Port in the city center.

Budget Hotels:

• The two-star Hôtel Hermès is a short walk to Le Panier quarter and has a rooftop terrace overlooking the Vieux Port. The services (24-hour front desk and concierge) are better than expected for a budget hotel.
• Near the train station and a 20-minute walk from the city center, the ibis Marseille Centre Gare Saint Charles provides basic accommodations at an affordable price. This three-star hotel offers taxi service, parking, a breakfast buffet, and a restaurant with pleasant outdoor seating.
• Sightseeing in and around Marseille: For the perfect combination of sightseeing and seaside scenery, consider the Provence, Marseille, and Cassis Sightseeing Tour . This half-day itinerary includes a tour of the historic landmarks in Marseille, a scenic drive along the Corniche des Crêtes, a stop in the Provençal fishing village of Cassis, and a 45-minute cruise through the Calanques National Park.
• Provence Day Trip: If you want to experience the best of Provence, the Provence Countryside Tour is a great way to do it. This full-day adventure takes you to explore Avignon, the "City of Popes;" the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, surrounded by vine-covered hills; and the fortified medieval town of Les Baux-de-Provence.
• Luberon Day Trip: Lavender fields, hilltop hamlets, and rugged mountain terrain are the highlights on the Perched Villages of the Luberon Day Trip . This full-day excursion begins with a scenic drive through the beautiful Luberon foothills to see several charming medieval villages (Roussillon, Lourmarin, and Gordes), and continues to the 12th-century Sénanque Abbey and the town of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, known for its picturesque canals and wide selection of antique shops.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Exploring the Provence Region : Marseille is found in the heart of Provence , a favorite tourist destination in France. Many quaint hilltop towns and fishing villages, like Cassis, are easy day trips from Marseille . Also not to be missed are Aix-en-Provence (30 kilometers away) and Avignon (100 kilometers away).

Traveling Off the Beaten Path : Slightly further afield (an hour's drive) is the unspoiled countryside of the Luberon region in Provence's Haut-Vaucluse , dotted with ancient abbeys and hilltop villages. About 120 kilometers away from Marseille, the historic town of Nîmes is well worth the journey to see its ancient Roman monuments and top-notch museums.

Seaside Scenery and Beach Resorts : Around Marseille, the coastline beckons with sunshine and beautiful Mediterranean scenery. The quintessential port town of Toulon is an hour's drive away, and the glamorous resort of Saint-Tropez , with its beautiful beaches, is a two-hour drive. Continuing along the Côte d'Azur are Cannes , Nice , and Monaco , famous for fancy beach clubs, upscale hotels, fine dining, and art museums.

What to do in Marseille?

Inspiration

Reading time: 0 min Published on 3 April 2024, updated on 16 April 2024

In the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille is, at first glance, a world apart with its famous coves, legendary football club, melodic accents, spicy streets and uninterrupted views of the shimmering blue Mediterranean Sea and the Frioul archipelago. But there’s much more to Marseille, a place blessed with influences from across the Italian border, in a colourful array of alternative styles and modern art forms. You are hereby invited to explore every facet of this beautiful city, from its remarkable heritage features to its poetically modern charm.

SIGHTSEEING

- The Bonneveine district

Located in the 8th arrondissement at the mouth of the Huveaune, one of the main rivers of Provence, this village within Marseille boasts sheltered beaches that make ideal places to relax or enjoy various watersports. In the 19th century, vegetables were grown in Bonneveine to supply the city of Marseille, under the watchful eye of the majestic Château Borely. But we recommend you explore the district’s more modern assets, with the help of the MAC (Musée d’Art Contemporain). Indeed, the amazing Museum of Contemporary Art is easy to spot, with César’s thumb standing some twenty metres from the building. Cast in bronze from the artist’s thumb, this 6-metre statue first entered the limelight at the Seoul Olympics in 1988. It came to Bonneveine to mark the opening of the Museum in 1994 and, even today, continues to make a pre-emoticon nod to the famous sculptor who was born here, in Marseille.

- Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde

This 19th-century basilica combining Romanesque and Byzantine architectural styles is packed with historic gems, some of which are kept at the on-site museum. Others are part of the architecture itself, such as the countless mosaics imported from Venice which are quite superb.

- Le Corbusier’s Radiant City

The ‘Maison du Fada’, or Radiant City, is Le Corbusier’s famous vertical village project constructed between 1947 and 1952. This avant-garde project features housing units, offices, indoor streets, a shopping centre, a bakery and a hotel, all under one roof that in some places has been transformed into an art venue. The seven-floor complex is listed as ’Unesco. World Heritage. Treasure-hunt fans can look out for the golden ratio and the Fibonacci sequence, both imprinted in the concrete and marked on the small stained-glass window to remind us that the architect used these as the mathematical basis for the design of his housing units.

- The Panier district

No visit is complete without an aimless stroll through the narrow streets. Despite its formerly scandalous reputation, Marseille’s oldest district, a town within the city just a stone’s throw from the Old Port, has retained its original charm. Fresh linen hangs from the windows in a maze of streets and steps where the occupants have planted shrubs and flowers outside their front doors. A narrow alley may suddenly open onto a square of historical interest, such as the Place des Moulins, where designer boutiques mingle with the outside dining areas and relaxed atmosphere of the local canteens. This is the place and time to sit down and admire the street art for which this open-air museum is renowned. If you’re more into indoor museums, head for La Vieille Charité, one of this district’s iconic sites, among many other architectural gems and historic treasures. These include the Hôtel Dieu, the Maison Diamantée, the Eglise des Accoules and the Pavillon Daviel.

- The Longchamp Palace

A quick tour of the 4th arrondissement is a must, if only to see the Longchamp Palace whose left wing is home to the Fine Arts Museum of Marseille. Its right wing, which houses the Natural History Museum, is connected to the left by superb colonnades that invite you to stroll between them and picture yourself in the French Second Empire. Outside this magnificent 19th-century neoclassical building, a garden invites us into a timeless daydream between ornamental ponds, waterfalls, green spaces and allegorical statues that each have a story to tell. Behind the palace, the Longchamp Park features a botanical garden and a rather odd zoo where, since 2013, all the animals have been replaced by artistic creations depicting them, offering an enchanting and necessary alternative.

- The Frioul Islands

From the picturesque district of Endoume you can make out the four islands of Frioul: Pomègues, the largest, Ratonneau, If and Tiboulen. These islands are so close to Marseille that it’s hard to believe they have such lovely sandy beaches, tranquil coves of turquoise water and protected plant life. Yet it’s true, as the name of one of the most magical spots on Pomègues suggests: ‘Tahiti beach’. Diving enthusiasts may see dolphins, octopus and even turtles. Three of the islands can be reached by boat, including If where a French fortress built by order of the king, François Iᵉʳ, still stands. This former prison is where the fictional hero, Edmond Dantès, was held in the novel, Le Comte de Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. You'll be plunged back into his classics after a boat trip of just 30 minutes.

The Orange Vélodrome stadium

Visitors to Marseille have no choice but to embrace football as an essential part of day-to-day life, along with the famous Vélodrome, a monument among French stadiums and (in case you needed proof) home to the Olympique de Marseille football team. This stadium is the second biggest in France. Inaugurated in 1937 in the southern part of the city, it promises you an experience as local as it gets. From the 1993 Champions League - won by the Olympique de Marseille that year - to the 1998 World Cup, not forgetting the European Championships of 1986 and 2016, you only have to step inside to feel the vibe, the hope and the anger that have inhabited this stadium. The Vélodrome is a place of non-religious pilgrimage that absolutely has to be seen, be it for a football match or on a guided tour. (Book ahead!)

- The Mucem

There’s a place in Marseille, set between land and sea, that creates encounters between different eras and architectural styles. Welcome to the Museum of the Civilisations of Europe and the Mediterranean , more commonly known as the MUCEM. Since 2014, this building’s inimitable façade stands at the entrance to the port, between the breakwater and the Fort Saint-Jean. Admission is free, so don’t hesitate to visit this building and take advantage of the incredible views it has to offer, its walkway above the sea and its amazing terraces. You’ll also find facilities for children and areas where the original walls of the 12th-century fortress invite you to admire the work of young artists. We also recommend you visit the permanent collections and the world-renowned temporary exhibitions. But if you really want to spoil yourself, head for the restaurant run by the triple-starred chef, Gérald Passédat, to dine on the terrace admiring views that will take your breath away - but not your appetite!

- The Cosquer Cave replica

Marseille boasts heritage features that are more than historic. They’re prehistoric! Tens of metres below the surface of the coves lies a hidden cave brimming with palaeolithic treasures. In 1985, more than 480 paintings and engravings of penguins, deer, bison and handprints were discovered here by a diver, Henri Cosquer. The cave was named after him. Due to rising water levels, the cave had to be closed to visitors but, thanks to the monumental efforts of researchers and historians, you can now see a replica of this valuable site and witness for yourself the origins of humankind, during a 2-hour tour that takes you 35,000 years back in time. To make this voyage 37 metres under the sea, head for the Villa Méditerranée in the city centre, where a diving chamber simulation plunges you into the palaeolithic era.

- The Ombrière (sun shelter) at the Old Port, designed by Norman Foster

Marseille is a photogenic city where you’ll have no trouble finding fabulous photo spots, including this key feature by Norman Foster. This British artist teamed up with Marseille’s Tangram agency to create an immense ceiling of mirrors at Quai des Belges in the Old Port. The structure is 48 metres long and 22 metres wide. Look up to get a different angle on the city’s day-to-day activities, mirrored by the Ombrière, and take the opportunity to snap some highly original pictures.

THINGS TO DO

Besides sightseeing and visiting museums, Marseille has plenty of appeal for nature lovers, gastronomy fans and culture buffs. So go on, treat yourself, in the knowledge that the city offers its wide diversity of treasures through sustainable approaches that are both entertaining and mindful of the environment.

- Listen to the Trou Souffleur Follow the via cordata trail for a journey into the canyon of the Trou Souffleur (blowing hole) in the heart of the Calanques region. Somewhere between a hiking trail and an easy climbing route, this activity gives you a real sense of adventure amid a stunning wilderness set between turquoise-blue coves and cliff faces. Yet it is suitable for novices and children aged 9 years and up.

- Play at Indiana Jones Become urban explorers in Marseille city centre, with a past-and-present scavenger hunt guided by a game booklet containing riddles for the adults to solve with the help of children aged 6 years and up. This tour like no other covers the old part of the city between the Panier and Belsunce districts, in the company of a guide who will enhance your experience with all sorts of details and anecdotes about monuments, façades, street names, local specialities and clues in the form of urban furniture.

- Treat yourself to an evening out in a hushed atmosphere Plunge into the world of Gatsby the Magnificent at a twenties-style piano bar bearing the suggestive name ‘ La Groupie du Pianiste ’. Every evening from Tuesday to Saturday, this venue on Rue Saint-Anne puts the emphasis on the decor, the food and the music to create a lovely muted atmosphere. Come and sample the unusual tapas and drinks, bespoke cocktails and live singing. But beware, this may be a piano bar but, on Fridays, the establishment morphs into an electro stage to host local and international artists. Check the programme.

- Explore under water If you’re looking for an original, exciting and pleasant way to discover the protected wildlife of the Calanques National Park, snorkelling is the solution. Explore the crystal-clear waters of this unique seabed to see everything from shimmering fish to sea cucumbers and crustaceans. A beautiful family outing suitable for children aged 7 years and above, as long as they know how to swim.

Dinner on a sailing boat The only thing better than watching the sun set over the sea, is watching it set when you’re at sea! The historical Le Don du Vent is a traditional two-master sailing boat that beckons you for a ‘back from the market’ gourmet dining experience you’ll never forget, surrounded by nature just off the Frioul archipelago. Take your pick from mooring up for brunch at one of the Frioul islands, sailing for a whole afternoon, or spending the day swimming in the coves.

- Try a venue with a difference Located in the fabulous district of the same name, La Friche Belle de Mai has been Marseille’s alternative culture hotspot for many years now. Between free exhibitions in unusual facilities, concerts, solidarity festivals, live performances, skateboarding spots, an 8,000 m² rooftop terrace and a spacious bar and restaurant that even provides newspapers, don’t hesitate to take the time to soak up the vibe of the latest culture scene.

- Responsible eating When it comes to gastronomy, Marseille encourages eco-friendly behaviour and sustainable initiatives. To combine great taste and responsible practices, we recommend you have lunch at Lottie’s , just a stone’s throw from the Opera. Try their traditional herring and potato salad or the absolutely divine octopus with homemade hummus... Then for dinner, head for the Livingston wine bar and bistro on a street with a party atmosphere, Cours Julien. You’ll find a warm and friendly atmosphere as well as fresh, seasonal products supplied by small farmers and through local channels.

- Cycle along the cliff road Put the fun in your function by swapping your car for a bike and taking to the cycle path that leads to the coves. This beautiful route rewards you for your efforts when you stop for coffee on the Catalans beach, from where you can see the Frioul archipelago. If you’re feeling courageous, there are plenty of other cycle routes of varying levels of difficulty, so you can explore for longer and further afield on a gentle bike ride or a whole mountain biking adventure.

- Attend La Criée The old auction house (‘ criée ’ in French), now the Old Port fish market, is always worth a visit from the crack of dawn. But for evening entertainment you should go to La Criée theatre. Managed by Robin Renucci, Marseille’s national theatre stages a challenging but accessible line-up that is often related to the city itself. After all, the exploration of a city also includes its creative dimension. Music, puppets, dance, readings, stories, festivals, free performances and stage plays... the choice is yours when it comes to a cultural escape that matches your taste and budget. Speaking of taste, the theatre restaurant, Les Grandes Tables, serves a menu based on fresh ingredients for lunch and dinner, before and after the performance.

Visit Marseille

Further reading : - 4 jours à Marseille : prêts pour un bol d’iode en famille ? - Nos boutiques de créateurs préférées à Marseille - Des balades en Provence qui plairont aux petits comme aux grands

By Redaction France.fr

The magazine of the destination unravels an unexpected France that revisits tradition and cultivates creativity. A France far beyond what you can imagine…

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Ultimate Travel Guide to Marseille

Marseille is France’s second-largest city and the heart of the southern region of Provence. Located along the Meditteranean coastline, Marseille boasts both excellent year-round weather and beautiful scenery, making this one of the country’s premier holiday destinations along the French Riviera.

Marseille is a city that offers something for everyone. You can enjoy the beaches, the views and the excellent restaurants and bars, or you can delve deep into the museums and cultural institutions of France’s second city.

There are offshore islands to visit, where you can find snorkelling and boating opportunities, as well as Chateau D’If, the fortress which inspired the famed novel, The Count of Monte Cristo.

There’s a lot waiting to be discovered in Marseille, and to inspire your trip to the south of France, here’s our ultimate guide to the city!

This ultimate travel guide to Marseille will show you all the most beautiful places in Marseille, what to expect when visiting, where to stay in Marseille and things to do in Marseille which will help you in planning a trip to Marseille.

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Table of Contents

How to get to Marseille  

Being France’s second-largest city, Marseille is incredibly well connected to the rest of the country, and to the rest of Europe. This is the transport hub for the French Riviera, and as such, it’s a busy and popular place to visit.

The main entrance point to Marseille is the Marseille-Provence International Airport , which is located outside of the city itself. There are budget flights to most major European cities, and long haul flights further afield to North America, and other selected destinations. There are regular shuttle buses from the airport to the city.

Marseille’s central station has fast connections across France, and you can reach Paris in just 3 hours on the high-speed TGV network. There are also regional connections along the French Riviera, to cities such as Nice or Montpellier.

The bus network isn’t quite as fast as the rail network, but there are cheap fares available across France, and internationally towards Spain and Italy.

Marseille is a popular cruise ship destination too, and you can find the city on many Mediterranean itineraries.

What to expect in Marseille 

When you arrive in the city, if you are looking for more Marseille travel advice or for local maps, then you can find great information at the tourist information centre.

Some parts of Marseille have a reputation for crime or danger, but to answer the question, is Marseille safe, in general, yes.

The touristy areas of the city are certainly safe to visit, but always be aware of pickpockets and petty thieves, especially on public transport or while walking along crowded streets.

When you’re visiting the beaches along the coast, always be aware of your belongings, and don’t leave them unattended to go for a swim.

The main language of Marseille is French, and while plenty of locals speak English – particularly in restaurants and the tourist industry – French people prefer it when you speak their language, even if you aren’t particularly adept at it.

The main currency of France is the Euro , and you’ll find ATMs and money changers at the airport, train station and across the city centre.

How to get around Marseille

Marseille is a big, sprawling city, but in terms of tourism, there are several distinct parts of the city where you will be spending most of your time, which are easy to visit and to get around, including the Old Port, the seafront and the historic centre.

The city has a good public transport network, but you might want to take your Marseille travel guide or map with you to help you traverse the streets, buses and metro system.

The metro system is the easiest way to get across the city, and there are two underground lines which connect the major points in Marseille. Bus routes extend further and to parts of the city that the metro doesn’t, while the local tram system has two lines which you can make use of too.

Boats and ferries operate in the harbour area, while you can also join boat tours further out to the nearby islands, which are a wonderful day trip away from Marseille.

The best time to visit Marseille 

Located along the southern coast of France, Marseille enjoys one of the best climates in the country. The beautiful Mediterranean weather ensures that the city enjoys warm temperatures through most of the year, with summer being particularly hot, and temperatures regularly hitting 40 degrees celsius.

The good weather brings lots of tourists to Marseille and to the wider Provence region, but things are always particularly busy during the peak summer season, between June and August.

Accommodation and flights are much pricier during the summer, and especially during any school holidays. If you can, it’s best to avoid the summer season if you want to keep costs down and enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere.

September to November tends to be much quieter in Marseille and all along the French Riviera, and this can be the best time to visit the city, as the weather is still warm and you’ll avoid the crowds.

Spring can also be a great time to visit, but try to avoid the middle of winter, when it’s usually colder, and there’s plenty of rain too.

Things to do in Marseille

If you’re wondering what to do in Marseille when you first arrive, then the first place to visit is Vieux Port. This is the Old Port, and it’s one of the most famous attractions in the city.

The Old Port is where Marseille was founded thousands of years ago, and for centuries it’s formed the heart of the city. It’s the most historic place you can visit in Marseille, and in recent years, much of the harbourfront has been pedestrianised and revamped.

In the mornings, you can buy fresh fish from the local fishermen, while at night, the Old Port is spectacularly lit up and illuminated.

Fort Saint-Jean

Fort Saint-Jean is a landmark of the Old Port, built in the 17th century to defend Marseille’s important harbour. You can explore the towers and walls to learn more about Marseille’s strategic location and history.

Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

One of the best things to do in Marseille is to visit the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde . This is the best church in the city, and it’s found in a dramatic location atop Marseille’s highest hilltop.

It’s an integral part of the city’s skyline, and it dates back to the 1860s. You can admire the church from afar, but you can also explore the interior, where you’ll find lavish sculptures and architectural designs.

Vallon des Auffes

Vallon des Auffes is another historic part of Marseille, that’s found along the coast, outside of the city centre. This is an old fishing village that’s been swallowed by the city, but that still retains much of its rustic, French charm.

You’ll find life is very much laid back in Vallon des Auffes, and you’ll be able to watch the traditional fishing boats returning from the Meditteranean, while you watch the world go by from the harbour.

Cours Julien  

To experience a different side of the city, then head to Cours Julien, a neighbourhood that’s said to be the trendiest neighborhood in Marseille.

This is street art central, and you’ll find the walls and the pavements are awash with murals and graffiti. It’s a lively, artistic place to visit, and in the evenings, you’ll find busy bars spilling on the streets, and great places to eat out.

La Corniche  

For an overview of the city’s beautiful shorefront, then take a stroll along La Corniche. This is the long boulevard the follows the Mediterranean along the city’s shorefront, and it’s a great place to explore.

Take a walk, go for a jog or ride a bicycle along La Corniche to see the best that the city has to offer.

What to eat in Marseille

France has a rich culinary tradition, and like other French cities, Marseille has a lot to offer when it comes to food . With an international flavour and plenty of immigration from across the world, Marseille is a unique melting pot when it comes to cuisine, and you can find restaurants from across the world in the city, as well as more traditional French dishes too.

At the Old Port, you can find fresh fish for sale every morning, while all along the waterfront you’ll find restaurants serving up the day’s best catches. Fish is a big deal in Marseille, and the city’s most famous local dish is Bouillabaisse.

This is a two-course meal, consisting of fish soup, and the fish itself that was used to create the broth for the soup. 

Another local speciality is called Pieds et Paquets, a dish that’s not for anyone with a weak stomach. This consists of sheep tripe and sheep feet, which are all cooked together into a hearty stew.

Where to stay in Marseille

Marseille has a great range of accommodation , and you’ll find hostels through to luxurious hotels and serviced apartments. Remember though, this is the French Riviera, and prices, particularly in peak season, can be more than other French cities. Airbnb is also a great option for short or long stays.

Hostel – The best hostel in Marseille is generally considered to be the Vertigo Vieux Port , which is located in Vieux Port. The hostel is new and sociable, while the same brand also offers Vertigo Centre, in the city centre.

Mid-Range – A great mid-range choice for those on a budget but not looking to stay in a hostel, is the Ibis , which has great branches in different locations, including the city centre and Vieux Port.

Luxury – Marseilles has some great luxury accommodation and two of the best, most upmarket offerings in the city are the Intercontinental and the Sofitel Vieux Port .

Tours to do in Marseille

Hop on hop off bus.

A great way to see the best sights and attractions within Marseille is to buy a Hop on Hop off bus tour ticket .

It’s an easy way to get around the city, as you can jump on and off at the designated stops, and will save time and hassle in comparison to using the public transport system.

Chateau d’If Tour  

Chateau d’If is one of the most famous sights in Marseille, but it’s actually found on an island, just a short journey from Vieux Port.

This imposing fortress dates back to the 16th century, and it was built to guard the port against enemy attack.

The fortress provided the inspiration for the Alexander Dumas novel, the Count of Monte Cristo, and on a tour to the island, you can see just why Chateau d’If proved so integral to the plot of the book.

An excellent way to see Marseille – particularly when the weather is good! – is by joining a bike tour . It’s an environmentally friendly way to get around the city, and you can even sign up for an electric bike tour if you don’t fancy pedalling all the time. 

Day trips from Marseille

Calanques national park.

Just a short journey away from the city itself, you can experience the glorious natural scenery of the Calanques National Park.

This is a spectacular area of wild and rugged cliffs and mountain peaks that stretches along the coast.

You can go hiking, you can explore the islands or the coast by boat, you can snorkel in the water and you can explore hidden caves. It’s a great way to escape the city and to experience the best of southern France’s nature.

Avignon is one of the most historic cities in southern France, and from Marseille, it’s just a one hour drive.

Avignon is known for its preserved, medieval walls and fortifications, and walking through the small city is like taking a step back in time .

Admire the famed Avignon Bridge, explore the old Papal Palace, built when Avignon was the seat of the Popes, and visit the local churches and museums to be immersed in the city’s grand history.

Provence and the wider regions in southern France are famed for their great wineries, and across the area, you can visit some of the country’s best vineyards, including the likes of Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

You can join guided tours from Marseille that will take you to the best wineries in Provence, where you can enjoy some excellent tastings.

Recommended tours in Marseille

• Marseille Electric Bike Tour
• Best of Provence Day Trip from Marseille: Avignon, Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Les Baux de Provence
• Perched Villages of the Luberon Day Trip from Marseille
• Electric Bike Tour to the Calanques from Marseille
• Provence Small-Group Sightseeing Tour: Marseille, Aix-en-Provence and Cassis
• Private Tour: Marseille and Cassis Day Trip
• Historical Center Walking Tour of Marseille
• Avignon and Luberon Villages Small Group Tour from Marseille
• Small-Group Lavender tour of Valensole, Moustiers Sainte Marie and Verdon from Marseille
• Marseille Shore excursion: Private Full-Day tour in Aix en Provence – winery and Cassis
• Marseille Street Art Walking Tour
• Full-Day Wine Tour around Aix en Provence from Marseille
• Full-Day Snorkeling and Guided Dive in the Calanques National Park from Marseille

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Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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