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Tourism in Marseille
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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

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.

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2 Days in Marseille: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)

2 Days in Nice: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)

3 Days in Lyon: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)

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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Marseille Travel Guide

Courtesy of Deejpilot | Getty Images

9 Best Things To Do in Marseille

Updated February 11, 2021

Meandering through Marseille's past, whether it's through the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde or the Le Panier and Vieux Port districts – or even the mysterious island on which Château d'If sits – is one of the best ways to experience France's

All Things To Do

Le Panier Le Panier free

Le Panier – or the Basket – gives a glimpse of Old Marseille and real Marseille culture. From its narrow winding streets that spill into squares to its restaurants, ateliers (worskshops) and terraced homes, Le Panier is a delightful place to meander. It's also convenient to attractions, such as MuCEM and Cathedrale de la Major , among others.

Visitors say that this district is full of character, highlighting the street art and local restaurants and boutiques. Others describe it as charming and a great place to wander for a few hours.

Vieux Port Vieux Port free

Vieux Port started docking ships and boats back in 600 B.C., and it was a vibrant hub of the city until steamboats became the preferred mode of transport and Vieux Port was considered too shallow. Later in WWII, the Germans bombed the port, and it was left in disrepair until the mid-1900s when a revitalization project restored the port. These days, it is back to its former self, with scores of bobbing sailboats and an array of restaurants, bars and shops located just ashore.

Recent visitors said you could easily spend hours strolling through Vieux Port, perusing various shops and restaurants to satisfy any taste – and even hopping aboard a Ferris wheel. History buffs will be entertained here too, as there are several historical structures still standing, including Église Saint-Ferréol les Augustins, a Roman Catholic church that dates back to the 12th century.

Abbaye Saint Victor Abbaye Saint Victor free

Abbaye Saint Victor is a working Catholic church, which was founded back in the 11th century as an abbey and named for the Roman soldier and Christian martyr Victor of Marseille. Much of the abbey was destroyed in 1794, with the austere church and crypts remaining.

Visitors call the abbey simple – and somehow stunning in its stark design. Others highly recommend paying the 2 euros for access to the unique crypts.

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Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde free

The Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde – translated as Our Lady of the Guard – was built in the 1850s on the foundation of Marseille's ancient fortress. Today, this working Catholic basilica – filled with stunning marble, murals and mosaics – is a symbol of the city, the crowning point of its skyline and likewise, a wonderful place to enjoy sweeping views of the city below. You'll probably be able to spot it from the harbor, as a large, gilded statue of the Virgin Mary sits atop the bell tower.

Some visitors called the climb up to the top "tough," but the views worth it. Although travelers admit that the church is beautiful, they were most impressed with the panoramic views. However, several reviewers also warned of heavy crowds and potential pickpockets.

Fort Saint-Jean Fort Saint-Jean

Built in 1660 by Louis XIV, Fort Saint-Jean is a well-preserved fortress guarding Marseille at the entrance to the Old Port . Interestingly, it was built not to keep invaders at bay but to tamp down a local rebellion. Later, in the 19th and 20th centuries, it was used by the French military until German military forces occupied it during WWII. Today, the storied fort is a tourist attraction, where travelers stretch their legs and relax rather than prepare for battle.

Travelers of all ages rave about the peaceful atmosphere of Fort Saint-Jean and the wonderful views from the top. They also note that it's surprisingly accessible, with ramps and elevators.

Parc National des Calanques Parc National des Calanques

Visualize jagged limestone cliffs dropping into secret pebble beaches, which are lapped by the aquamarine waters of the Mediterranean Sea, and you'll start to get a picture of the Parc National des Calanques. Although many travelers view this national park from the sea, others say the hiking is absolutely magical too.

Recent visitors said pictures don't do the Parc National des Calanques justice, swooning that its cliffs, inlets and beaches are breathtaking. While tourists mentioned seeing locals sunbathing on the secluded beaches, rock climbing and rappelling, and hiking, travelers short on time might have to limit themselves to a boat tour. The tourism board recommends a number of operators , including Croisieres Marseille Calanques and Levantin . These boat tours range in price: For instance, a brunch tour with Levantin costs 69 euros in the winter low season and 79 euros in summer high season.

Mucem Mucem

The Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée, which goes by its acronym Mucem, is Marseille's history and cultural museum that leads visitors on an anthropological journey through Mediterranean history. Architect Rudy Ricciotti designed the contemporary building, which connects to the 13th-century Fort Saint-Jean via a footbridge.

Travelers say this museum gives you a great understanding of the region's past all the way up to present-day. They also highlight the Mucem's rooftop gardens, saying that the views from these vantages are some of the best.

Cathédrale de la Major Cathédrale de la Major free

Where the Abbaye Saint Victor is unembellished in its design, the Cath é drale de la Major is ornate. But it's also younger: The Cathédrale de la Major was built in the mid- to late 19th century, and its unique Byzantine design reflects a period in time where Marseille port was "the gateway to the east." Inside, visitors will find mosaics, statues and side chapels.

Recent visitors said the Cath é drale de la Major is as impressive inside as it is outside. They also appreciate its location in Le Panier, near other top attractions, such as MuCEM and Fort Saint Jean.

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Château d'If Château d'If

Château d'If is a 16th-century fortress, commissioned by King Francois I, set atop the smallest island in the Frioul archipelago less than a mile from Marseille. It was later used as a prison, considered ideal for its isolated, escape-proof location (similar to San Francisco 's Alcatraz ). Visitors to Marseille often travel by boat to this beautiful and mysterious monument, especially since it inspired the prison setting of Alexandre Dumas' famous book, "The Count of Monte Cristo."

Once on the island, visitors are free to wander Château d'If at their leisure. Recent travelers described the experience as interesting, both for the ancient history exhibited here, as well as for the stellar views of the bay and Marseille in the distance. Since the island boasts only one outdoor cafe, some wish that there was more in the way of eateries or gift shops – even as a place to shelter from the cold winds of the island and kill time before boarding the ferry back to the city.

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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

J Boyer /Getty Images Plus

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

Chris Hellier/Getty Images

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

Jean-Pierre Lescourret/Getty Images

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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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.

Marseille Le Panier-Old Town Travel Guide

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.

Le Ryad Boutique Hôtel, Marseille, France

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.

Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations (Mucem)

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 .

Marseille History Museum | trabantos / Shutterstock.com

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 on France

4 days to learn about Marseille

Nov 15, 2022 • 11 min read

Illustration of the summer in Marseille © Theo Giacometti/Lonely Planet

Marseille is both beachy and urban, French and Mediterranean, modern and historic. Go for the beach by all means, but with its diverse neighborhoods, street art and architectural tours, as well as cave paintings dating back 20,000 years in a new museum, there’s a lot to learn here too.

Alexis Steinman lives in Marseille and offers this four-day itinerary to learn more about this city in the south of France.

I am a food and travel writer who has been hooked on Marseille since I moved here in 2016. With its multicultural makeup, staggering beauty and striking contrasts, the 2600-year-old port is an endless trove of stories and experiences.

Why you should visit Marseille

With its rich diversity, Marseille seduces. Here, visitors find breathtaking natural beauty alongside urban grit, cultural traditions from the Provence region meeting ones from around the world, boisterous energy and laid-back pleasures. Though France’s second-largest city, Marseille feels like a collection of the “111 villages” that merged over the centuries to form the neighborhoods of the modern metropolis . Each boasts its own personality and charm, ideal for curious travelers seeking diverse experiences . Think swimming turquoise coves, exploring Roman ruins, seeing contemporary art, hiking limestone cliffs and watching a breakdance battle. And, of course, tasting flavors from all over the globe via the city’s fantastic food scene. More Mediterranean than French and truly one-of-a-kind, Marseille is all you love about France – and so much more.

Start off strong with Marseille must-dos

Marseille’s most-visited sites give you a great lay of the land, showing you the city’s unique architecture, vast scale and rich history. To start, don good walking shoes or take the 60 bus to Notre Dame de la Garde . Nicknamed the “Bonne Mère” (“Good Mother”) this Roman-Byzantine-style basilica is topped with a golden Madonna-and-child statue that watches over the city. (Don’t miss the bullet holes from a WWII battle on the eastern facade.) Inside, you’ll find dazzling mosaics along with ex-votos, offerings of wooden boats and nautical paintings to protect fishermen at sea. As the city’s highest point, the Bonne Mère boasts 360° views of the skyline from its grounds. If you’re hungry, make a pit stop at Carlotta With in the hip Vauban quartier for the city’s most buttery croissants.

Lunch at Vieux-Port

Head down the hill to the Vieux-Port , once lined with merchant ships from across the globe and today filled with pleasure boats. The perimeter is lovely for a leisurely promenade – or, if you’re in a hurry, cross the basin on the ferry, whose 300-yard route is rumored to be the shortest in the world. Along the port, Chez Madie les Galinettes serves up Provençal classics, fresh fish and Marseille’s mythical bouillabaisse fish stew. Perhaps surprisingly, however, the city’s most popular dish is pizza. Our favorite in town is at Chez Etienne, whose wood-fired pies have lured a loyal following since 1943. Pair one with an order of the addictively garlicky squid.

Afternoon at Grotte Cosquer

Work off lunch with a voyage beneath the sea and back in time at the Grotte Cosquer , whose realistic reproductions of 27,000-year-old cave paintings later submerged by water are the city’s newest attraction. Next door, the Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean (Mucem) is also a must-see. Built in 2013, Rudy Riciotti’s webbed concrete cube is influenced by ancient Arabic design. Don’t worry if you don’t have time to explore the exhibits inside: the exterior walkways offer a dazzling display of light and shadows, while the rooftop has a restaurant-bar and seats for lounging. From there, take the footbridge to the Fort St-Jean , a 17th-century citadel with gardens, exhibits and videos that recount the city’s history. Notice how its canons point at rather than away from the city – a sign of Marseillais’ rebellious spirit then and now.

Evening at bars à vins

Bars à vins (wine bars) are lovely for a light meal or dining solo. Les Buvards pairs natural and biodynamic wines with homey French classics like boudin noir (black blood sausage) and purée (whipped potatoes). For those with bigger appetites, Fioupelan dishes modern plates with Provençal flair, like daurade (sea bream) tartare on charcoal toasts. Grab dessert at Vanille Noire, whose black, salted vanilla ice cream is rumored to be colored using squid ink. End the night on a high note at Hôtel Hermès ’ rooftop bar, one of the best in town . Though removed from the port’s bustle, the tiny bar fills up fast on summer nights. Craft-cocktail enthusiasts should chart their course for Bar Gaspard across the port.

Multicultural eats, heritage shops, and artisanal goods

Fuel up at Deep or Brulerie Moka, two local roasters that have perked up the city’s coffee scene. Next, explore a farmers market – always a wonderful way to experience Marseille like a local. Buy bread, cheese and locally grown produce at the Reformés market on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and the Wednesday organic market in Cours Julien . Or let local experts be your guide on a Culinary Backstreets food tour as you dive into the city’s history, culture, architecture and (of course) food.

Lunch in Noailles

Noailles is nicknamed the “belly of Marseille” for its central location and abundance of things edible. Taste sweet or savory stuffed Senegalese pastries at Pastels World, Tunisian chickpea soup ( leblebi ) at Chez Yassine and market-driven Mediterranean plates at Épicerie Idéal. With its street eats and food shops, the bustling Rue Longue des Capucins feels like you’re strolling through an African souk. Don’t miss the colorful Saladin Épices du Monde spice shop and the open food stall next door, where street chefs cook up m’semen crepes, date-stuffed bradj and other Maghrebi delights before your eyes.

Afternoon at Maison Empereur

Lively Noailles is also home to two of Marseille’s oldest heritage shops: Maison Empereur, the oldest hardware store in France, an Ali Baba’s cavern of some 50,000 goods; and Père Blaize, which has sold healing teas and tinctures since 1816. Also make sure to swing by Jiji Palme D’Or, where Tunisian ceramics and home decor spill across four storefronts. Want to learn more about Marseille’s artisanal goods? Watch how the iconic Savon de Marseille soap is made at Fer à Cheval, mix your own pastis at Distillerie de la Plaine or visit one of the city’s oldest distilleries, Cristal Limiñana, to watch the team fabricate anisette, pastis and rum.

Evening dinner with a view at La Caravelle

Quench your thirst like a Marseillais during apéro , the nightly happy hour that is practically a religion across the city. The always-packed hipster Café de l’Abbaye offers views of the harbor’s forts and ancient Abbaye St-Victor from its outdoor tables. La Caravelle has a vintage, nautical-inspired interior and the best Vieux-Port perch from its sliver of a balcony. Since apéro can often stretch into the night, if you prefer a sit-down dinner, Marseille’s food scene is bursting with young chef-driven tables. Enjoy carnivorous plates at Femme du Boucher, seasonal fare (and stellar octopus) in a park at Sepia and Mediterranean flavors at Golda.

Street art and vintage shops

Inspired by Marseille’s hip-hop culture, street art has become an integral part of the city’s look, with murals and tags especially prolific in the neighborhoods of Cours Julien and Le Panier . (We recommend a street-art tour of the latter, where you can discover local graffeurs like Nimho.) Both neighborhoods also are great for shopping. The city’s oldest district, Le Panier has winding streets that are home to crafts like Coutellerie de Panier knives and Arterra santons (clay figurines). Vintage shops and indie designers abound in Cours Julien.

Lunch at Limmat

Take lunch on Cours Julien’s famous colorful staircase at Limmat, a locavore spot that specializes in vegetarian and fish dishes, or dive into the freshest catch at the nautically kitsch La Boîte à Sardine. Care for a picnic? Pick up sandwiches at Pain Pan or a Lebanese spread at Exosud. Then, stroll to the grassy lawn and shady trees of the Parc Longchamp. Marseille’s most central park sprawls behind the Palais Longchamp, a majestic while monument from the 19th century. Two museums flank a lavish colonnade: the Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle, a fantastic, 18th-century-style cabinet of curiosities; and the Musée des Beaux-Arts , famous for its paintings of the 1720 plague that wiped out half the city. Both are free to the public.

Visit Friche La Belle de Mai cultural center

Work off lunch at the nearby Friche La Belle de Mai , a tobacco factory–turned–cultural center that houses artist studios, exhibition spaces, a bookstore, skate park, restaurant and expansive rooftop. (Check their Facebook page for upcoming concerts, movie nights and other cultural happenings.) On the other side of town, the Unité d’Habitation at La Cité Radieuse – Le Corbusier’s utopian vision of mixed-use living that resembles a concrete cruise ship – is a must for architecture buffs. While the complex is free to visit, paid tours of apartments are offered at the tourist office by reservation.

Check out a football match or grab a Michelin star dinner

While some Marseillais don’t like football, everyone is a fan of OM. And the Olympique de Marseille home games are as legendary as the team, with firecrackers, giant banners and fervent fans filling the Orange Vélodrome . Get tickets online in advance or at the stadium on game day (the season runs from August until May). Prefer your stars on the plate rather than on the field? Splurge at the Michelin three-star AM par Alexandre Mazzia. Expect a 20+ course journey through smoked, spiced and roasted flavors paired with the farmed and fished bounty of the region – like raspberry harissa and a smoked-eel-and-dark-chocolate tart. The unpretentious vibe is also pure Marseille.

A day in the Calanques and at the beach

A breathtaking mix of limestone cliffs and turquoise coves, this park is best explored by boat or by foot. Hit the high seas on a Bleu Evasion tour (for eight to 12 people), or book a private launch via rental platform Click&Boat (a splurge for a couple but more affordable for groups of four or more). Reach great heights at the Croix de Marseilleveyre (a three-hour hike via the 19 bus to Madrague de Montredon), or descend to the Calanque de Morgiou cove (two hours, plus a ride on the 22 bus to Les Baumettes). For the latter, you can pair your ramble with fresh fish at Bar Nautic or pizzas and Provençal fare at Chez Zé (be sure to reserve and bring cash at these secluded spots). Note: many trails are closed in July and August, prime forest-fire season.

Charming ports: Les Goudes or L’Estaque

Marseille is bookended by two picturesque fishing villages. At the southern tip, Les Goudes is an Instagrammable mix of rocky ambles, swimming coves and cabanons (beachside cabins). Savor just-caught fish at a seaside table at Grand Bar des Goudes or Baie des Singes, a 15-minute walk away. Between July and October, the Friche de l’Escalette showcases contemporary art amid the beautiful ruins of a 19th-century lead factory.

At the northern edge, L’Éstaque evokes Marseille’s industrial and artistic past: with its factories and Provençal light, the port once lured painters like Cézanne. Watch locals play pétanque beside the port’s traditional wooden barquettes (boats), then taste traditional fried snacks like chichis fregis (donuts) and panisses (chick-pea fritters) at Chez Magali. Hungry for a full meal? Hippocampe serves grilled fish in a secluded spot hidden from the main drag. From May to September, both villages are accessible by RTM Ferry Boat, the cheapest way to sail the Mediterranean.

Hit the beach

With 26 miles of coastline, Marseille serves up a buffet of beaches within its city limits. The curved cove of Anse de la Maldormé has a pebbled beach with easy access for a dip. The flat boulders at Anse de la Fausse Monnaie are ideal for sunbathing and watching cliff divers plunge from the Corniche Kennedy. If you prefer sand, opt for the Plage des Prophètes or Plage des Catalans, the closest beach to the city center. The coast is easily accessible by the 83 bus or by pedaling along the revamped coastal bike path (which sometimes shares the road with cars). Just avoid swimming after heavy rains, when overflowing sewers pollute the sea.

Sunset at Cabanon de Paulette

Technicolor sunsets deserve a front-row seat on the coast. Arrive early to nab a spot at the happening beach bar Cabanon de Paulette for moules marinère and frites. The Cabane des Amis pumps a mix of hip-hop, disco and techno into the early morning. Viaghijii di Fonfon serves charcuterie, cheese and spritzes in the charming Vallon des Auffes port. Or make like a local and bring a pizza to the beach: we’re fans of the pies at Eau à la Bouche near the Plage de Malmousque.

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Marseille Tourist Information and Tourism

(marseille, provence-alpes cote d'azur, france), more marseille information / fast facts and orientation.

Country: France
Location: Provence-Alpes Côte d'Azur
Status: city
Population: approximately 850,000
Language: French
Currency: Euro
Time zone: GMT / UTC +1
Country dialling code: +33
Telephone area code: 0491
Religion: mainly Catholic
Average daily Marseille January temperature: 3°C / 37°F
Average daily Marseille July temperature: 18°C / 64°F

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9 Best Things To Do in Marseille

Welcome to Marseille, the very first and therefore oldest city in France . It is the capital of the Cote d’Azur (French Riviera). With its unique location on the border of southern France and Northern Africa, it is a cultural melting-pot, with fresh steaming mint tea and delicious food in between the French architecture. This is an excellent city trip in Europe because there are a lot of things to do in Marseille from history and arts to hiking and sunbathing at beaches. Another plus is its connectivity via train; for example, it’s only a 6-hour journey from Rotterdam, Netherlands !

Things to do in Marseille, France

We recommend spending two or three days in Marseille. Read about the best things to do in Marseille, France.

1. MUCEM & Fort Saint-Jean

The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisation is a thing to do in Marseille for all ages. The two striking modern buildings at the water’s edge are home to galleries and exhibitions. The museum is connected by a 115-meter-long bridge to the ancient Fort Saint-Jean that is free to visit.

Here are all your hotel options in Marseille.

2. Cathedral de la Major

One of France’s largest cathedrals is close to MUCEM and in between the Old Port and Le Panier: Cathedral de la Major. Its spectacular dimensions are similar to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome , with materials used like mosaics from Venice and stones from Florence .

3. Creative Cours Julien

Cours Julien is known as the street art neighborhood of Marseille, but it’s so much more! The colorful square and streets are taken over by great bars, restaurants, and musicians. It’s lively, creative, cool, and the perfect place to spend your afternoon on the terrace.

Follow the artsy staircase ( Les Escaliers du Cours Julien ) to the bridge or the metro entrance.

4. Old Harbor (Vieux Port)

Vieux Port (The old harbor) is the symbol of Marseille. This is where stylish hotels, waterfront cafes, and seafood restaurants are situated. At sunset, go for a stroll over the boulevard and along the water to really taste the atmosphere of this city with musicians playing and small food stalls on the street.

Also visit: Nice, the most stunning city on the French Riviera .

5. Le Panier

Next up is Le Panier, the city’s oldest quarter. The narrow and pastel-colored streets and steep staircases are often referred to as Marseille’s historical and cultural heart. Le Panier is a former working-class area, and nowadays, that is still reflected in the Algerian restaurants and boutique shops. Prepare for a great stroll in this part of Marseille.

6. Gare Saint Charles

It’s not often we recommend visiting a train station; however, Gare Saint Charles has a grand staircase that leads towards the city and is a must-see while in Marseille. The train station is a historical monument station and dates back to 1848!

Gare Saint Charles is the main station where you arrive from Bordeaux or the French Riviera .

7. Notre-Dame Basilica

The enormous Basilica Notre-Dame de la Garde stands on the highest point of Marseille (150 meters above sea level). It’s the city’s landmark that you can spot from pretty much anywhere in Marseille. Even better is the view from the top, on the surrounding mountains.

Visit the basilica either by walking up the hill or using the small train that runs daily from the old harbor.

8. Palais Longchamp

Palais Longchamp is one of the things to do in Marseille! In the 19th century, an 85-kilometer-long canal had to be created in order to bring drinking water to everybody. The stunning palace was built to celebrate the completion of this project after 30 years. You can easily spend half a day here visiting the botanical gardens, the Natural History Museum or the Fine Art museum.

9. A day trip to Cassis

Cassis is a charming fishing village about 30 minutes from Marseille. It is popular for its incredible beaches and small-town vibe, with an extensive market with locally produced products.

Cassis is like wandering around in a painting, with the pastel-painted buildings and restaurants on the charming harbor. The white-sand beaches of Cassis are easy to access and a popular escape for many of the people living in Marseille.

Also see: Perfect 12-day French Riviera route

Calanques National Park

However, Cassis is most visited because of Calanques National Park, an area of diverse landscapes, unique hiking trails along the sea cliffs, and unmatchable beaches along the way. The first two beaches (Port Pin and Port-Miou) are easy to reach.

Book an electric bike tour around the park

You can either opt to stop at one of those two and relax or follow the trail for 90 minutes to the most secluded beach of them all, named Calanque d’En Vau. Tip: Wear good shoes for following the trail.

Alternatively, join an electric biking tour and venture deep into the national park.

Good to know: The park is prone to wildfires; on their Facebook , they share when the park is closed due to the risk of fires.

How to get to Marseille

Even though Marseille is in the deep south of France, it got great over-land connections to many cities all over Europe. If you’re visiting by car, be aware that you’re visiting an extremely busy city with very limited space. Parking a car can cost up to 30 euros a day in a parking garage in the city center.

Renting a car allows you to visit Marseille’s outskirts much easier. We recommend renting a car at Sunny Cars as they work with local car rental companies in France.

We recommend to rent a car in France through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

Paris to Marseille: high-speed train in just 3.5 hours
London to Marseille: Take the Eurostar in 7 hours
Rotterdam or Amsterdam to Marseille: 6.5-hour direct train on Saturdays!

Find your train options to Marseille here.

Marseille has its own airport, with international flights arriving from many destinations. The airport is 27 km northwest of the city center. Get there by using an airport shuttle bus from Saint Charles train station.

Getting Around Marseille

Marseille is best to discover on foot since most of the things to do are close to each other, and the city is pretty pedestrian-friendly. To cover larger distances, you can use the metro and tram lines that stretch out to most parts of the city.

Just like Bordeaux , there is also a good city bike system that you can purchase online here . Get a week’s ticket for just 1 euro. Every time you take a bike, the first 30 minutes are free. The bikes can be found and put back almost anywhere in Marseille.

Best Cafes and Restaurants in Marseille

Only within the city center of Marseille is a huge amount of cafes and restaurants to choose from. These were our favorites:

Don Gobi (Mediterranean)
L’Infusion (Tea & delicous bites)
Green Love (Vegan restaurant)
Why Not Us Coffee (Vegan cafe)
Chez Marquis (Italian)
Jour Vieux Port (Great salades!)

Where to stay in Marseille

We stayed at Best Western Hotel Marseille Bourse , which was at an excellent location near the old port.

Hotels in Marseille 😴

Your Budget for Marseille

A weekend in Marseille will cost you around 160 euro a day, including accommodation. Average prices in the city are:

Costs of Traveling in Marseille

Travel on a budget in Marseille, from $440 − $830 USD weekly per person, mid-range $1020 − $1790 USD, and high-end from $1700 − $2370 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

Hotels: $80 − $180 USD Check available hotels
Hostels: $40 − $90 USD Check available hostels
Transport: $5 − $15 USD Book public transport
Car Rental: $35 − $60 USD Book a rental car
Food: $10 − $50 USD
Activities: $5 − $40 USD See tickets & tours
Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Best Time to Visit Marseille

Marseille is best to visit from April to June or September to October. This is when the beaches are less busy, and the temperature is pleasant, so you can explore the city without dripping in sweat.

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12 Best Things To Do in Paris: The Ultimate 3-day Trip

Montmartre in paris: a visitors guide, 11 best things to do in bordeaux (wine capital of france).

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Great information, love the photos too. Eager to visit on our cruise next spring. Thank you for your wonderfully informative guide.

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Marseille -France's oldest city

A short guide to marseille.

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Access to Old Marseilles

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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.

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The 17 Best Things to do in Marseille, France

These are the Best Things to Do in Marseille, France

Marseille is the second-largest city in France, known for its cosmopolitan, multicultural and maritime atmosphere. This is a great city to visit in the South of France, as there are countless things to do in Marseille. Most of the attractions in the city are within easy walking distance of the historical port area, and many of the best things to see during your stay are completely free (making it a welcome break from some of the more upscale destinations along the French Riviera!).

I stayed in Marseille for a week and never got bored. However, I know that not everyone has the entire summer to linger in the South of France! So, I’ve broken down my favorite things to do in Marseille into a one-day itinerary, a two-day itinerary, and a list of suggestions for people who have more time in the city. Check out my guide to seeing the best of Marseille, and if you have any questions afterwards please let me know the comments at the bottom!

If You Have One Day in Marseille…

Whether you’re in port on a cruise ship, flying in or out of the Marseille airport, or following my one week in Provence itinerary , these are the best things to do in Marseille in just one day. They’re all located in the city center and are within easy walking distance of one another, so you don’t need to use public transportation or a taxi to see these Marseille tourist attractions in a day.

#1 – The Old Port (Vieux Port)

I was in Marseille for a week, and there wasn’t a single day that I didn’t spend time in the Old Port ( Vieux Port ) area. To me, this feels like the heart of Marseille, and it’s one place you absolutely can’t miss when you’re visiting.

One of the best things to do in the Old Port of Marseille is to sit down at one of the waterfront restaurants with a coffee, soda or beer, and just watch all of the people going by.

Three streets away you’ll find the Marseille History Museum, which explores the city’s history from it’s first Greek inhabitants (back in 600 BCE!) through to today. Nearby, a reconstruction of the Milo de Croton statue (the original is in the Louvre in Paris) is an icon to the city’s Greek history.

The old town area is also where you can catch the ferry to the Frioul Islands (see #16 below), catch the Little Tourist Train to the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde (see #9 and #10 below), or start walking towards nearly all of the Marseille attractions on this list.

#2 – The New Cosquer Cave Museum

The New Marseille Cave Museum at Cosquer Mediteranee in France

One of the newest and most interesting things to do in Marseille is just a short walk around the water’s edge from the Old Port.

Cosquer Méditerranée is an interactive museum that opened its doors in 2022. The actual Cosquer Cave was discovered in 1985 by an adventurous scuba diver. Located 37 meters below sea level, the cave is full of well-preserved prehistoric cave art. Here at Cosquer Méditerranée, museums visitors take a half-hour ride through a full-size reconstruction of the cave, learning about its discovery and the art it holds along the way.

I was one of the first visitors to experience Cosquer Méditerranée, and I’ve written a complete guide to visiting this new Marseille attraction. Make sure you book your tickets well in advance, as this unique experience sells out every day during the high season.

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#3 – The Cathedral of Marseille

You’ll have a great view of Marseille’s main cathedral from the top-floor galleries in the Cosquer Méditerranée, so when you’ve finished riding through the cave simulation and looking at the exhibits, cross the plaza and head to the cathedral. Entrance is free!

A small church had stood on this site from the medieval era until the latter half of the nineteenth century, when the city decided that it needed a grand new cathedral. Construction took 50 years, and the new “La Major” cathedral was designed to rival other famous cathedrals such as St. Peter’s in Rome.

Both design elements and raw materials were imported from around Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, making the cathedral a quintessential representation of the diversity of Marseille.

#4 – Street Art in Le Panier

Street Art in Le Panier Marseille France

You can end your first day in Marseille by walking up the hill behind the cathedral and venturing into Le Panier (“The Basket”), the oldest and most historic district in Marseille. The tourist information office calls this neighborhood a living museum, and once you’re lost in its narrow cobblestone streets you’ll understand why!

The heart of Le Panier is La Vieille Charité, an 18th-century social housing project that is now a museum and cultural center. It hosts the Museum of Archeology, a Museum of Contemporary Art, temporary exhibits and research facilities. Across the street, the pedestrian plaza is bustling with bars and restaurants serving seafood, chickpea fritters and rosé wine.

Le Panier is known as a quirky, artsy district, and this is best reflected in its street art. The best way to learn about the art and artists in Le Panier is through a self-guided audio walking tour that you can do right from your own smartphone. Following a guided tour means you won’t miss any of the most jaw-dropping works (like the adorable octopus shown above!).

If You Have Two Days in Marseille…

Two days in Marseille is the perfect amount of time to finish seeing all of the main tourist attractions in the city. By staying overnight you have the chance to see the waterfront lit at night, and to get up early enough to witness authentic city life, before the cruise ships and day trippers arrive.

#5 – Breakfast in the Noailles Market

Marseille is a culturally and ethnically diverse city, and once of the best places to see this intermingling of cultures is at the Marché de Noailles, or Noailles Market, just a few blocks away from the Old Port area. Sometimes called the Marché des Capucins, this area consists of both storefronts and street vendors selling everything from fruits and vegetables to clothing to spices to household items.

Many of the vendors here are from North Africa, as Marseille is home to about 150,000 immigrants from that region. The restaurants and cafes here serve sweet and savory dishes from North Africa, which is best enjoyed with a glass of sweet mint tea.

#6 – The Public Ferry Across the Old Port

Ferry Across the Old Port in Marseille, France

After breakfast, return to the waterfront and walk halfway along the south side of the Vieux Port to find one of my favorite things to do in Marseille: the harbour ferry!

This little boat is part of Marseille’s public transportation network, so you don’t have to pay for the trip if you already have a daily, weekly or monthly transit pass. Otherwise, it costs €0.50 (yes, just fifty cents!) to cross the Old Port from Place aux Huiles to La Mairie.

The ferry runs every day (except May 1st), weather permitting, at ten-minute intervals. The first sailing is around 7:30 am and the last is about 8:30 pm. The route is served by two boats. The classic ferry has been in operation since 1952, while the newer solar-powered boat (shown in my photo) began service in 2010.

#7 & #8 – MUCEM (The Museum of Civilizations of Europe & the Mediterranean) and Fort St.-Jean

Although these two Marseille attractions are on opposite sides of the water, they’re connected by an exciting suspended footbridge, as you can see above!

If you’re walking over from the ferry terminal in the Old Port, you’ll first arrive at Fort Saint-Jean. This 17th-century fortification was built by Louis XIV to protect the city and appease the locals, who he believed were desperate for a fancy fortress.

It’s free to enter Fort St.-Jean and to explore its outdoor areas including the walkways, the rooftop gardens and various panoramic viewing points.

From here, you can cross the pedestrian bridge to MUCEM, or the Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean. In high season you’ll want to book your skip-the-line tickets in advance , as this museum can get very busy.

Inside the modern “J4” building you’ll find exhibits about the cultures of the Mediterranean region – don’t be afraid to use the free map or ask a staff member for assistance, as the labyrinthine design of the building makes it easy to miss some of the coolest displays if you’re not careful!

#9 – The Marseille Touristic Train

Things to Do in Marseille - Touristic Train Touristique

Don’t laugh! I’m serious!

Don’t believe Google Maps when it tells you that you can walk up to Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, Marseille’s famous hilltop church, in twenty minutes. This is a steep uphill walk that will take more like an hour, if you’re in good shape!

Instead of huffing and puffing your way up the hill, I recommend returning to the Old Port area and hopping on board Route #1 of Marseille’s Little Tourist Train. A return ticket costs €9 for adults and €5 for children, and I think it’s money well-spent.

Route #1 of the tourist train takes you along the port to the seaside road called Corniche Kennedy, which has amazing views of the Mediterranean. You’ll also pass Napoleon’s Palais du Pharo and the fortified Saint-Victor Abbey before choo-chooing up the hill to the church.

Note that once you reach the church, you must get off the train for at least thirty minutes. This gives you time to see the church, and allows those who have already visited to return to the city center. Don’t lose your ticket for the return trip!

#10 – Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Church

The symbol of Marseille is Notre Dame de la Garde, referred to lovingly as “la Bonne Mere” (“The Good Mother”). There has been a church here for more than 800 years, and for centuries it has been a popular pilgrimage site.

If you imagine France in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, you can understand the importance of this location, with its 360 ° views of the city and the sea. There was no better spot for God, or the French military, to watch over the city and protect the citizens from any incoming threats.

The basilica that you can visit (for free!) today dates back to the 1850s, when it was expanded to accommodate the large number of pilgrims who flocked to the hill. The Roman-Byzantine design features red and white marble, and sparkling gold mosaics. And that statue of the Virgin Mary on top? It weighs almost ten tonnes!

⭐ You can also reach the basilica on the red route of Marseille’s hop-on, hop-off bus ! ⭐

#11 – Dinner and Drinks on Cours Julien

Restaurants on Cours Julien in Marseille, France

You have to walk up a steep (but short!) hill to reach Cours Julien, but it’s worth it! This is Marseille’s trendiest street, and it’s where you’ll find many of the city’s most innovative culinary experiences.

If you arrive a bit before dinner you’ll have enough time to check out the street art, browse through some vintage clothing shops and watch the locals playing boules with a view at the Boulodrome Carli.

For dinner, wander over to place de Notre Dame du Mont. The best restaurants here will post their daily menu on a chalkboard outside. Many of the dishes will be inspired by the local, seasonal produce that is available at the nearby street market. I had an amazing dinner at a restaurant called Matza, and also had a delicious vegan meal at the nearby plant-based restaurant called Mariposas .

In the summer, restaurants here are full every night, so make sure to reserve a table in advance if there’s somewhere you particularly want to eat.

If You Have 3+ Days in Marseille…

With three days in Marseille (or more!) you have time to visit some of the attractions that are further from the center, or to take some day trips from Marseille to the surrounding areas. Personally, I was in Marseille for eight days, and these are some of the things to do that I recommend for anyone who has a bit more time.

#12 – Cité Radieuse Architectural Monument by Le Corbusier

Le Corbusier Designed Cité Radieuse in Marseille France

This was actually my favorite thing to do in Marseille!

La Cité Radieuse is a residential apartment building and community space that was designed by architecture Le Corbusier in the 1940s. It was immediately recognized for its architectural significance, as it heralded the triumph of Brutalism and changed the way people thought about community living spaces.

Today, people still live in La Cité Radieuse (the spacious, sunny apartments typically sell for at least half a million euros), and now that it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site they have opened several parts of the building to the public. You’ll need to sign in at the reception desk in the lobby, and the security guard will explain which floors of the building are open to the public.

Make sure to visit the floor with boutiques, art galleries and cafe, and also make sure to head to the rooftop for beautiful views of the city. Please don’t trespass – besides the fact that it’s rude, I also saw a family get kicked out for walking right past the “Do Not Enter” signs into the residents’ private pool area! (If you ask me, they got off lightly!)

#13 – Palais Longhamp & Its Museums

One of the most iconic landmarks in Marseille is something that most tourists never even see: Palais Longchamp. This monument has three parts: a central fountain and garden, and two wings housing two of the city’s most important museums. On the east side, you’ll find the Museum of Decorative Arts. On the west side, you’ll find Marseille’s Natural History Museum. Admission to the permanent exhibits in both museums is completely free, making this one of the best things to do in Marseille for families.

The easiest way to reach the Palais Longchamp is by tram, as it’s only five stops from the city center. Before you leave, make sure to visit the gardens behind the monument, as they are officially recognized as being among the most beautiful in the country.

#14 – Day Trip to Les Calanques

Les Calanques Day Trip from Marseille France

Many people come to Marseille with one goal in mind: to visit the Calanques National Park. A calanque is a narrow inlet bordered by steep limestone walls that can only be found along the Mediterranean Coast. In Calanques National Park, there are 26 of these beautiful, protected inlets.

The easiest way to visit the calanques is with a guided tour, since they are often far from the road, down long and steep hiking trails. You don’t want to risk getting lost, or running out of water. Two tours that I would recommend include:

⛵ Eco Boat Cruise to Calanques National Park – This small-group tour sets sail from Marseille’s Old Port, taking in the city’s highlights from the water, and then travels down the coast to one or more of the calanques (your exact stops will depend on weather conditions and boat traffic levels). You’ll have lots of time for swimming, and a lunch (with rosé wine!) is served on board.
🚴🏻‍♀️ Full-Day Electric Bike Trip from Marseille to the Calanques – To be honest, I’m not a huge cyclist, but I do love a leisurely electric bike tour! This tour includes 35 kilometers of cycling on electric bicycles with pedal assist. You’ll visit some of the most important tourist attractions in the city, a small fishing village and several beaches (including one swimming stop).

If you’re thinking of doing any adventuring in Calanques National independently, make sure to download the official Mes Calaques app several days before your planned visit. Available in English and French, this app provides updated information about trail closures (common in the summer heat, as a precaution against forest fires), traffic, parking, safety and recommended hiking routes. Typically, closures and other important notices are posted to the app around 6:00 pm for the following day.

#15 – Day Trip to Cassis

Cassis Port on a Day Trip from Marseille

One of the most popular things to do in Marseille is to take a day trip to Cassis, a nearby town that is exactly what most visitors think of when they imagine the French Riviera. A small harbor welcomes sailboats, colorful cafes and restaurants look out over the water, and the beach is packed with sunbathers and swimmers enjoying the clean, refreshing water.

Cassis is about an hour from Marseille by bus, or forty minutes by car. While there is a train station in Cassis, it’s on the outskirts of town and it’s a forty-five minute walk from the city center (not ideal!).

Cassis is a convenient launch point for trips to Calanques National Park. The town operates an inexpensive public boat tour service , with large boats leaving about every thirty minutes all summer (there may be a short pause for lunch). Tours run for just under one hour, and while there isn’t time for swimming you’ll get a good look at several of the most famous calanques (including one that was voted the most beautiful beach in the world!).

If you want to swim in the calanques, the Tourist Information office near the port in Cassis can help you organize a private boat charter, or find a spot on a longer organized tour with swimming stops.

Other things to do in Cassis include strolling around the port, shopping at the street market and the local boutiques (I bought home a bottle of perfume from the niche perfumery L’Eau de Cassis) and popping into the municipal museum. If you’re more adventurous, there are lots of nearby hiking routes (use the Mes Calanques app noted above), kayak rentals and even scuba diving shops.

#16 – Day Trip to the Frioul Islands

Frioul Islands Day Trip from Marseille France

The Frioul Islands are located four kilometers off the coast of Marseille. This archipelago is a great day trip from Marseille, both for beach lovers and for lovers of literature!

The main island that attracts visitors is Ratonneau, which is shown above. This island is about 2.5 kilometers long and 500 meters wide, and is famous for its pretty Saint-Estève Beach. The water at Saint-Estève is clean, clear and calm, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

In the summer, this beach is well-equipped with lifeguards, a restaurant, showers and toilets. You can walk there from the port in about thirty minutes, but it’s somewhat hilly and there’s no shade en route, so I’d recommend using the seasonal tourist “train”, which costs €5 for a return trip (don’t lost your return ticket!).

If you’re more into books than beaches, you’ll want to include a stop on the neighboring island that is home to the Château d’If. The fortified castle here was converted into a prison in 1540. Three hundred years later, the prison became famous in Alexander Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo , when the novel’s protagonist stages an elaborate escape. It costs €6 to visit the island, and you’ll need to stay with your guided tour group (tour times are scheduled to align with boat arrivals).

Access to the Frioul Islands is via ferry, which is part of Marseille’s public transit system. You must buy your tickets in advance if you’re traveling in the high season, as boats sell out every day in the summer. Buy your tickets online from the official site here .

#17 – Other Day Trips From Marseille

The Best Things to Do in Avignon, France

Marseille’s busy Saint Charles train station makes for easy day trips to other destinations in Provence and along the Côte d’Azur.

The easiest day trip from Marseille by train is definitely to nearby Aix-en-Provence , which can be reached in as a little as twelve minutes on a high-speed train. The elegant historic center of Aix is an easy walk from the train station, and if you can time your trip to land on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday, you’ll be able to see one of the most famous street markets in Provence.

Just past Aix-en-Provence you’ll find Avignon. Be careful when choosing a train from Marseille to Avignon, as the city’s high-speed train station is far from the city center. Book one of the slower trains that stops at the Avignon Centre, and you’ll be within easy walking distance of many of the best things to do in Avignon , like the Pope’s Palace and the pont d’Avignon .

There are other organized day trips from Marseille, some of which are designed specifically for cruise ship passengers while others are for tourists staying in the city for a few days. A few you might want to check out include:

🍷 Full-Day Wine Tour of the Luberon – Did you even come to France if you didn’t do a proper wine tasting? This small-group tour led by an expert guide takes you to three vineyards in the Luberon Valley. At each stop you’ll be able to sample up to six different wines and learn about what makes them unique. For lunch, you’ll have free time to explore the village of Lourmarin, where pretty cafes and restaurants spill out onto the cobblestone sidewalks.
🛍️ Villages and Markets of the Luberon – Provence is famous for its markets, and this tour will take you to the best market depending on the day of your departure. You could visit Gordes, Rousillon, Apt or L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, where your guide will showcase the region’s best products and artisanal products. On the drive back you’ll stop at the Fontaine de Vaucluse, a natural spring, and see the resurgence of the Sorgue river.
❤️ Tour the Villages of Sault, Roussillon and Gordes – This highly-rated tour only operates during lavender season. Your air-conditioned van will travel to Sault, the capital of the lavender industry, then continue to Roussillon (a terracotta-colored village colored by the local ochre) and Gordes (officially one of the most beautiful villages in France!).
🌾 Full-Day Tour of the Lavender Fields in Valensole – Another tour that operates exclusively in lavender season, this excursion takes you to the Valensole Plateau, France’s primary lavender-growing region, with ample stops for photos at the various lavender fields. On the way back you’ll stop at Moustiers Sainte Marie, a French village famous for its ornate ceramics.

I spent an entire summer exploring the South of France. Click here to read all of my guides to the region (plus a few tips for Paris and cities further north too!).

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Official website of the Tourist Office of Marseille
Find hotels in Marseille, monuments, and all the practical information. Marseille Tourism. Sustainable Marseille, a committed and multi-faceted city. Easter holidays in Marseille. Blog Banner For Website Content ... Marseille Tourist Office, Leisure and Convention Bureau 11 La Canebière - CS 60340 13211 Marseille cedex 01.
15 of the best things to do in Marseille
3. Sail to Château d'If. No exploration of the seething Vieux Port - Marseille's hectic heart and soul - is complete without a short boat trip to the photogenic island fortress of Château d'If, immortalized in Alexandre Dumas' 1844 classic novel The Count of Monte Cristo.
17 things to know before you go to Marseille
The blockbuster sights around the Vieux Port - MuCEM and Fort St-Jean, Basilique Notre Dame de Garde, Le Panier - are a Marseille rite of passage. But be sure to explore beyond the city's mainstream tourist beat: as any local will proudly tell you, Marseille is a city of 111 villages.
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Purchase our award-winning guidebooks. Get to the heart of Marseille with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance. Shop Our Guidebooks. Explore Marseille holidays and discover the best time and places to visit.
Tourism in Marseille
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 ...
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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
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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 ...
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The tourism board recommends a number of operators, including Croisieres Marseille Calanques and Levantin. These boat tours range in price: For instance, a brunch tour with Levantin costs 69 euros ...
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Visit the Chateau d'If, an Old Fortress and Prison. TripSavvy / Paula Galindo Valle. View Map. Address. Château d'If, 13007 Marseille, France. 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.
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11. Musée Cantini. Where to Stay in Marseille for Sightseeing. Tips and Tours: How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Marseille. 1. Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. Perched on a hilltop above the harbor, this spectacular church is the most important landmark in Marseille.
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Most tourists leave Marseille off their itinerary — it doesn't fit their idea of the French Riviera or of Provence (and they're right). France's oldest and second-biggest city (and a leading European port) is an untouristy, semiseedy-but-vibrant city with a history that goes back to ancient Greek times — and challenges you to find its charm. It's a world apart from France's other leading ...
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The Marseille tourist information centre (Office du Tourisme et des Congrès) is located in this part of the city, being sited at the end of the city's Canebière thoroughfare. This information outlet provides plenty of top tourism advice and useful maps of the main districts, including Le Paniere and the Vieux Port. ...
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Visit the basilica either by walking up the hill or using the small train that runs daily from the old harbor. 8. Palais Longchamp. Palais Longchamp is one of the things to do in Marseille! In the 19th century, an 85-kilometer-long canal had to be created in order to bring drinking water to everybody.
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Marseille Saint Charles. The Marseilles city pass : The Marseilles City Pass provides free entry to museums, a boat trip to the Chateau d'If, a trip on the little tourist train, free use of Marseille city transport (bus and metro) and discounts on other attractions. It can be purchased online from the Tourist office for 1, 2 or 3 days.
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One of the newest and most interesting things to do in Marseille is just a short walk around the water's edge from the Old Port. Cosquer Méditerranée is an interactive museum that opened its doors in 2022. The actual Cosquer Cave was discovered in 1985 by an adventurous scuba diver. Located 37 meters below sea level, the cave is full of ...
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