Travel Guide of Marseille in France by Influencers and Travelers

Marseille is the prefecture of the department of Bouches-du-Rhône and region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur in France. It is located on the Mediterranean coast near the mouth of the Rhône.

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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Marseille

TRAVELERS TOP 10 :

1 - Old Port of Marseille

The Old Port of Marseille is at the end of the Canebière, the major street of Marseille. It has been the natural harbour of the city since antiquity and is now the main popular place in Marseille. It became mainly pedestrian in 2013.

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2 - Massif des Calanques

   10 km away

The Massif des Calanques is a wild and rugged terrain stretching from the ninth arrondissement of Marseille to the east towards Cassis, spanning 20 km in length and 4 km in width along the coast. Its highest peak is Mont Puget at 565m. The area has been protected by a national park since 2012.

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3 - Boat Tours in Marseille

Embark on a 1-hour cruise on the Mediterranean in the Vieux-Port of Marseille and visit the wonders of this exceptional city in the south of France from the sea. Enjoy a boat tour through the heart of the city on board a modern, comfortable boat for ...

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4 - Canebière

La Canebière is the historic high street in the old quarter of Marseille, France.

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5 - Palais Longchamp

The Palais Longchamp is a monument in the 4th arrondissement of Marseille, France. It houses the Musée des beaux-arts and Muséum d'histoire naturelle de Marseille.

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6 - Mountain bike in Cassis

   15 km away

Explore the Calanques National Park via different electric bike rides and enjoy breathtaking panoramas! Between Marseille and La Ciotat, the Calanques National Park is a natural area both on land and in the sea, and a visit to it is a must during a s...

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7 - Orange Vélodrome

The Stade Vélodrome, known as the Orange Vélodrome for sponsorship reasons, is a multi-purpose stadium in Marseille, France. It is home to the Olympique de Marseille football club of Ligue 1 since it opened in 1937, and was a venue in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, the 2007 Rugby World Cup and the UEFA Euro 2016.

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8 - Plages du Prado

Plages du Prado is the generic name for the beaches in the south neighborhood of Marseille, France. The seaside park is an artificial coastal development created in the late 1970s by Gaston Defferre.

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9 - Rock climbing in Calanques

   20 km away

Have you sampled climbing and feel that you need to test your limits at the next level? Are you looking for an experienced instructor with years of experience? Then this activity may just be what you're looking for! This course is...

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10 - Fort Saint-Jean

Fort Saint-Jean is a fortification in Marseille, built in 1660 by Louis XIV at the entrance to the Old Port. Since 2013 it has been linked by two foot-bridges to the historical district Le Panier and to the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations; the latter being the first French national museum to be located outside Paris.

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11 - Frioul archipelago

   6 km away

The Frioul archipelago is a group of four islands located off the Mediterranean coast of France, approximately 4 kilometres from Marseille. The islands of the archipelago cover a total land area of approximately 200 hectares. According to the 2015 census, the population was 146. The islands of Pomègues and Ratonneau are connected by a mole built in 1822.

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12 - Scooter in Calanques

   9 km away

Discover the Calanques National Park of Marseille and the Mediterranean massifs on an all-terrain electric scooter tour! During this guided electric scooter ride, you will overlook the famous Calanques National Park of Marseille for superb panoramic ...

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13 - Vieux Port

Vieux-Port is a commune in the Eure department and Normandy region of France.

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14 - Parc national des Calanques

   10 km away
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15 - Sea Kayaking in Marseille

Go on an adventure in a sea kayak for a day and experience moments rich in sensations along the coasts of Marseille, on the Côte Bleue or the Riou archipelago! The coastline of Marseille is known for its beauty and richness of nature. With its ...

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16 - Calanque de Sugiton

   12 km away

The Calanque de Sugiton is one of the numerous Calanques located between Marseille and Cassis, France. While quite small, Sugiton is perhaps the most known of all Marseille Calanques, simply because it can be easily accessed by hikers, starting from Luminy University Campus, and because it is open to tourists even during hot season, unlike most Calanques.

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17 - Calanque de Morgiou

   12 km away

The Calanque de Morgiou is one of the biggest calanques located between Marseille and Cassis. Formerly a fishing port, it is famous for the gigantic tuna fishing organized there in 1622, when the king Louis XIII paid a visit to Marseille.

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18 - Monaco

   15 km away
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19 - Calanque d'En-Vau

   15 km away
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20 - Cassis

   16 km away

Cassis is a commune situated east of Marseille in the department of Bouches-du-Rhône in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, whose coastline is known in English as the French Riviera, in Southern France. In 2016, it had a population of 7,265.

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21 - Cassis Harbor

   16 km away
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22 - Route des Crêtes

   18 km away
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23 - Vitrolles

   20 km away

Vitrolles is a commune in the Bouches-du-Rhône département in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southern France, located about 20.6 km from Marseille. It is the largest suburb of the city of Aix-en-Provence and is adjacent to its southwest side.

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24 - La Ciotat

   24 km away

La Ciotat is a commune in the Bouches-du-Rhône department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southern France. It is part of the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis.

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25 - Cours Mirabeau

   26 km away

The Cours Mirabeau is a wide thoroughfare in Aix-en-Provence, France.

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Pictures and Stories of Marseille from Influencers

20 pictures of Marseille from Matthieu Da Cruz, John-henry Canault, Ewan Harvey and other travelers

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Why should you visit Marseille ?

Travel to Marseille if you like:

  🏖️ Ocean     🗼 Landmark     🏖️ Coast     🏞️ National park     🚢 Dock     🏘️ Town  

How to visit Marseille ?

To get to Marseille, you can fly into Marseille-Provence Airport and take a shuttle bus or train to the city center. Alternatively, you can reach the city via high-speed TGV trains from Paris or other major cities in France and Europe. Marseille's public transportation system, including buses, trams, and metro, makes it easy to get around and explore different areas of the city.

Before your trip, book a few things in advance to ensure a smooth experience. If you plan to visit the iconic Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, consider booking a guided tour to gain in-depth knowledge about the site. Also, check the schedules and reserve tickets for any shows or performances at the Marseille Opera House or other cultural venues.

The costs in Marseille vary depending on your preferences. Budget travelers can enjoy affordable accommodations and meals, while those seeking a more luxurious experience can indulge in upscale hotels and fine dining. A daily budget of €50-60 per person should cover basic expenses, but plan for more if you wish to enjoy higher-end experiences.

Some of the best things to do in Marseille include strolling through the colorful Le Panier neighborhood, taking a boat trip to the Calanques National Park, and visiting the MuCEM, a museum dedicated to Mediterranean culture. Don't forget to stop by the bustling Vieux Port, where you can watch fishermen bringing in their daily catch and admire the view of the harbor.

For a taste of Marseille's culinary scene, head to Chez Fonfon, a famous seafood restaurant serving the city's signature dish, bouillabaisse. For a more casual option, try Le P'tit Bout, a cozy bistro offering delicious Provençal cuisine. If you crave Middle Eastern flavors, visit Saf Saf, a popular spot for tasty Tunisian dishes.

When it comes to accommodation, you can choose from a range of options. For a luxury stay, book a room at the InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu, a historic property with exceptional service and views. Budget-conscious travelers can opt for the modern and comfortable Alex Hotel & Spa or the charming Mama Shelter.

Off the beaten path: For an unusual travel experience, visit the Frioul archipelago, a group of four islands located just off the coast of Marseille. You can reach the islands via a short boat ride from the Vieux Port. Explore the rich history and nature of the islands, with highlights such as the Château d'If, a former prison featured in Alexandre Dumas' novel "The Count of Monte Cristo," and the unique flora and fauna that call the islands home.

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Marseille offers a unique landscape.

With its basilica Notre Dame de La Garde, its Mediterranean sea, and its port,

Famous for its creeks, the second most populated city in France has an impressive historical heritage:

• The cobbled Panier district, the "bonne mère", the château d'If, the abbey of Saint-Victor, the fort Saint-Jean...

The oldest city in France (about -600 BC) also knows how to be festive with the Panier district and the Cours Julien, and how to be relaxed with the Prado beach.
There are cities whose name is enough to warm the hearts. It must be said that the sun of Marseille is not a legend. Neither is its soccer club, its pastis, or its bouillabaisse.

But besides these clichés full of good humor, the city of Marseille has much more to offer. And it is no longer the preserve of business tourism.

The megalopolis was chosen as the European Capital of Culture in 2013

The host city for the Euro in 2016. To celebrate these events with dignity, Marseille has made a new skin and new streets

In addition to its new features, Marseille can count on its long-standing allies. An old port that's as cute as can be, the Panier district where it's good to stroll, crowded café terraces, beautiful creeks, nearby beaches, or a vibrant nightlife in a trendy district...
It's a safe bet that the years to come will be Marseilles' ones. And that the city will proudly show itself off to the whole of France after having been turned towards the sea for years.

Marseille: what to do?

• Climb by car, by train, by scooter, or on foot the hill that hosts Notre Dame de la Garde at its summit.

In addition to the 360° view of the city, you can admire the heart and the choir of the Good Mother.

• Get lost in the maze of narrow streets of the charming Panier district.
• Try the bars, cafes, and restaurants of the trendy Cour Julien district.
• Stroll around the Old Port, keeping in mind that the place is ultra-touristy and that prices are therefore higher than in other areas.
• Visit the famous Velodrome stadium, soccer fan or not. Because here soccer is more than a sport, the inhabitants of Marseille are devoted to the game.
• If the view on the small port of the Vallon des Auffes is already magnificent from the Corniche, we advise you to go down the steps to admire it more closely.

More known for its creeks than for its works of art, the city offers a great cultural offer thanks to the numerous museums that populate its streets.
Don't miss the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations, the first national museum to open its doors outside the capital.

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Marseille

Why visit Marseille?

Marseille, the generous capital of southern Europe, immediately immerses you in a Provençal bath, where the accent is singing and the folklore popular.

A sunny city, its evocation transports you directly into the films of Pagnol. The Phocaean city can be visited for its Old Port, its renewed districts of the Panier and the Docks, its bouillabaisse, and its Pastis. Named European Capital of Culture in 2013, Marseille intends to show another face than that of its agitated suburbs. Its luminous cornice in front of the deep blue Mediterranean, its wild creeks, or the Pharo gardens are a must.
A little further, the Frioul Islands with the Château d'If complete a wonderful escapade in the land of the Good Mother

Marseille : what to bring back?

• A large (or small) block of real Marseille soap.
• One (or more) bottle of pastis.
• An Olympique de Marseille jersey

Marseille : what to eat?

Don't leave without tasting the navettes, a boat-shaped cookie.

The pastry shops are full of various cakes from neighboring cities, such as calissons (almond paste) from Aix en Provence.
In addition to the famous bouillabaisse (which we advise you not to eat just anywhere), Marseille is the pizza specialist!

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Discover more travel spots to explore around Marseille

  🏘️ Town spots     🗼 Landmark spots     🌊‍ Ocean spots     🏖️ Bay spots     ⛰️ Mountain range spots     ⛰️ Cliff spots     🏖️ Coast spots     🏖️ Shore spots     🚢 Dock spots     Panorama spots     Adventure spots     🐾 Wildlife spots     Air sports spots     🏖️ Beach spots     Ferris wheel spots     ⛰️ Hill station spots     🏰 Historic site spots     🏞️ National park spots     🏨 Resort spots     🏊 Swimming pool spots     🏰 Temple spots  

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