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Tourist map: discover the places to see in marseille.

You are planning to visit Marseille and its region, but you don't know where to go first? All you have to do is follow us!

We were all once lost in an unknown city, questioning with fear and clumsiness the first friendly soul who crossed our way. Don't waste any more time with approximate or totally false explanations found in old Marseille plans! Don't try to decode our beautiful and sometimes overly melodious accent either! Marseille Tourisme is here to help you and has considered everything!

We have selected the best places to walk around  during your holidays or weekend in Marseille! Do you want to go with friends or family for a cheap holiday? We advise you on activities in Marseille without breaking your budget.

If you are wondering what to do in Marseille, you are definitely in the right place. We have designed an online Marseille map, updated regularly with the essentials.

You can explore the city to discover the monuments of Marseille or find a beach where you can put your towel down and enjoy our climate so favorable for swimming. Are you rather athletic? Why not go hiking in the calanques? You will be amazed by the beauty of the landscapes and the richness of the Mediterranean fauna and flora ;-)

As you will have understood, Marseille Tourisme offers a selection of places adapted to all your wishes: visits, gardens, creeks, beaches, Provençal villages around....

So don't wait any longer and find in one click all the maps to discover Marseille and its surroundings!

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Map of Marseille — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info

What’s on this map.

We’ve made the ultimate tourist map of Marseille, France for travelers! Check out Marseille’s top things to do, attractions, restaurants, and major transportation hubs all in one interactive map.

Visiting Marseille? See our Marseille Trip Planner.

How to use the map

Use this interactive map to plan your trip before and while in Marseille. Learn about each place by clicking it on the map or read more in the article below. Here’s more ways to perfect your trip using our Marseille map:

• Explore the best restaurants, shopping, and things to do in Marseille by categories
• Get directions in Google Maps to each place
• Export all places to save to your Google Maps
• Plan your travels by turning on metro and bus lines
• Create a Wanderlog trip plan (link to create a trip plan for the city) that keep all the places on the map in your phone
• Print a physical map to bring it on your trip

Top 20 attractions in Marseille

Basilica of notre-dame of la garde, marseille history museum.

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Old Charity Center

Cathédrale basilique sainte-marie-majeure, dit « la major », mucem - museum of civilizations of europe and the mediterranean.

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Parc national des Calanques

Abbaye saint-victor, unité d'habitation, palais longchamp, château d'if, old port of marseille, randonnées théâtrales marcel pagnol, calanque de morgiou, vallon des auffes, frioul archipelago.

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Palais du Pharo

Calanque de sormiou, hôtel la residence du vieux port, orange vélodrome, top 10 restaurants in marseille, le petit nice passedat.

Les Quatre Epices

L'Épuisette

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• A7 – Autoroute du Soleil
• A50 – Autoroute Est-Ouest
• A55 – Autoroute du Littoral
• A51 – Autoroute de la Vallee du Rhone
• N113 – Route de l'Estaque
• N368 – Route des Trois Lucs
• D5 – Route des Calanques
• D559 – Route de la Corniche
• D559a – Route du Rove
• D2 – Route de Cassis

Top searches in Marseille

Popular road trips from marseille, what's the weather like in marseille.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Marseille for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

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Explore nearby places

• Plan De Cuques
• Septemes-les-Vallons
• La Penne-sur-Huveaune
• Plan de Campagne
• Les-Pennes-Mirabeau
• Ensues-la-Redonne
• Carnoux-en-Provence
• Saint-Victoret
• Bouc-Bel-Air
• Carry-le-Rouet
• Chateauneuf-les-Martigues
• La-Bouilladisse
• Berre l'Etang

All related maps of Marseille

• Map of Plan De Cuques
• Map of Allauch
• Map of Septemes-les-Vallons
• Map of La Penne-sur-Huveaune
• Map of Le Rove
• Map of Plan de Campagne
• Map of Les-Pennes-Mirabeau
• Map of Ensues-la-Redonne
• Map of Aubagne
• Map of Cabries
• Map of Carnoux-en-Provence
• Map of Cassis
• Map of Mimet
• Map of Saint-Victoret
• Map of Bouc-Bel-Air
• Map of Carry-le-Rouet
• Map of Marignane
• Map of Chateauneuf-les-Martigues
• Map of Gardanne
• Map of Peypin
• Map of Vitrolles
• Map of Roquevaire
• Map of Greasque
• Map of La-Bouilladisse
• Map of Les Milles
• Map of Fuveau
• Map of Meyreuil
• Map of La Ciotat
• Map of Rognac
• Map of Berre l'Etang

Marseille throughout the year

• Marseille in January
• Marseille in February
• Marseille in March
• Marseille in April
• Marseille in May
• Marseille in June
• Marseille in July
• Marseille in August
• Marseille in September
• Marseille in October
• Marseille in November
• Marseille in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Marseille?

Get inspired for your trip to Marseille with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Marseille Itinerary
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• 4-Day Marseille Itinerary
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Marseille Tourist Attractions Map PDF

Printable Map of Marseille Attractions, Walking Tours Map

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Marseille Tourist Attractions Maps | City Tours Map

The vibrant city of Marseille was declared a European Capital of Culture in 2013. Therefore, you can expect to find plenty of remarkable sights in the city especially in terms of culture. Marseille is also known for its enchanting historical sights. And while you’re here, make sure you indulge in the mouthwatering local delicacies.

Thankfully, exploring Marseille is pretty easy. You have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to the public transportation. There’s an option to take the tram, bus, or the underground train. We have a copy of the Marseille Transport Map to help you on this. The best mode of transportation is the underground railway lines. And to help you with using the train, we have a copy of the Marseille Metro Map that you can check out.

As mentioned, Marseille is home to several remarkable historical and cultural sights. Some of the most famous sights to visit are the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, Le Vieux Port, Chateau Borely Museum of Decorative Arts and Fashion, Museum of the Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean, and the Le Palais Long champ Museums of Fine Arts and Natural History. If you want to know how to visit these sights, check out our Marseille Tourist Sightseeing Map.

Thankfully, Marseille is a city that you can easily explore on foot. So if you’re someone who is fond of walking, go grab our copy of the Marseille Walking Tour Maps. It will provide you with details on how to get from one place to another. But if walking is not for you, then take advantage of the open bus tours in Marseille. Refer to our Marseille Hop on Hop Off Bus map to find out more information about these bus tours.

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Marseille Map: The Attractions

Notre-Dame de la Garde

Marseille Cathedral

Old Port of Marseille

Porte d'Aix

Abbey of St. Victor

Longchamp Palace

Chateau d’If

Le Panier Quarter

Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean

Pharo Palace

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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

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Head to the Beaches

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

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

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

Taste the City's Best Bouillabaisse

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take in the Splendor of Calanques National Park

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

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

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

Wander and Shop the Canebière District

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

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

Get a Taste of Local Culture at the Capucins Market

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

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

Bask in Mediterranean History at The MuCEM

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

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

Wander Old Marseille in the Panier District

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

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

Stroll or Drive La Corniche, Marseille's Coastal Road

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

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

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

Take a Train to Cézanne's Favorite City

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

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

Play a Game of Boules

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

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

Frolic at Borély Gardens & Château

 Courtesy of Chateau Borély 

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

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

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15 top things to do in Marseille for the best of the Provençal capital

Jan 13, 2024 • 10 min read

From touring contemporary museums to tasting the city's signature dish, here are the best things to do in Marseille © trabantos / Getty Images

With a pedigree rooted in classical Greece and a fair claim to the mantle of France 's second city, Marseille is an intense, high-octane place that never stops moving. In the last decade, this noisy, once-notoriously unglamorous port has morphed into a quietly cool influencer. With its eclectic choice of museums, churches and coastal parks in a sprawling metropolis famously stitched from 111 wildly diverse “villages,” Provence’s all-consuming capital deserves far more time than a quick weekend.

Rethink traditional sightseeing. The heartbeat of this ancient port on the Mediterranean in southern France is art de vivre à la Marseille . Bursting with on-trend cultural and culinary creativity, backdropped by history and anchored by seafaring tradition, local lifestyle is the real attraction – an exciting potpourri of old and new. Here are the best things to do in Marseille to really get under its salty, weathered, mistral-whipped skin.

1. Find the best spots to watch the setting sun

End sultry summer days with locals on the chase for le plus beau (most beautiful) sunset. It’s a stiff hike up to the city’s highest point, crowned by the opulent Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde , but the bird’s-eye views of the golden city at sunset are hard to beat. Nearby, the fashionable pavement terrace of Café de l’Abbaye ogles at the Vieux Port. Down by the water, snag a pew at portside La Caravelle for the reverse view.

For true sunset connoisseurs, Marseille’s rooftop bars – Rooftop Hôtel Hermes , R2 , or the sizzling new rooftop bar at uber-cool Tuba in Les Goudes, perhaps – are the best place to watch the sun sink into the Med.

Local tip:  A worthy out-of-town alternative: follow the crowd along the southbound corniche (coastal road) to the main beach strip Plages du Prado, or stop at a rocky inlet (reached by steps down) en route.

2. Savor Marseille flavors at an open-air market

There’s far more than fish and seafood in Marseille’s stockpot of culinary flavors. Eyeing up trays of ice and plastic crates displaying the catch of the day at the morning fish market on Quay des Belges is an intrinsic part of the Vieux Port experience. But to appreciate the port city’s full ethnic diversity, mooch the souq-esque labyrinth of open-air stalls at Marché des Capucins in the foodie neighborhood of Noailles.

Be it seasonal fruit and veg from Provence or papaya and pistachios from far-flung lands, Middle Eastern halvah (a syrupy sesame seed treat), or North African spices, this street market mirrors multicultural Marseille. Continue the flavorsome, world-food tour with lunch at one of the many ethnically diverse eateries on insanely hip  Cours Julien .

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 . The dark grizzly tales of various prisoners incarcerated in cells here are as compelling as the glorious views from the island of the Vieux Port, guarded by its own bewitching twinset of sturdy forts.

4. Dive into ancient Mediterranean civilization at MuCEM

Marseille’s ancient Mediterranean heritage comes to life inside its sharpest contemporary museum. For a unique perspective of top-drawer Musée des Civilisations d’Europe et de la Méditerranée , follow the footpath that helter-skelters between the glass wall of the cube-shaped building and its outer lace shell, designed in high-tech black concrete to echo the fishing nets cast around Marseille since inception. At night, the building is lit brilliantly blue. The museum’s vast and diverse collection is the key to understanding Marseille’s backstory.

Local tip: End in neighboring Fort St-Jean , in the peaceful Jardin des Migrations, where cultural diversity and migration in the region get a horticultural spin.

5. View prehistoric cave art at Cosquer Méditerranée 

From MuCEM, head next door to hi-tech Cosquer Méditerranée – the exciting new occupant of Villa Méditerranée, a contemporary white structure with a spectacular cantilever overhanging an ornamental pool. Opened in June 2022, the groundbreaking museum takes visitors into a replica of some of the world’s rarest Paleolithic art, engraved and painted by prehistoric people in a cave near Marseille. Firmly on dry land at the time, about 12km (7 miles) from the sea, Grotte Cosquer was later submerged by the rising ocean and remains buried and inaccessible at sea.

Armed with a multilingual headset, board a funfair-style exploratory vehicle to explore the dark replica cave and learn how and why this curious menagerie of prehistoric drawings came to be. End on the top floor with a fascinating exhibition on climate change dotted with a furry, life-size Megaloceros, chamois, penguin, steppe bison and cave lion. Species not extinct are taxidermied.

6. Lose yourself in Le Panier’s rabbit warren

The spot first settled by the ancient Greeks, gold-stone Le Panier or “The Basket” is named for its steep streets that smooch slowly uphill, where you'll find dusty sun-blazed squares, linen-strung back alleys and the occasional low-key cafe. Allow ample time to explore the art and archaeology museums inside La Vieille Charité , Le Panier’s original almshouse, designed by local architect Pierre Puget (1620–94), who went on to work for Louis XIV.

7. Experience bouillabaisse in every guise

Tracking down the “best” bouillabaisse in Marseille can inspire obsessive behavior among visiting epicureans. If your budget is bottomless, Michelin-starred  L’Épuisette and Le Rhul are flawless addresses to sample the old-timer fish stew that traditionally includes four different types of fish and is served as two distinct courses (fish soup as entrée or starter, fileted fish as main course).

Further south along the coast in fishing village Les Goudes in the 8e arrondissement, vintage Le Grand Bar des Goudes and quirky La Baie des Singes , out on an irresistibly scenic limb on Cap Croisette, adopt a more rustic, down-to-earth approach. If it’s wacky you want, hit the Intercontinental Marseille Hôtel Dieu for a deconstructed Bouille-A-Baisse milkshake.

Local tip: L’Aromat at the Vieux Port cooks up bouillabaisse burgers with panisses (chickpea fries), and street-food fave Pain à l’Ail serves pains bouillabaisses (fish sandwiches) to scoff on the hop.

8. Walk on the wild side in Les Calanques

Marseille’s great green escape is the Parc National des Calanques , an almost miraculous mashup of herbal-scented Mediterranean scrub, pine-strewn promontories, shimmering limestone cliffs and teeny clandestine coves cradling pocket-handkerchief beaches and sun-spangled jewel-blue water.

The best known ( Calanques de Morgiou , Sormiou and d’En Vau ) get hideously overrun with tourists (an online booking system is being trialed at Calanque de Sorgiton this summer to limit visitor numbers to 500 a day). Consider the 50-minute hike instead from the trailhead in Callelongue in the 8e arrondissement to Calanque de Marseilleveyre. Bring a picnic, ample water and your swimsuit.

Detour: An even better way to explore Les Calanques: paddle there with Raskas Kayak .

9. Shop in the Quartier des Créateurs

Explore the city’s bohemian heart with a shopping spree in Noailles’ creative backstreets. Boutiques specializing in vintage fashion – Sepia Swing Club for old-world glamor, Lilou Vintage for cool 1970s pieces, Marcel et Simone for 1940s to 1990s secondhand – are plentiful in the narrow and colorful, mural-tagged lanes around throbbing Cours Julien. Unsurprisingly, the area is nicknamed the “Creators Quartier.”

A couple of blocks west, curiosities fill France’s oldest hardware store,  Maison Empereur (where, should you fall completely head over heels, you can stay overnight). Buy herbal concoctions to treat any ailment under the sun at Marseille’s legendary Herboristerie du Père Blaize and world spices at Saladin Épices du Monde on La Canebière. Its house-made ras el hanout, combining 22 different spices, is unmatched.

Planning tip: End your Noailles shopping spree with a couscous lunch at treasured 1920s icon Le Fémina chez Kachetel ; an invigorating black-soap scrub and clove and clay massage at Hammam Rafik; and drinks, dinner and late-night dancing at Waaw .

10. Dance until dawn on an urban rooftop

Nightlife in France’s second-largest metropolis, with its small but friendly LGBTIQ+ scene and world-class electro and world music, seduces party lovers from all over the globe. In summer, the cutting-edge scene comes into its own when the dance party moves outside onto urban rooftops. April to October, catch top French and African artists and DJs spinning drill, trap, hip-hop, rap and rock in the open air at Le Baou de Marseille , R2 and the roof terrace at La Friche La Belle de Mai .

11. Eat pizza

Scoffing finger-licking, wood-fired pizza topped with anything and everything from seafaring squid ink and cuttlefish to Italianate tomato, rocket and parmesan cheese is as sacred in Marseille as its OM football team. The city purports to have put the world’s first pizza truck on the road in 1962, and there’s always a pizza truck parked up somewhere along the corniche (coastal road) near the Prado beaches. In town, join the hordes lining up to snag a table at veteran fave Chez Étienne  in Le Panier, La Bonne Mère near Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde, or L’eau à la Bouche towards the sea.

12. Spend time on the beach

Hitting the beach in Marseille is as much a window on local life as an opportunity to flop in the sun and dip in the sea. From the high-adrenalin sands and unique underwater sculptures of downtown Marseille’s closest beach and volleyball hub, Plage des Catalans, to the completely untouched coves of nature-rich Les Calanques, Marseille sports a beach with your name on it. Decide your mood (family fun, water sports, back to nature, lunch on the sand) and style (powder-soft sand, shingle, rocks with a vintage ladder into the water) and hit the beach accordingly.

13. Delve into the modern and contemporary art scene

Hunting bold and sassy ceramic mosaics of pixelated aliens, Pastis bottles, octopuses, all sorts – hidden up high on building facades or underneath stairs, and always placed in situ in the dead of night by French street artist Invader – is a brilliant means of exploring backstreet Marseille from a less-touristed perspective.

Alternatively, you can focus on the city’s wealth of art museums and galleries dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Get acquainted with Marseille-born sculptor César Baldaccini (1921–98), after whom the French equivalent of the Oscars are named, at the Musée d’Art Contemporain . Seasonal contemporary art exhibitions at MAMO – the experimental rooftop art gallery crowning La Cité Radieuse – are a golden opportunity to catch the latest art trend and explore Le Corbuiser’s visionary modernist architecture.

Local tip:  Kids particularly love hunting street art (and clocking up their finds on the smartphone Flash Invaders app ).

14. Have some downtime   in a city park

Marseille’s handsome choice of parks offer respite and green-fueled peace from the noisy, turbo-charged pace of the city. Several cradle romantic sea or city views and are a riveting window into local life backstage. Elegant Jardin du Pharo is the closest swathe of green to the center and is wildly popular with the after-work crowd, while weekends pack family-friendly Parc Borély to bursting. Jardin du Pierre Puget, on a hill above the Vieux Port, gets top billing for alfresco cocktails and creative, grassroots cuisine at garden bistro Sépia .

15. Meet Marseille’s new-gen chefs

Known for decades as rough-cut kitchen royalty of bouillabaisse and pizza, Marseille is turning heads with an exciting new generation of chefs. Reserve well in advance to score a spot at Alexandre Mazzia’s tiny Michelin triple-starred restaurant where world flavors – the chef was born in Congo – marry beautifully with those of the homegrown Med. For outstanding one-star market-driven cuisine by young female chef Coline Faulquier, bag a table at  Signature .

For a taste of Paris in Marseille dine out with the chefs who’ve left the French capital for life by the sea: masters of raw fish Sylvain Roucayrol and Paul-Henri Bayart, from Caché in Paris, oversee the sizzling shared-plates menu at gourmet beach club Tuba . A trio of women working in finance ditched their Parisian day jobs to open Maison des Nines , a funky table d’hôte (shared-table dining) and pop-up brunch venue in epicurean Noailles. The party never stops at fiesta-fueled Splendido , a Parisian import by the Big Mamma group.

This article was first published May 2022 and updated January 2024

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11 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Marseille

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

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

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

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

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

Address: Rue Fort du Sanctuaire, Marseille

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

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

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

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

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

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

Address: 3 Rue de l'Abbaye, Marseille

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Address: 2 Rue Henri-Barbusse, Marseille

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

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

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

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

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

Address: 2 Rue de la Charité, Marseille

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

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

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

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

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

Address: 10 Place de la Major, Marseille

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

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

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

Address: 19 Rue Grignan, Marseille

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

Luxury Hotels :

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

Mid-Range Hotels:

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

Budget Hotels:

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

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

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

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

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

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Home » Travel Guides » France » 15 Best Things to Do in Marseille (France)

15 Best Things to Do in Marseille (France)

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

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

Lets explore the best things to do in Marseille :

1. Old Port

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

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

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

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

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

2. Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

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

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

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

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

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

3. Calanques National Park

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

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

You can experience these rocky wonders by land or sea.

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

Of course, the scenery makes up for the exertion.

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

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

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

4. Musée d’Histoire de Marseille

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

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

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

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

5. La Corniche

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

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

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

6. Le Panier

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. La Plaine and Noailles

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

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

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

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

9. Stade Vélodrome

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

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

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

10. Boulevard Longchamp

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

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

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

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

11. Cité Radieuse

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

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

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

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

12. L’Estaque

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

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

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

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

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

13. Musée des Docks Romains

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

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

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

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

14. Beaches

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

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

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

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

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

15. Cuisine

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

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

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

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

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

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

15 Best Things to Do in Marseille (France):

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

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

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

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

Great idea!

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

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

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

Let’s find out!

1. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Guard

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book your Marseille Segway tour now below:

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

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

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

Le Panier is the highlight district of Marseille.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The MuCEM is actually divided into two parts:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Entry is free.

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

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

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

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

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

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

You’re going to Marseille?

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

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

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

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

And if you see a good offer, book it!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Corniche Kennedy is a long promenade along the seafront.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Frioul archipelago consists of four islands:

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

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

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

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

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

Book via the button below:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can book this activity via the green button below:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You now know where to go to taste them!

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

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

There are also several bars and restaurants. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Marseille information centre is also located on La Canebière.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Each district of Marseille has its own dedicated market:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to do around Marseille?

Now you know what to do in Marseille!

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

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

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

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

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

There are three types of trip :

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

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

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

Arles is about a one-hour drive from Marseille.

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

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

You can book by clicking the green button below:

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can book directly by clicking here. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Not to be missed in the region:

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

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

Another beautiful region to visit around Marseille: Camargue.

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

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

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

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

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

To enjoy a VIP experience, I therefore suggest you:

1) Book a private boat trip from Marseille

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

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

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

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

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

2) Rent a boat to discover the surroundings of Marseille

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do you have one day to visit Marseille ?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On the third day, you can choose to:

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

Or take a boat ride around the Frioul archipelago:

Book a day’s sailing here

Sunset boat ride + dinner

2) Stay in Marseille:

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

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

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

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

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

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

And even better, some of the tours are free!

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

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

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

Marseille has an international airport.

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

 You can also reach Marseille by bus or train.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FAQ – I answer your questions about Marseille

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

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

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

France travel Guides

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

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

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

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Marseille   Travel Guide

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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. 

Popular Tours

Marseille Shore Excursion: City Sightseeing Tour of Marseille

(154 reviews)

from $ 88.51

Aix-en-Provence, Cassis, Marseille - Private Tour From Marseille

(21 reviews)

from $ 1028.91

Marseille Shore Excursion - Private Full Day Wine Tour in Provence

(15 reviews)

from $ 414.88

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. 

Small Group Marseille Shore Excursion: Marseille and Aix-en-Provence

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Small Group Marseille Shore Excursion: Aix-en-Provence & Cassis

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Calanques Trilogy Electric Bike Tour from Marseille

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from $ 66.38

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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• Type: City with 855,000 residents
• Description: commune in Bouches-du-Rhône, the second largest city of France
• Postal codes: 13000, 13000, 13001 and 13001-13016
• Neighbors: Cassis

Notable Places in the Area

Museum of civilizations of europe and the mediterranean.

Notre-Dame de la Garde

Marseille-Saint-Charles station

Localities in the Area

3rd arrondissement of marseille.

5th arrondissement of Marseille

1st arrondissement of Marseille

• Categories: big city , port settlement , commune of France , college town and locality
• Location: Arrondissement of Marseille , Bouches-du-Rhône , Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur , France , Europe
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Marseille tourist map

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Marseille -France's oldest city

A short guide to marseille.

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 Marseille - city visitor and tourism information 

 Access to Old Marseilles

Main central marseilles tourist attractions.

Le Vieux Port - the old port

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

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

Tourist Map Marseille

France’s firstborn city, almost 2,500 years old. It has been the gateway to Europe. With its port, which is currently the third most important one, it has one of the liveliest environments in the French scene, with the best entertainment offer, beautiful crystal-clear beaches, a wide cultural variety and the modernity that this growing city has allowed to be a favorite destination in European tourism. The tour of this city is a real enjoyment of the exotic, along with the stately architecture, all the colorful mixture on the banks of the Mediterranean that Marseille tourist map brings in this article. Besides, a sunny walk along its docks is worth waiting for the night to soak up the nightlife there. It would also be an excellent opportunity to taste the marine gastronomy having as a standard its famous dish, the bouillabaisse.

• 1 Tourist Map Marseille
• 2 Tourist Guide Marseille
• 3 What to see in Marseille
• 4 Map of hotels in Marseille

After Paris, this city has the largest population in France, with 1.6 million people. As a good French city its heritage reduces it in an extension of 240 square kilometers. Its port of relevance in the Mediterranean is equal to Rotterdam and Antwerp, and that represents the neuralgic center, where the naval activity and of hydrocarbons has marked a communication knot between Spain Italy and Switzerland. In the same way we can emphasize the cultural and historical legacy that so much calls the attention of the visitors, involving his port with the principal routes of the city that direct the attention towards beautiful squares, cafeterias and commercial places. At the top of the city stands the beautiful Cathedral of Marseille, a tourist site that symbolizes the most attractive of the town.

The visitor’s curiosity explodes when admiring the content of its buildings, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations, with an extensive exhibition of artistic and ethnographic signs that have marked the city since the beginning of man. Its monuments embellish the city with the characteristic medieval golden past, such as the Longchamp Palace and the Pharo Palace. If you want to take a walk through the fortified history, the Ir castles, Fort St. Jean and the Castle of Borely, in addition to their imposing structures, house museums that collect evidence of civil history from time immemorial. If you want something different you will always have nature as an ally for escape, do a little trekking in the Calanques National Park; you will have a lot to do with its rocky formations and beautiful coves as well as slopes for trekking.

Tourist Guide Marseille

In addition to the options on the mainland, this city has a beautiful archipelago with picturesque villages where you can live an experience on a smaller scale but which has a very lively tourist activity with its beautiful houses and shops, as well as beautiful natural scenery that brings together nautical events and excursions. All these attractions, as well as those of the city itself, can be seen in the tour we invite you to take with our Marseille tourist guide, where we point out each of these places to visit, as well as the points that connect them so that you have a route devised before you pack your bags and decide to spend as much time as you like in person.

What to see in Marseille

Puerto viejo.

The port of Marseille is over 2,500 years old, but its expansion and predominance was marked by the centuries to come, giving the Mediterranean Sea a strategic point for trade and adding defensive constructions such as the Fort of Saint Nicholas and the Fort of Saint Jean. Due to its historical relevance and strategic location it continues to have commercial and communication importance. Nowadays it represents the main heritage of the city. The scenery that is lived there is composed by the beautiful marine color and great amount of ships that represent the daily life of this port city. The nightlife in this place is the liveliest in the city. The tour across the entire port due to its extension requires dedication and time so put on some light shoes and get ready to see several resting points, tasting points and street vendors through it.

Marseilles Cathedral

Between the old and the new port of the city, this cathedral is located as a monumental complex in the heart of the historical centre, near the San Jean Castle. This cathedral is located on the same site as old Paleochristian temples, among others of great importance as the original church Santa Maria la Mayor. Its construction in the 19th century was promoted by Napoleon Bonaparte who laid the foundation stone. Its totally original style is lost among the influence of the Byzantine with the eclectic art of sumptuous proportions. It has a cross-shaped floor plan and because of its dimensions is comparable to major works such as St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, with the particular style that allows it to be a must-see monument for tourism in Marseille. Its façade is an artistic jewel that tells scenes of Jesus Christ and his apostles in an in its Romanesque details.

Calanques National Park

Its extension is such that it links Marseilles to Cassis. Only 8,500 of land and no less than 42,000 hectares of marine ecosystem to take a good look at its more than two hundred species of animals from both ecosystems that live together under the protection of the administration of this park. It is unique in its style in all of Europe since it involves semi-urbanized places both by sea and by land. The main attractions of the park are its coves; with an unparalleled blue colour, there are five of them that attract tourists, ideal for kayaking and contact with marine species. Also in this same scenario there is a considerable amount of islands and a submarine canyon. On land, hiking is possible in the calanques that delimit its rocky formations in the middle of the coast. Along the walk you can see the castle of If.

Frioul Archipelago

Although this archipelago is located in Port Frioul it belongs to the city of Marseille. The same archipelago that is composed of a group of 4 islands. It is bordered by small coves that can be reached on foot. There are also numerous beaches where tourists can enjoy a relaxing bath in its warm waters and enjoy the exotic flora that lives there. It is located only 4 kilometers from the city and has a total area of about 200 hectares. To access you can take a boat from the old port and takes just half an hour to the port of Ratonneau to choose between diving, or renting kayaks or motor barges. We recommend the beaches of the main island where the beaches are more beautiful. There you can find an aquaculture farm, another attraction of the area.

Longchamp Palace

The need to supply the city with water was a very necessary idea of medieval France. But it was not until the 19th century that work began on it; when the lack of this service exceeded the tolerance limits of a France plagued by endemic diseases. An arduous work such as the 85-kilometre canal, supported by almost twenty bridges carrying water, made it worthy of a monument in his honour. This homage is represented in the details of its façade; the representation of tigers and lions was in charge of the chisel of the artist Jules Cavelier. The enclosure is an entire 19th-century palace and inside it is currently the Marseille Museum of Fine Arts, as well as the Museum of Natural History and a botanical garden.

Castle of If

If you’ve read the Count of Monte Cristo’s novel, then this castle will be familiar to you. Located on one of the islands in the Frioul archipelago, it was built in the 16th century by Francis I. It is mentioned in the works of Alexander Dumas and has become one of the most popular tourist sites in France. It mainly served as a watchtower and defense thanks to its towers, but because of its location it ended up becoming a European gannet. Apart from the Count of Monte Cristo who represents the most relevant enigma, it can be stated about other important prisoners who ended up here for crimes of treason; together with them their history and legends.  From Puerto Viejo there are boats that take visitors on a 25-minute journey. The route is decorated with the fantastic natural landscape of marine life and the coasts.

Pharo Palace

This site, which currently hosts important events and conferences, was planned by Napoleon III in the 19th century. At the time it arose as a need to respond to the growing development and modernization of society and the city. Today it is part of the monumental complex of Marseille shortly after it became a hospital for cholera and tuberculosis patients. Its structure, with two large spaces on the sides, as well as shell sculptures, resembles the shape of a spa, rather than a palace. The classical influence on its architecture is presented by the use of stone.  Its facade, as well as the interior elements were created by the artists Gilbert, Simon and Vittoz. Its garden known as Emile Duclaux occupies 7 hectares of the surrounding land.

Diverse cultures and a lively life is what defines the oldest district of Marseille. Venture into the port and historical spirit of Marseille through its many streets. You can start your tour of the Old Port up a slight slope of the hill in which this neighborhood is located, until you reach its highest point; there where a Greek square from the 3rd century BC used to be. Its picturesque houses in antiquity were occupied by fishermen’s guilds. In some places you will find places like the Diamond House, the Hotêl Daviel or the Vieille Charité. Both day and night the activity of this neighborhood is in On mode. One of the places you can’t miss are the craft shops, bars, cafés, restaurants and terraces.

Fort Saint Jean

This fort has been the eye embedded in the opening of the city’s port, facing the Mediterranean. Faithful witness of the events that caused changes in the city throughout its history since the 12th century. Its towers were additions to reinforce the city from attacks by the Aragonese in the 15th century; one of them was due to the desire of the merchants to have a watchtower that could see the ships approaching from just 20 kilometres from the horizon. A moat that surrounds the castle is part of the defensive system in case it is isolated from the city. In addition to the intense activity it sustained during the medieval period in the centuries to come, it gave no rest; it served as a prison during the French Revolution and in the Second World War as an arsenal for the Wehrmacht.

Map of hotels in Marseille

In Marseille you will have plenty of options for accommodation. You can choose in the city from the Old Port, its historical centre to the liveliest neighbourhoods, it all depends on the atmosphere you prefer. Even on your journey through the Frioul Archipelago there are hotels and canes that provide you with a paradisiacal experience. For the more eccentric tastes the very same If Castle offers the opportunity to stay in a luxury hotel; all this can be seen on our map of hotels in Marseille, where the location and reviews of each hotel are just a click away. Use the Grand Tonic Hotel Marseille as a recommendation, where elegance is combined with the wonderful views of the Old Port. Close to the metro station. Its elegant rooms have WiFi service, satellite TV, minibar and offer a buffet breakfast on its terrace.

Video of the most impressive places in Marseille

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Marseille district sees weary but wary relief in drug crackdown

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French police have flooded the troubled Marseille district of La Castellane with forces since a crackdown on the drug trade started last month, and one mother told how she feels safer, for now at least.

Before, drug dealers would hang around the housing estate, and up the road some had set up a roadblock of shopping carts and wooden pallets to keep authorities out.

"They took the carts and palets away. Now you no longer hear the shouting, the young guys loitering," the woman said outside her son's school, refusing to give her name for fear of reprisals.

"It's a relief, especially for my 10-year-old son," the woman added, standing at the foot of huge white housing blocks in La Castellane.

"He looks older, so the guys would always call him over on his way to school," she said. "I was terrified they would recruit him."

President Emmanuel Macron last month announced an "XXL" cleanup of drug trafficking in the southern port city and other towns across France where the lucrative drugs trade has caused death and uncertainty.

Turf wars for control of Marseille's drug dealing left 49 people dead last year. Four were innocent bystanders.

Residents of La Castellane and La Paternelle, two of the worst-hit districts, say they are relieved by the clampdown.

But many fear insecurity will return when police leave. Almost all refused to give their names out of fear for their safety.

- 'PR stunt' -

In La Castellane, a father watched his two boys play near a mural of football superstar Zinedine Zidane, who was born in the district.

"It's been calmer for three weeks," he said, before hastily adding: "Drug dealers are none of my business."

Sitting with friends outside a shop, another young man in a baseball cap said he was unimpressed.

"They came here to 'clean up', but those suffering the most are residents being slapped with fines" for car offences, he said.

"If you see someone selling hash, you walk away, that's it," he added.

"There are more worrying things here -- the dirtiness, the rats."

Among a dozen police officers at the entrance to the neighbourhood, one said certain residents would be unhappy because "some lived from" the drug trade.

Another said the clean-up had pushed dealers "elsewhere" or onto social media to make sales. Police say they have arrested around 850 people.

Authorities have promised to maintain pressure on gangs, but they will also be busy securing the city for the arrival of the Olympic torch on March 8 as part of a nationwide tour before the Paris Games this year.

One investigator, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the clean-up operation was "a PR stunt".

"It looks good to... deploy some blue uniforms. You can see it... calm has returned for the moment," the investigator said.

"But it needs to be non-stop. And there needs to be a return to the basics... re-opening police stations in the housing estates --- not just crackdowns."

- 'Nothing here' -

In La Paternelle, four dealing points that once generated 200,000 euros ($217,000) a day have disappeared since January as part of a police crackdown before Macron's announcement.

On the orange walls of a small apartment building, "menus" once advertising drugs for sale have been erased.

Just the word "Yoda" acts as a reminder of the gang that once fought for control of the area against its rival "DZ Mafia". That caused many of the drug-related deaths in the city.

Onissa, a resident who said she had lived in the neighbourhood for 24 years, said the neighbourhood was getting more sleep.

"No one wakes up in the middle of the night anymore," she said. "But we still are still wary."

Many people have scars from Marseille's drug battles. Onissa said she would never forget her son's face after he saw a 35-year-old shot dead below their flat in May last year.

Not far off, two elderly women sat in the sun at the foot of an apartment block.

They recalled armed men in balaclavas suddenly appearing one afternoon in the middle of a children's playground.

One of the women sat on her walking frame in a space where youth gang members once burnt wooden pallets.

But she said she wished there were children's games on the nearby grass.

The owner of the only shop on the housing estate agreed. "A little life is coming back, but there is nothing here," he said.

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