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Cruising: why choose Marseille?

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Provence Nature and Outdoor Activities Coastal

Reading time: 0 min Published on 27 March 2024, updated on 15 April 2024

Are you planning a Mediterranean cruise? Marseille, France's leading cruise port, has a number of assets that make it the perfect place to embark, disembark or stop over. Cultural, seaside and authentic, it has a lot to offer and is easy to discover, according to passengers' desires. From a few hours' stopover to a stay before or after the cruise, here are (at least) 8 good reasons to choose Marseille when you set sail...

A wide choice of boats and atmospheres

It is not a coincidence that MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises, the two primary cruise lines based in France, have selected Marseille as their main port for embarking and disembarking on a Mediterranean cruise from France. They are not the only ones. Several cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Aida, and Oceania Cruises, choose to dock their ships at the Marseille cruise terminal . Additionally, Ponant, a French company, offers an alternative to the larger cruise ships with its maxi yachts. The numerous cruise lines based in Marseille, whether as the head of a line or as a stopover, offer a wide range of options to choose from. You can select the cruise that suits your preferences, whether you prefer a lively or tranquil atmosphere, a large liner or a smaller ship, or a sober or opulent setting. Additionally, you can even opt for a day cruise off the calanques .

Voir cette publication sur Instagram Une publication partagée par PONANT (@croisieres_ponant) le 15 Juin 2019 à 9 :55 PDT

An ultra-modern cruise terminal

The port of Marseille has modern cruise terminals located near the city, including the Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal (MPCT). Six terminals are available to accommodate large liners, with areas ranging from 200 to 6,000 m2 dedicated to baggage rooms, boarding lounges, and check-in areas. Outside, large car parks provide easy access by car. In addition, the Marseille cruise terminal is conveniently linked to the Marseille Provence International Airport , the TGV station, and the motorway network. This ensures a hassle-free embarkation and disembarkation process.

Taking in the sights at Notre-Dame de la Garde

This is the place to discover "La Bonne Mère", the city's emblematic figure, watches over the sailors, fishermen and all the people of Marseille. Notre Dame de la Garde offers a unique view of the Old Port, the Panier district, the Frioul islands, the north of the city, the beach areas and the hills that surround Marseille.

Notre-Dame de la Garde in Marseille

Visit the Mucem

The Mucem project was the flagship architectural project of Marseille European Capital of Culture 2013, and it has been a success. The project combines the restoration of the old Fort Saint-Jean, which overlooks the entrance to the city, with the construction of an ultra-modern building designed by architect Rudy Ricciotti. The Mucem looks out to sea and serves as a link between civilizations on different shores of the Mediterranean. When architecture and art converge on the Mediterranean coast, it's an experience that should not be missed!

Mucem in Marseille

Exploring the Panier area

It's here, in the Panier district in the centre of Marseille, that the history of the city begins and the true spirit of the Cité Phocéenne can be found. Le Panier sits on a hillock in the centre of Marseille and takes on the feel of an authentic, lively Provencal village. The facades are colourful, the alleyways full of flowers and the walls popular with street artists. A must-see, starting with La Vieille Charité.

Marseille Tourisme

A trip to the beach

Few towns are lucky enough to be real seaside resorts. Marseille has that privilege! The city has many beaches, the largest of which is the Prado beach. Before or after your cruise, enjoy a swim in the sea along more than 3 kilometres of golden sand just a stone's throw from the city centre. Marseillais love to go there whenever the weather permits... and in Marseille it often does!

The beaches of Marseille

Setting sail from the Frioul islands

Head for the Vieux Port (not to be missed either, of course) to set course for the Frioul Islands. A thirty-minute crossing reveals an incredible limestone archipelago made up of 4 islands: Pomègues, Ratonneau, If and Tiboulen. On the menu: wild landscapes, beaches and sandy coves. Fans of the adventures of the Count of Monte Cristo will not want to miss a visit to the Château d'If.

Walk to the Frioul Islands

Dive into the Calanques

Look out for the picture postcard scenery! En Vau, Sormiou, Port-Pin, Port Miou, Morgiou... All these calanques are an invitation to get away from it all, with their steep cliffs, white sandy beaches, crystal-clear water and exceptional seabed. Access is restricted and you may need to allow a good hour's walk to reach them, but what a treat!

Walk in the Calanques and towards the Iles du Frioul

Take the tour as far as Arles

From the port of Marseille, it takes passengers just an hour to reach the city of Arles, so why deprive yourself if you've got a bit of time on your hands? Discover the incredible historical and cultural heritage of this corner of Provence, from the Roman amphitheatre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the cathedral of Saint-Trophime, a masterpiece of Provençal Romanesque architecture. Van Gogh, seduced by the city's light, was not mistaken. He moved here in 1888, and it was here that he found the inspiration for his most famous paintings. Between two visits, there is no shortage of gourmet addresses, such as La Chassagnette by chef Armand Arnal .

Arles Tourisme

Recommendations and advice Looking for more environmentally-friendly cruises? Some cruise lines are increasingly committed to reducing their carbon footprint and protecting the marine ecosystem. Thanks to a range of innovative technologies, cruise ships are succeeding in reducing their consumption of fossil fuels, in particular by using renewable energies (solar or wind power) to power on-board electrical equipment. As for fuel, many companies are replacing their conventional fuel with alternative fuels such as LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) to limit CO2 emissions. Initiatives are also being taken to treat waste and waste water on board. In the Mediterranean, a Sustainable Cruise Charter was drawn up in 2022 and ratified by the shipowners operating on this sea, members of CLIA, and all the French Mediterranean ports, including of course the Euro-Mediterranean port of Marseille Fos. Many cruise operators have accelerated their transition to offer zero-emission cruises by 2050. Enjoy your stopover in Marseille and your Mediterranean cruise!

Find out more - Marseille Croisière - Plan your stay in Marseille - Plan your stay in Provence

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The oldest harbour in France, Marseille is the city where PONANT has chosen to set up its company headquarters. Heart vibrating in its setting of Mediterranean Calanques, it reveals its raw and authentic beauty, made up of a thousand influences and cultures which, over the centuries, have made up its wealth. A stroll through the Old Port will allow you to discover the places corresponding to the city founded by the Greeks as well as Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Basilica , with its astonishing neo-Byzantine architecture, which overlooks it. Close to the quays, the Place de Lenche, which covers the ancient agora, will be perfect for a break in one of its lively cafés before melting into the maze of narrow streets with colourful houses in the Panier district , just a stone's throw away.

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Right near the Atlantic coast, on the Western edge of Europe in France’s Loire-Atlantique département , Nantes will seduce you with its rich and varied historical, architectural and artistic heritage . From the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, which along with the cathedral is the city’s oldest monument, to the famous Passage Pommeraye in the city centre, the arts museum or the Galerie des Machines, Nantes is a rather green city that holds many surprises. Jules Verne was born here in 1828. A museum bears his name on Butte Sainte-Anne, while on Ile Feydeau there is a commemorative plaque on the house where he was born.

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Located on the western coast of Martinique, Fort-de-France will amaze you by the splendour of its bay, a magnificent cut-out in the coastline, considered as one of the most beautiful in the world. At the harbour mouth, on its strip of land, fort Saint-Louis overlooks the capital city of Martinique. If you climb up to it, you can see some breath-taking views. Saint Louis Cathedral and the Schoelcher library bear witness to a secular history, intimately linked to the island’s story. Why not try some fresh coconut at the colourful Grand Marché. Two really pleasant places you can take a breather in, right in the heart of the city, are the garden of Balata and the Aimé Césaire park.

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Experience our pure passion for the seas on a journey between continents. Connecting two different lands, PONANT Ocean Voyages embody the true meaning of navigation during non-stop crossings, perfect for a little rest and relaxation. They are also a great opportunity to discover life on board and to share life with the crew. These voyages provide a different cruise experience with the same PONANT hallmarks of luxury, service and comfort.

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First, you want to get away from it all, feel some sun on your skin and see clear-cut horizons. Next comes your departure, where you eagerly look forward to the picture-postcard landscapes you're about to enter. But in the end, French Polynesia exceeds expectations. Blues and greens come to life in the lagoons, on the beaches, in the forests and on the reefs. They glisten under the water, where the protective corral barrier teems with life. All you need to do now is put images to the names you've so often dreamt of: Tuamotu, Marquesas Islands, Leeward Islands, Bora Bora…and enjoy. 

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Must-Sees - Polynesia and Hawaii

Polynesia and Hawaii in the middle of the Pacific Ocean are like idyllic ends of the earth. People here speak English or French, keep unique cultural traditions alive and live among lagoons and dense forest. From Bora Bora to the Marquesas Islands, the Tuamotus and the Society Islands, here are the islands to visit in the Pacific .

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Although Polynesian landscapes are certainly attractive, the islands' culture is often what incites people to travel. Below is our handy guide to help you become more familiar with French Polynesia .

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A getaway on land and at sea in Moorea - French Polynesia

A few nautical miles from Tahiti, Moorea is THE Polynesian picture-postcard. The lovely fine-sand beaches and turquoise lagoons offer great swimming and snorkelling . The coastline is also a haven for spinner dolphins , rough-toothed dolphins and pilot whales. You can see them for yourself accompanied by a marine biologist who knows how to approach without disturbing the animals. Moorea is a green island. From the Belvedere Lookout , you can take stock of the abundant natural surroundings right down to the water. Pineapple plantations give way to subtropical forests in a palette of dazzling greens.

Learn about Marquesas culture - Nuku Hiva island, Marquesas Islands

The Marquesas archipelago in the South Pacific has its own special character. Isolated over 1,500 kilometres from Tahiti, the Marquesans are proud of their culture and their wildly beautiful islands. To learn more, there is nothing better than visiting Koueva (an archaeological site where rituals were held), or Hikokua (a prehistoric site in the middle of a coconut grove). In the north of the island, go on a detour to Hatiheu Bay and Valley, which are easily recognised with their peaks towering over 1,000 metres tall, to enjoy seeing Mother Nature's abundance in the Marquesas Islands.

Feel like you're in paradise - Bora Bora, French Polynesia

There's no two ways about it: the images you see of Bora Bora show that this is a rare paradise on earth. From the centre on Pahonu Hill, you can take in the beautiful lagoon and its sparkling blue waters protected by the coral barrier. Flying over the island on a small plane only confirms just how incredible this place is: the elements come together is perfect harmony. Back on the ground, a swim in the crystal-clear waters is a must. And why not also go and meet blacktip reef sharks and rays ? One thing's for sure: Bora Bora is certainly exotic!

Dive off Alofi Island - Wallis and Futuna

In Wallis and Futuna , you truly feel like you're at the ends of the earth. This French overseas territory is the furthest one from mainland France: 16,000 kilometres lie between them. The sense of the exotic is most noticeable in the south of Futuna on the inhabited island of Alofi . People come here to find a place for themselves off the typical tourist routes. Time stands still in the shade of the palm trees and on deserted beaches. Dives in the turquoise waters offer the opportunity to see a variety of fish, turtles and rays. If you're lucky, you'll even see dolphins... This is as close to true happiness as it gets.

Live peacefully on Raivavae - Austral Islands, French Polynesia

Four villages, 1,000 inhabitants, 740 kilometres from Tahiti. That's the key figures sorted. But Raivavae in the heart of the Austral Islands in French Polynesia can't be summarised in just a few numbers. This volcanic island surrounded by an emerald lagoon is often considered to be one of the most beautiful in the South Pacific. Arriving by sea, you can admire its slender fine-sand beaches bordered by rich and unspoilt vegetation. Heading deeper inland, you discover a way of life that combines growing taro (a plant with a root like sweet potato), farming and making sewn pirogue canoes using woven coconut fibres. This is unique traditional know-how. Locals mostly travel around on foot or by bike, adding to the calm of the place. Majestic ancient religious and tiki sites remind visitors of Polynesian culture 's integration. Hotuata (women's rock) and Ruatara (man's rock) are home to many birds including frigate birds.

Dive off the Austral Islands - French Polynesia

Raivavae, Tubai, Rurutu, Rimatara… The Austral Islands are among the best dive spots in French Polynesia . Go underwater to enjoy a real show. The coral reefs are some of the most unspoilt on the planet. Sea anemones live together in symbiosis with parrot fish, groupers, flying fish, moral eels, sea turtles and rays. Lucky divers can even see humpback whales in the right season.

Visit a pearl farm in Rangiroa - Tuamotus, French Polynesia

The Polynesians nickname it "vast sky". Dotted with hundreds of islands emerging from the sparkling water, the Rangiroa Atoll is the largest in French Polynesia and is reminiscent of the night sky. Rangiroa farms black pearls : one of many species found on the sea bed. The guided pearl farm tour explains how oysters are carefully selected, grown and grafted and how the pearls are classified according to their quality.

Huahine – Society Islands, French Polynesia

Some call it the "garden of Eden", while others know it as the "secret island". Unspoilt and picturesque Huahine is certainly worthy of these epithets. Surrounded by a lagoon, it offers a special swimming experience in clear waters. Hidden coves, stunning viewpoints at height and the warm welcome from the locals contribute to the idyllic nature of this island 167 kilometres north-west of Tahiti. An archaeological site and stone temples open to the elements, a vanilla plantation, meet lucky eels in the village of Faie... There are lots of activities to do, providing the opportunity to immerse yourself a little more in Polynesian culture.

Be surprised by the wild beauty of Hiva Oa - Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia

People often say that the Marquesas Islands are the wildest in French Polynesia. Hiva Oa is a good example. Black-sand beaches, vertigo-inducing coastlines and craggy terrain give it a unique atmosphere. This almost mystical feel is bolstered by the presence of tikis, sacrificial sites and the Puamau archaeological site: the most famous in the Marquesas Islands. This power and wild beauty attracted the painter Paul Gauguin and then the singer Jacques Brel, both of whom are buried in the cemetery in the village of Atuona.

Visit Hilo - Hawaii

Head to Hilo on the east coast of Hawaii. Although this is the biggest town on the island (47,000 inhabitants), it has incredible natural surroundings . One side has the active Mauna Loa volcano. The other is home to the dormant Mauna Kea volcano. The region is also known for its significant seismic activity... And Hilo has a museum that is unusual, to say the least: the Pacific Tsunami Museum . In the town centre, the market gives a good overview of local produce . Fruit, vegetables, exotic flowers and little home-made dishes fill the place with scents. Twenty kilometres away, the Akaka Falls emerge from dense vegetation over 130 metres up, delighting travellers.

Dos. Some Polynesians are happy to use informal language. There's no point speaking very formally: informality is a token of politeness and proof that relationships are simple and relaxed.

Don'ts. The most commonly used expression is "aita pe’a pe’a": "no problem". Patience, calm and respect for others are all encapsulated by this mantra.

Unique features

The pirogues (dugout canoes) made on Raivavae island are unique. They have five different parts and are assembled individually by hand, glued together, then sewn. The stunning stitching done using woven coconut fibres strengthens the gluing. Every pirogue is then christened.

Essential phrases

Tahitian is one of many Polynesian languages. Here are a few words you can use when travelling in the South Pacific islands.

Hello / Good evening: Ia ora na / Ia ora na Goodbye: Nānā Welcome: Maeva Excuse me / Please: Ēē Thank you: Māuruuru Yes / No: E oia / aita How are you?: E aha tō outou huru? Fine, thank you, and you?: Maita i roa, māuruuru, outou ? My name is…: O (name) tō u i oa

Fish is everywhere in French Polynesia. It is eaten from breakfast onwards. Skipjack and tuna fillets are marinated in lemon juice, coconut milk, onions, tomatoes, chives and garlic. This recipe is reminiscent of South American ceviche .

Myths and legends

Legend has it that Polynesia is so sunny thanks to a young warrior, Maui , who went to fight the Sun . The Sun believed it was working too hard in comparison with the humans on Earth. So, it decided to only get up for a few hours each day. With the nights became longer and humans suffering from the lack of light, Maui weaved a huge net using hair from his fiancée, Hina. He managed to capture the Sun and make it see reason. Since then, the Polynesian islands have enjoyed long sunny days. If you see a kind of green thread surrounding the Sun as it goes down in the evening, this is Hina's hair that has been left there to remind the Sun of its promise.

In the spotlight

Faced with the urgency of the impact of climate change on corals, French scientists working on the " Under the Pole " project have shown that corals migrate to and find refuge in deeper water. This unprecedented discovery could provide remarkable hope in terms of restoring corals to the surface . During their underwater expeditions in French Polynesia onboard the Capsule, a submersible craft that makes it possible to conduct 72-hour long saturation dives, they amassed an extensive collection of mesophotic coral samples, amongst which a Leptoseris hawaiiensis specimen found at a depth of 172 metres, the deepest ever collected.

Books. Could you leave everything behind to live a simple life in a corruption-free society? In his 1846 autobiographical novel, Typee , Herman Melville recounts the few months he spent living on Nuku Hiva island in the Marquesas Islands. This young seaman travelling on a whaler took advantage of a stopover in these stunning waters to abandon his post with one of his colleagues. Hiding in the jungle, he was welcomed by the Typee people, who were reported to be cannibals. The book describes locations, customs and inhabitants, immersing the reader in a bygone era of colonies and evangelising in a strikingly authentic narrative.

Music. Although every Polynesian archipelago has its own characteristics, Polynesian music is notably represented by himene : ancient airs combining Polynesian song with Protestant influences. They are accompanied by traditional flute-like instruments and ukuleles imported from Hawaii by sailors.

Film. Both in 1935, with Clark Gable and Charles Laughton, and in 1962 with Marlon Brando and Trevor Howard, the two versions of Mutiny on the Bounty tell the story of the mutiny led by Acting Lieutenant Fletcher Christian against Captain Lieutenant William Bligh in 1789. The film showcases the stunning landscapes of Moorea and Bora Bora.

Facts and figures

Notre Dame Cathedral in Taiohae is one of the town's most iconic buildings. It is built on Tohua Mauuia: a sacred place for Marquesans. It was constructed using stones from the six inhabited islands in the archipelago: red volcanic tuff from Hiva Oa, stones from Ua Pou, Ua Huka and Fatu Hiva, pumice stone from Tahuata, slabs of phonolite from Ua Pou and white sandstone from Nuku Hiva.

• Adamstown, Pitcairn Island (Pitcairn)
• Aitutaki (Cook Islands)
• Anaa, Tuamotu Islands (French Polynesia)
• Atuona, Hiva Oa Island (French Polynesia)
• Beqa Island (Fiji)
• Bora Bora, Society Islands (French Polynesia)
• Crossing the International Date Line
• Fakarava, Tuamotu Islands (French Polynesia)
• Hakahau, Ua Pou Island (French Polynesia)
• Hakahetau, Ua Pou Island (French Polynesia)
• Hanavave (Bay of Virgins), Fatu Hiva Island (French Polynesia)
• Hanga Roa, Easter Island (Chile)
• Hapatoni, Tahuata Island (French Polynesia)
• Hatiheu, Nuka Hiva Island (French Polynesia)
• Huahine, Society Islands (French Polynesia)
• Lautoka, Viti Levu Island (Fiji)
• Makatea, Tuamotu Islands (French Polynesia)
• Moorea Island (French Polynesia)
• Motu Mahana, Taha'a Island, Society Islands (French Polynesia)
• Omoa, Fatu Hiva Island (French Polynesia)
• Papeete, Tahiti Island (French Polynesia)
• Puama'u, Hiva Oa Island (French Polynesia)
• Raiatea, Society Islands (French Polynesia)
• Rangiroa, Tuamotu Islands (French Polynesia)
• Rarotonga (Cook Islands)
• Rikitea, Gambier Islands (French Polynesia)
• Savusavu, Vanua Levu Island (Fiji)
• Suva, Viti Levu Island (Fiji)
• Taiohae, Nuku Hiva Island (French Polynesia)
• Vava'u Islands (Tonga)

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