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.
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Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde free
The Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde – translated as Our Lady of the Guard – was built in the 1850s on the foundation of Marseille's ancient fortress. Today, this working Catholic basilica – filled with stunning marble, murals and mosaics – is a symbol of the city, the crowning point of its skyline and likewise, a wonderful place to enjoy sweeping views of the city below. You'll probably be able to spot it from the harbor, as a large, gilded statue of the Virgin Mary sits atop the bell tower.
Some visitors called the climb up to the top "tough," but the views worth it. Although travelers admit that the church is beautiful, they were most impressed with the panoramic views. However, several reviewers also warned of heavy crowds and potential pickpockets.
Fort Saint-Jean Fort Saint-Jean
Built in 1660 by Louis XIV, Fort Saint-Jean is a well-preserved fortress guarding Marseille at the entrance to the Old Port . Interestingly, it was built not to keep invaders at bay but to tamp down a local rebellion. Later, in the 19th and 20th centuries, it was used by the French military until German military forces occupied it during WWII. Today, the storied fort is a tourist attraction, where travelers stretch their legs and relax rather than prepare for battle.
Travelers of all ages rave about the peaceful atmosphere of Fort Saint-Jean and the wonderful views from the top. They also note that it's surprisingly accessible, with ramps and elevators.
Parc National des Calanques Parc National des Calanques
Visualize jagged limestone cliffs dropping into secret pebble beaches, which are lapped by the aquamarine waters of the Mediterranean Sea, and you'll start to get a picture of the Parc National des Calanques. Although many travelers view this national park from the sea, others say the hiking is absolutely magical too.
Recent visitors said pictures don't do the Parc National des Calanques justice, swooning that its cliffs, inlets and beaches are breathtaking. While tourists mentioned seeing locals sunbathing on the secluded beaches, rock climbing and rappelling, and hiking, travelers short on time might have to limit themselves to a boat tour. The tourism board recommends a number of operators , including Croisieres Marseille Calanques and Levantin . These boat tours range in price: For instance, a brunch tour with Levantin costs 69 euros in the winter low season and 79 euros in summer high season.
Mucem Mucem
The Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée, which goes by its acronym Mucem, is Marseille's history and cultural museum that leads visitors on an anthropological journey through Mediterranean history. Architect Rudy Ricciotti designed the contemporary building, which connects to the 13th-century Fort Saint-Jean via a footbridge.
Travelers say this museum gives you a great understanding of the region's past all the way up to present-day. They also highlight the Mucem's rooftop gardens, saying that the views from these vantages are some of the best.
Cathédrale de la Major Cathédrale de la Major free
Where the Abbaye Saint Victor is unembellished in its design, the Cath é drale de la Major is ornate. But it's also younger: The Cathédrale de la Major was built in the mid- to late 19th century, and its unique Byzantine design reflects a period in time where Marseille port was "the gateway to the east." Inside, visitors will find mosaics, statues and side chapels.
Recent visitors said the Cath é drale de la Major is as impressive inside as it is outside. They also appreciate its location in Le Panier, near other top attractions, such as MuCEM and Fort Saint Jean.
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Château d'If Château d'If
Château d'If is a 16th-century fortress, commissioned by King Francois I, set atop the smallest island in the Frioul archipelago less than a mile from Marseille. It was later used as a prison, considered ideal for its isolated, escape-proof location (similar to San Francisco 's Alcatraz ). Visitors to Marseille often travel by boat to this beautiful and mysterious monument, especially since it inspired the prison setting of Alexandre Dumas' famous book, "The Count of Monte Cristo."
Once on the island, visitors are free to wander Château d'If at their leisure. Recent travelers described the experience as interesting, both for the ancient history exhibited here, as well as for the stellar views of the bay and Marseille in the distance. Since the island boasts only one outdoor cafe, some wish that there was more in the way of eateries or gift shops – even as a place to shelter from the cold winds of the island and kill time before boarding the ferry back to the city.
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- Discover Marseille
Its unmissable places, on the city side or on the nature side with the Calanques, its beaches ideal for swimming, its cultural heritage, its sunny weather and its legendary football club…Marseille is also a city rich in culinary specialities and traditions.
As the gateway to Provence, you can easily explore its tourist sites, such as the lavender fields or the Blue Coast… Come and discover your Marseille and let yourself be surprised!
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Plan Your Trip to Marseille: Best of Marseille Tourism
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Marseille Is Great For
Wine tastings.
Historical Tours
Cultural Tours
Ports of Call Tours
- Grand Hotel Beauvau Marseille Vieux-Port-MGallery
- Hôtel La Residence du Vieux Port
- InterContinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu, an IHG Hotel
- Sofitel Marseille Vieux-Port
- Alex Hotel & Spa
- Grand Bar des Goudes
- Le Bistro Du Panier
- Le Hippie Chic café
- La Délicatesse Restaurant
- La Poule Noire
- Parc National des Calanques
- Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde
- Château d'If
- Palais Longchamp
- Le Vieux Port
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17 things to know before heading to Marseille: top tips, etiquette, and keeping safe
May 4, 2022 • 7 min read
From itineraries to beachwear, these things to know before you go can help you plan the perfect trip to Marseille © L. Valencia / Getty Images
Few cities provoke as many confusing stereotypes and preconceptions as Marseille , a city that spent decades slumbering in the shadows as a "dirty, dangerous port city" and the "black sheep" of France. Yet contemporary Marseille sparkles.
The ancient Greek harbor still retains that edgy, hedonistic mix of grit and grandeur, but with a dynamic cultural life – brilliant arts, music and innovative museums – and a cutting-edge food scene, France’s second-largest city is the place to be right now. To play safe and get the best out of the city, plan your trip to Marseille with these top tips.
Pick the right neighborhood to stay in – they’re wildly different!
Where you stay in Marseille can be the difference between a fabulous and frightful holiday. Pick your neighborhood carefully. Plenty of budget hotels and hostels are scattered in less salubrious streets around the train station. Those seeking midrange accommodations will feel more comfortable in the area around the Vieux Port or southwest along the coast where soothing sea views and the lap of the waves prevail.
Mermaids and A-listers fueled by the song of the ocean and cocktails crafted from spiny agave harvested on the city’s offshore Îles du Frioul should consider bunking down at beach club Tuba .
Book a table at the city’s foodie hot spots
Ample bistros and restaurants require no table reservation. But to ensure you don’t miss out on the perfect bouillabaisse (consider L’Epuisette , Le Petit Nice or Le Grand Bar des Goudes), best pizza (Chez Saveur, Chez Étienne and Pizzeria Bonne Mère are legendary), or the sensational grassroots gastronomy of talented chefs such as Alexandre Mazzia (AM) and Coline Faulquier (Signature) , book tables a couple of weeks in advance.
Plan an itinerary beyond the Vieux Port
The blockbuster sights around the Vieux Port – MuCEM and Fort St-Jean , Basilique Notre Dame de Garde , Le Panier – are a Marseille rite of passage. But be sure to explore beyond the city’s mainstream tourist beat: as any local will proudly tell you, Marseille is a city of 111 villages. Neighborhood guided tours organized by Marseille tourist office are a great way to safely explore some of them.
Consider buying a Marseille City Pass
If you’re planning on taking in most key sights, buy a Marseille City Pass online or at the tourist office. Valid for one to three days, the pass covers museum admissions, unlimited public transport, public-bike shares, a guided city tour and a Château d’If boat trip. Do the sums before buying a child’s pass – most museums already offer free admission to either under 18s or under 12s.
Ditch the car
Don’t even contemplate arriving in Marseille by car. Driving requires nerves of steel and parking is horrendous. Get around by public transport, including e-bike and solar-powered boats.
Snag a spot to visit Marseille’s first ticketed calanque
So wildly popular are Marseille’s calanques – picture-postcard coves spangling the rocky coastline south of the city in the nature-rich Parc National des Calanques – that a booking system is being introduced to reduce visitor numbers. From June 2022 admission to the over-crowded Calanque de Sugiton, accessible via a footpath from the Luminy campus of Marseille University, will be limited to 500 visitors a day. Reserve your spot before leaving home.
Follow local etiquette and keep the bikinis and bare chests for the beach
Don’t walk around the city in skimpy beachwear or bare-chested. Dress as you would in any city. In summer, loose-fitting shirts and flowing skirts or baggy shorts are the way to go. Trade in flimsy flip-flops for sturdy sandals better suited to dusty streets and uneven lanes. Don’t forget sunhat, sun cream, and shades.
Respect the natural lie of the land in Les Calanques
The Parc National des Calanques might double as a weekend playground for city dwellers, but the national park’s coves and cliffs are fragile. Stick to marked footpaths, bring plenty of water and don’t litter. Indeed, grab a garbage bag (made from recycled fishing nets and boat canvas) from one of the park’s eco-guards to pick up litter you stumble across on your hike.
Music is forbidden in the park – on land and at sea. Bring earplugs or jig to the hypnotic tune of cicadas on a hot day instead. Risk of forest fire means much of the national park is off-limits in high summer (July and August). Check closure dates with Marseille tourist office.
Don’t believe the one about the sardine that blocked the port
The Marseillais are famed for their blatant exaggerations and imaginative fancies such as the one about "la sardine qui a bouché le port" (the sardine that blocked the port of Marseille). When engaging in conversation with locals, listen respectfully to what they have to say. Marseille is their city and home, which they know better than you. Tall tales can, however, be taken with a pinch of salt.
Avoid restaurants touting "menus touristiques"
As in any touristy city, Marseille has its fair share of restaurants serving a less-discerning tourist crowd. Avoid restaurants touting a "menu touristique". Follow locals instead to authentic places to eat, with menus only in French and kitchens fueled with seasonal produce sourced from farmers and artisan producers in the region.
Drink pastis
Pastis is the aperitif of choice, although drinking it pretty much any time of day is acceptable. The anise-flavored firewater is served deconstructed: a shot in une tube (a tall thin juice glass), a jug of water, and ice cubes. Dilute the amber-colored pastis (roughly five parts water to one part pastis), watching it turn milky white as you pour. Ricard and Pastis 51 are the most common brands to order, but there are plenty of artisanal brands spiced with fennel, coriander, or garigue herbs to look out for too. Ask what is available when ordering.
Know the difference between real and fake bouillabaisse
Don’t trust tourist traps promising cheap bouillabaisse. Marseille’s signature dish shouldn’t cost less than €60 to €100 per person. It is always served in two parts: the soupe de poisson (broth), rich with tomato, saffron and fennel; and the cooked fish, de-boned tableside and presented on a platter. On the side are croutons, rouille (a bread-thickened garlic-chili mayonnaise), and grated cheese. Spread rouille on the crouton, top with cheese and float it in the soup.
Never order a cappuccino to end a meal
It just doesn’t fly. Un café (a short, sharp espresso) is the only self-respecting choice.
Ditch bottled water for tap
Tap water is safe to drink. Ordering tap rather than bottled water in restaurants saves a few euros and reduces your plastic consumption. Ask for une carafe d’eau (a jug of tap water).
Support the local football team
Nothing unites locals more than cheering on their hallowed football team, Olympique de Marseille (OM). The team has been going strong since 1899 and you should join in the excitement with the raucous "Nous sommes les Marseillais!" (We are the Marseillais!) that OM supporters belt out at home matches in the Orange Vélodrome .
Avoid wandering around town alone at night
As in any other large city, keep your wits about you, be aware of where your valuables are, and use common sense on streets and public transportation. When walking after dark always stick to main, well-illuminated thoroughfares with plenty of people around and try to have someone with you.
Be aware of pickpockets
Crowds inevitably attract pickpockets. Stay vigilant in traditionally crowded tourist spots such as the Vieux Port and MuCEM areas, Basilique Notre Dame de Garde, Cours Julien and busy street markets like Marché Capucins and Marché Place Jean Jaurès. Keep alert on the metro and airport shuttle buses. When swimming on the Prado beaches, stow away valuables in one of the free beachside (staffed) lockers.
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- Tourism in Marseille
- Get Inspired
- Towns and Villages
- Bouches-du-Rhône Tourism
Marseille , the oldest city of France, overflows with cultural, architectural and artistic treasures to discover. It is a tourist destination particularly appreciated by the French and foreigners. Between tradition and modernity, the city of Marseille is waiting for you. From the Vieux Port (Old Port) to the Calanques (rocky inlets) by way of the Panier district and the Corniche facing the sea, you will certainly be amazed by the beauty of the cosmopolitan city . Beyond the game of Pétanque and its football club Olympique de Marseille (OM), Marseille reveals itself behind its emblematic monuments such as the Château d’If, Les Docks, the Palais de la Bourse, the Fort Saint Jean fortification, Notre-Dame de la Garde, the Palais Longchamp, the Marseille Cathedral of la Major to name just a few.
European Capital of Culture in 2013 , Marseille aims to be a destination of choice for art and culture enthusiasts. Still in 2013, Marseille inaugurated the MuCEM, a museum dedicated to the Mediterranean civilizations of the 21st century. It is today one of the most visited museums. In the historic center of the city, you can also go to La Vieille Charité. There, you will find many cultural structures : the Mediterranean archaeology museum, the African, Oceanic and Native American art museum (MAAOA), but also a cinema, a bookshop…
While exploring the city, alone or with a guide, immerse yourself in the local culture and discover the traditions of Marseille. Relax on the terrace of a restaurant, under the southern sun, to taste Marseille’s cuisine . Let yourself be tempted by the bouillabaisse, a fish specialty, or by the pieds paquets, the panisses, etc. If you were to bring back only one souvenir of Marseille , no doubt you would choose the famous soap. Particularly effective and renowned, it can be used to clean skin, hair, clothes, floors, walls… Ideally located, the Bouches-du-Rhône prefecture, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, is a starting point for various tourist destinations accessible by train, plane and boat.
Notre-Dame de la Garde
Notre-Dame de la Garde , more commonly called « Bonne Mère » by the people of Marseille, watches over the sailors and fishermen. Overlooking the city from the top of its hill, it offers a remarkable view. The basilica is an old observation post, and François I built a fort there to defend the city. It was only after a few years that it would become a true place of pilgrimage when Eugène de Mazenod (Bishop of Marseille) commissioned the great basilica. A true symbol of Marseille, the Basilica Notre-Dame de la Garde is visible throughout the city. The site is the most visited monument of the city and has been listed since 1917.
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The Palais Longchamp
Located in the 4th arrondissement of Marseille, the Palais Longchamp is a water tower made up of a garden and two museums. The building was built by the architect Henry Espérandieu, who also designed the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, to store drinking water coming from the Durance River. Several artists participated in the beautification of the park with the creation of sculptures and a fountain. A visit to the Palais Longchamp is an opportunity to discover the Musée des Beaux-Arts (Museum of fine arts), the oldest museum in Marseille, which preserves paintings and drawings dating from the 16th to the 19th century. You can also stop at the Natural History Museum of Marseille, which has cabinets of curiosities dating from the 18 th century.
The Calanques National Park
The Calanques National Park is known throughout the world for its breathtaking scenery. Surrounded by cliffs, sea, fauna and flora, nature lovers will never get tired of it. Hiking, diving, canoeing and kayaking… On land, on the sea or underwater, different activities allow you to discover the Calanques. Once deserved, the rocky inlets reveal themselves to you with idyllic coves such as Port Pin, En-Vau, Sugiton, Morgiou or Sormiou.
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La Canebière
La Canebière, the famous high street of the old quarter, connects the Old Port of Marseille to the Église Saint-Vincent-de-Paul church (Les Réformés). It was a true symbol of elegance with its chic hotels, department stores and posh cafés. Performance venues such as theaters were later set up there as well as the santons fair, part of the Christmas tradition. Nearly 1 km long, La Canebière is a lively district where you can find many shops, cafés, restaurants, the old Hôtel Louvre et Paix, the Monument des Mobiles… La Canebière is a parade route when demonstrations that go down to the Town Hall or the Prefecture are held, or when the French National Day and the carnival are celebrated.
A real open-air museum, the mythical and picturesque Panier district can be discovered through its narrow streets. The district resembles a small village in Provence where it is good to live. Colorful facades, street art, shops of craftsmen and designers… a visit to Le Panier is a must during your holidays in Marseille. For a gourmet break, sit on the terrace in Place de Lenche and admire the view of the Old Port.
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Practical information
- Tourist Office of Marseille : http://www.marseille-tourisme.com/fr/
- Road service: A7-A51 Highways (from Aix or Lyon), A55 Highway (from Aix, Fos, Lyon, Montpellier or Barcelona) and A50 Highway (from Cassis, Toulon, Nice, Genoa)
- Air access: Marseille Provence Airport
- Railroad access: Saint-Charles station
- Sea access: autonomous port
- Discover also : markets , beaches , private beaches
nearby towns
- Aix-en-Provence
- Salon de Provence
- TO & Travel Agents
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