Marseille

Discover the superb city of Marseille, capital of Provence

Marseille, France's second city, is a must-see destination on your trip to Provence. Nestled on the shores of the Mediterranean, it offers a unique blend of history and modernity.

Discover the spectacular calanques, stroll through the bustling Vieux-Port, explore innovative museums such as the Mucem or the Grotte Cosquer. The turquoise sea and rich cultural heritage make Marseille an essential stopover. This Mediterranean city will surprise you with the diversity of places to explore, from authentic neighborhoods to breathtaking natural sites.

Marseille is a city apart in Provence. Founded in 600 BC by Greek sailors from Phocaea, it is the oldest major French city and certainly the most complex. The second largest city and largest port in France, it was France's gateway to the Mediterranean during the colonial era. Marseille remains today a generous and cosmopolitan capital of Southern Europe with its accent, its picturesque old port, its bouillabaisse and its popular folklore. Little known, it does not offer itself spontaneously to the visitor. It is really worth visiting, as long as you know what to go and see. Here are all our tips.

The districts of Marseille

A city of contrasts with its old quarters (Le Panier near the old port), its luminous corniche overlooking the sea, its wild creeks plunging into the deep blue waters along 20 km of coastline as far as Cassis, Marseille shines over Provence through the economic role it plays there. To discover its baroque beauty and soak up its personality, don't hesitate to leave the heart of the city center, each neighborhood (there are more than 100) is a small Provençal village with its church, plane trees, bowling alley...

Here are our favorite neighborhoods:

The Panier district

The Panier district, located in the 2nd arrondissement, is one of the oldest and most typical of Marseille. The former heart of the city of Massalia, it is now a veritable open-air museum. Rich in history and culture, its narrow streets are full of surprises.

Among the must-see sites in Le Panier is the Vieille Charité, a former 17th-century hospice that now houses museums and exhibitions. The neighborhood is also popular for its craft shops and tasty restaurants, offering an authentic immersion in the soul of the Phocaean city.

The Endoume district in Marseille

The Endoume district is a real village in the heart of the city. Located in the 7th arrondissement, it is appreciated for its seaside location and authentic atmosphere. This district is known for its picturesque alleys, small fishing ports and magnificent coves.

Endoume is also steeped in history, with notable sites such as the church of Saint-Eugène and the tide gauge. It is a place where tradition and modernity blend, with a dynamic local life. The district is served by bus no. 83, making it easy for visitors to get around.

Points of interest include the Vallon des Auffes, a small fishing port perched on the Corniche Kennedy, offering a serene setting and numerous gastronomic possibilities.

Endoume is ultimately a mixture of reliefs, between sea and valleys, offering its visitors breathtaking coastal panoramas.

The Noailles district in Marseille

Nestled in the 1st arrondissement, the Noailles district is a true distillation of Marseille's cultural diversity and effervescence. Nicknamed “the Belly of Marseille”, this district is known for its daily market and narrow streets where you can find a multitude of products from all over the world. Its many oriental-style stalls and old shops give Noailles a unique dynamism.

The district is also steeped in history. You will find iconic places such as the Maison Empereur, the oldest hardware store in Marseille still in business, or the Mémorial de la Marseillaise, which traces the history of the French national anthem. Noailles is a neighborhood that lives and breathes to the rhythm of its inhabitants and visitors, with a mix and a neighborhood life that make it one of the most vibrant places in the Phocaean city.

The Vieux Port neighborhood

The Vieux Port neighborhood, the emblematic heart of Marseille, is a place full of history and life. A vibrant historical site, it offers a constant spectacle, with its boats coming and going, and its lively terraces lining the harbor.

To fully appreciate the Vieux-Port, you have to discover it from different points of view. Among the best: the Esplanade de la Tourette, Fort Saint-Jean, the Pharo Gardens, in front of the Abbey of Saint-Victor and from Notre-Dame de la Garde.

Finally, don't forget to take a stroll along the quay, where you can enjoy tasty local cuisine in the many restaurants and cafés.

The Vieux-Port is much more than just a tourist attraction, it is the beating heart of Marseille, a place full of history and life that is well worth exploring.

Notre Dame de la Garde: the good mother

After climbing to Notre Dame de la Garde, patron saint of sailors, enthroned 162 meters above the sea, you can go to L'Estaque in the footsteps of Cézanne or to La Treille at the foot of the hills of Marcel Pagnol. Marseille can also be discovered from the sea.

Where can I park in Marseille?

It is not always easy to park in Marseille, particularly in the city center where the car parks are often full. We strongly advise you to reserve a parking space in advance. On this site, you can locate various car parks in Marseille and reserve your parking space online. No more need to look for a space for hours!

What is there to do and see in Marseille?

Here are a few ideas for activities and outings in Marseille and the surrounding area. We also recommend some very enjoyable excursions with highly professional local guides.

The MUCEM Museum: a must-see

Inaugurated in 2013, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations (MUCEM) is a symbol of the cultural openness of Marseille, a historic city with a Mediterranean focus. The museum covers more than 45,000 m², spread over three sites: the J4, Fort Saint-Jean and the Galerie du 19M Marseille. It is a magnificent museum not to be missed during your visit to Marseille.

Rent a classic car

An original idea for your stay in Marseille: rent a classic car! Imagine driving along the legendary Corniche Kennedy, skirting the Old Port or climbing up to Notre-Dame de la Garde in an eye-catching vintage car. With Voitures Passion, add a touch of charm and elegance to your stay, discovering the treasures of the Phocaean city in a vehicle that combines style and nostalgia.

Le Château d'If

Les Iles du Frioul avec le Chateau d'If (et sa légende du Comte de Monte Cristo) offrent une belle perspective de la cité phocéenne. Nous vous conseillons de réserver vos billets à l'avance pour avoir de la place à l'heure que vous souhaitez. 

Les belles calanques de Marseille 

Les calanques de Marseille sont un véritable trésor naturel pour les amoureux de la nature et les amateurs de paysages à couper le souffle. Voici quelques-unes des plus remarquables :

• La calanque de Sormiou : C'est la plus grande des calanques de Marseille. Elle est accessible par une route en lacets et offre une plage de galets idéale pour la baignade.

• La calanque d'En-Vau : Considérée par certains comme la plus belle, elle est nichée entre deux hautes falaises et arbore une petite plage de galets.

• La calanque de Morgiou : Elle est réputée pour sa beauté sauvage et son petit port de pêche, un lieu paisible loin de l'agitation de la ville.

• La calanque de Sugiton : C'est l'une des plus impressionnantes, avec ses deux criques et sa vue imprenable sur l'île du Torpilleur.

The Château d'If

The Frioul Islands with the Chateau d'If (and its legend of the Count of Monte Cristo) offer a beautiful perspective of the Phocaean city. We advise you to book your tickets in advance to ensure a place at the time you want.

The beautiful creeks of Marseille

The calanques of Marseille are a real natural treasure for nature lovers and those who appreciate breathtaking scenery. Here are some of the most remarkable:

• The calanque of Sormiou: This is the largest of Marseille's calanques. It is accessible by a winding road and offers a pebble beach ideal for swimming.

• The En-Vau cove: Considered by some to be the most beautiful, it is nestled between two high cliffs and boasts a small pebble beach.

• The Morgiou cove: It is renowned for its wild beauty and small fishing port, a peaceful place far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

• The Sugiton calanque: This is one of the most impressive, with its two coves and uninterrupted view of the Torpilleur island.

Each of these calanques has a unique atmosphere and landscape, and they are all accessible either by sea or by hiking trails in the Calanques National Park. Here is an excellent local guide that will help you discover all the beauty of Marseille's calanques.

OM and the Velodrome make the hearts of the people of Marseille beat faster

It is impossible to dedicate a page to Marseille without mentioning Olympique de Marseille (the local football club) and its legendary stadium, the Velodrome. If you spend any time at all in Marseille, you will quickly understand that the city (and the entire Bouches du Rhône department) lives to the rhythm of its football team and that the general mood is very dependent on the sporting results of the OM. The OM is an integral part of Marseille's culture and soul. The Vélodrome stadium can be visited and is also a very nice idea for a day out.