23 Best Things To Do In Marseille, France

Marseille is the oldest city in France, founded in 600 B.C. It is also the second-largest city after Paris and was named the European City of Culture. Over the years, this old port city has become a great city break destination. Its sunny weather and laid back vibe mix well with its diverse cultures.

Check out unique neighborhoods, admire the eclectic architecture, or sample some interesting local food. It is bound to be a memorable getaway, and here are some of the best things to do in Marseille, France.

23 Best Things To Do In Marseille, France

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1. Vieux Port

Hanging out at the Vieux Port (Old Harbor) is easily the best way to start your visit. Vibrant and eclectic, this is among the top points of interest in Marseille. Vieux Port is the ideal starting point when going to the city’s other attractions.

There’s plenty of things to see and do here as well. It’s a lovely place for taking photos, offers a variety of choices if you want to try fresh seafood or simply watch the boats. You can also ride the Ferris wheel here for amazing views of the city.

This is also one of the best places in Marseille to watch the sunset, so stick around until the evening.

2. Palais Longchamp

The area surrounding Palais Longchamp is among the few green spaces in Marseille. That alone is a reason to visit if you fancy a leisurely stroll.

The stunning palace, meanwhile, is home to the oldest museum in the city – the ‪Musée des Beaux-Arts‬.

Here, you’ll find an impressive collection of Italian and Provençal artists. These works of art from the 17th century to the present day. The Palais Longchamp is the best place to visit in Marseille for a glimpse of its history through its art.

3. Notre Dame de la Garde

The Notre Dame de la Garde is one of the most famous landmarks and one of Marseille’s attractions. Being here offers some of the best views of the city, with its location on top of a hill.

A definite must-visit, Notre Dame de la Garde is known for its intricate mosaic interiors.

This church is free and open to the public for visits, but going up here on foot can be quite strenuous. Take the bus instead, which will take you right to the church door.

Opening Hours:

Daily 7 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.

Admission Fee:

Free

Contact Information:

Address: Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica Rue Fort du Sanctuaire 13006 Marseille

Phone:+33 (0) 4 91 13 40 80

Email: [email protected]

4. Musee des Civilisations de l’Europe et de la Mediterranee

This is one of the best places to see in Marseille if you want to know more about Mediterranean civilizations and history.

The museum is also called MuCEM and features an eclectic collection and exhibitions. The displays showcase a variety of topics such as gardens, gods, spices and travel.

Spanning three buildings, MuCEM also conducts film screenings and lectures for visitors to better understand the Mediterranean culture.

Opening Hours:

The Mucem is open every day except Tuesday.
Exceptional closing on May 1 and December 25

August – November 3, 2019
From 11: am – 7:00 pm

November 4- April 27, 2020
From 11 am- 6 pm

April 28- July 3, 2020
From – 11 am- 7pm

July 4- August 31, 2020
8 am- 8 pm

Admission Fee:

Permanent and temporary exhibitions
A single ticket to access all the exhibitions.

Full price 9.5 €
Reduced price of 5 €
Family ticket € 14 (valid for a maximum of 5 children accompanied by 2 adults)
Adults who are not accompanied by minors will not be able to access the rooms with a family ticket.

Contact Information:

Address: Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations 7 promenade Robert Laffont esplanade du J4)
13002 Marseille

Phone: 04 84 35 13 13

Email:[email protected]

5. Le Panier neighborhood

Easily reached from Vieux Port, the Le Panier neighborhood is still part of Marseille’s old town.

This area’s history dates back to 600 B.C., with Greeks as its first settlers. It is located on the side of a hill, Le Panier is a colorful and diverse neighborhood.

An early morning or evening walk here is one of the best activities to do in Marseille if you want to experience a bit of the local life.

6. Les Calanques

If you want to get away from Marseille’s touristy center, hop on a boat and visit the Calanques.

This is a lovely and peaceful stretch of coast that’s a must when in Marseille. Here, you can take in the cool sea breeze, enjoy the beach views, or walk along the shore.

You may also bike around to explore the landscape. You may also rent a canoe or kayak and visit the cliffs. Calanques is one of the best day trips from Marseille.

7. Cathédrale de la Major

The Cathédrale de la Major is one of the most important buildings in Marseille. Looking at the church with its domed towers and the use of limestone, one will be reminded of the Duomo in Florence.

The Cathédrale de la Major has completely different interiors though, and definitely worth a visit.

Easily one of the best attractions in Marseille, you cannot miss this green and white structure with imposing towers.

Opening Hours:

Daily 10:00 am

Closure of the Cathedral:

from October 1 to March 31 at 5:30 p.m.

from April 1 to September 30 at 6.30 p.m.

Contact Information:

Address: Place de la major 13002 Marseille

Phone: 04 91 90 52 87

8. Visit Le Corbusier

A unique thing to do in Marseille is a visit to the impressive Le Corbusier. This is a residential complex that was built in 1952 and said to have redefined urban living.

This UNESCO World Heritage site can only be visited via guided tour. Make sure to check out the details of Le Corbusier’s hall, internal street, roof terrace and one of the apartments.

Other places that you must visit in Le Corbusier are the restaurant and hotel.

9. See the Château d’If

Another of the most interesting places to visit in Marseille is Chateau d’If. This fortress was intended as a strategic guarding post, then served as a state prison for almost 300 years.

The chateau became popular because it was referenced in Alexandre Dumas’ novel, “The Count of Monte Cristo.”

From the chateau, you also get to enjoy scenic views of Marseille. The interiors of the palace are also quite fascinating so be sure to sign up for a guided tour.

Opening Hours:

From January 2 to April 1
Open every day except Monday
10.00-5.00 pm

From April  2 to September 30
Open daily
10.00-6.00 pm

From October 2 to December 31
Open every day except Monday
10.00-5.00pm

Admission Fee:

Individual
€ 6
Group Rates
from 20 people

€ 5
School Group Rates
Important! Change of rates from September 1, 2020 – inquire at the site

20 €

Free- Under 18 (with family and outside school groups), 18-25 years old (nationals of European Union countries and regular non-European residents on French territory)  Disabled person and their companion, Jobseeker, Education Pass

Contact Information:

Address:8, rue Glandeves 13001 Marseille

Phone:+ 33 06 03 06 25 26

10. See how the Savon de Marseille is made

Learning more about an age-old industry is one of the best things to do in Marseille. Visit factories and see how the famous Savon de Marseille is made, through an ancient Syrian technique using laurel and olive oil.

This soap is perhaps the most famous product of Marseille, and a great souvenir to bring home, too. There are various shops and factories to visit, such as Marseille are Fer à Cheval, SavvonnerieMarseillaise De La Licorne, and Savvonnerie Le Serail.

You may also check out the museum at Savonnerie Marius Fabres.

11. Try Marseille’s fish soup

Being a port city and a part of the Provençal region, a must-try when in Marseille is the bouillabaisse. Essentially a signature dish in the region, you simply must sample this while in Marseille.

Bouillabaisse is basically fish soup using at least four types of fresh fish. The broth is served separately, along with rouille sauce and croutons. Try this interesting dish in places like Miramar’s and Chez Fonfon’s, said to serve the best bouillabaisse in Marseille.

For a unique twist, check out the original bouillabaisse burger at L’Aromat.

12. Visit a pastis factory in Marseille

How about a drink that’s uniquely Marseille, while watching how that drink is made?

A visit to a pastis factory is easily one of the best things to do in Marseille on weekends.

You get to relax while sampling the aniseed drink which is one of the popular French drinks, while leisurely touring its factory and bottling plant. Sipping pastis is one of the most popular activities in Marseille, so this activity is quite an experience.

Apart from the tour and pastis samples,  visit one of the few remaining factories like Cristal Limiñana also comes with a bit of local history.

13. Enjoy the sunset with a local aperitif

When in Marseille, you simply just don’t end a day until it’s well past the sunset. With views of the Mediterranean and its varied landscape, this old port city is also known for its idyllic sunsets.

Definitely one of the best things to do in Marseille in the evening is to literally watch the sun go down, with an aperitif. This happens to be a popular activity here, and for visitors, a great way to experience local life.

Check out bars and pubs at the old port, most of them with great views of the city and a diverse selection of drinks.

14. Discover Saint Victor Abbey

Saint-Victor Abbey remains one of those must-see attractions that should not be overlooked when visiting the city. St Victor Abbey is a religious, cultural, and symbolic structure that is a remnant of Marseille’s past.

It is a gem of the early Christian era as well as Romanesque architecture, and it is listed in the registry of historical monuments. It is considered to be one of the most magnificent cathedrals in Marseille and a special location to pray.

From an architectural standpoint, two types of art are utilized. The center nave has Romanesque art, while the corridors, transept, and choir include Gothic art. The sight of the port from the location is spectacular and alone is worth the journey.

15. Go to Le Vallon des Auffes

The Vallon des Auffes gets its name from auffe, a plant used to make ship ropes and fishing nets. The little harbor features dozens of modest traditional and colorful fishermen’s huts, as well as their boats, some of which are pointed, traditional Provençal boats that add appeal to the area.

There is no beachfront at the Vallon des Auffes, yet there is an unforgettable environment. To swim, proceed under the arches and head toward the Vallon swimming pool, a favorite area for families.

I recommend going early in the morning to appreciate the peace. Climb the rocks for a tranquil spot where the water is deeper if you’re feeling brave.

16. Watch a Football Game at The Orange Velodrome Stadium

The Orange Velodrome serves as one of Marseille’s icons. During football matches at the stadium, the city frequently gets carried away.

If you’d like to discover the local stories that helped shape this city, I recommend visiting the stadium where many football legends have played. However, this fabled location is also rich in history, having been in the core of the Phocaean metropolis for almost 70 years.

The Stadium is available to the public throughout the year. You may take a self-guided tour of the changing rooms, pitch sides, and many other private locations.

Testimonies and images will enchant you as they depict the glory years of the Orange Velodrome Stadium and the Olympique de Marseille.

17. Calanque de Sugiton

There are two streams in the Calanque de Sugiton, each having a little shingle beach. There is an island located in front of the Calanque named Le Torpilleur because it resembles a torpedo boat.

There are also flat rocks and a beach below the cliffs. Naturists used to visit there, but it has since been banned due to a tragedy in 2005. Sugiton has a stunning environment, with cliffs.

It is reachable by a walkway that begins on the Marseille University campus. Except for the summer, the path is open all year.

Remember to bring bottles of water that may be loaded at the parking lot station before beginning your journey in the Calanques National Park. Because the road might be a little rough at times, it is best to wear decent shoes rather than flip-flops.

When you get to Sugiton, you may marvel at the turquoise ocean and untamed environment provided by the two little coves. You may relax on their pebble beaches, which offer an excellent view of the Ilot du Torpilleur, an island approximately ten meters from the coast.

18. Learn the Past at the History Museum of Marseille

The History Museum of Marseille exhibits unusual and previously unknown collections, recounting 26 centuries of the city’s history via various ordinary artifacts, ‘beaux-arts’ sculptures, and archeological remnants.

The history museum, positioned just a few steps away from the ancient port, where Marseille was established by the Phoceans, includes not only the site of the antique port but additionally a place for temporary expositions, which is a research center, as well as an auditorium.

The museum included several multimedia instruments to allow visitors to descend into the depths of the seafront city’s past to explore these 26 centuries of history.

19. Visit The Old Charity (Vieille Charité)

The Vieille Charite, a famous site in ancient Marseille, is conveniently located in the heart of the ancient city center, Le Panier. The museum lies on rue de la Charite, near the Cathedral of the Major.

The complex also includes four museums, which are essential for a town as rich in history as this one. However, at the time, it was utilized to house the Phocaean city’s beggars.

This Marseille landmark is now a multi-purpose hub hosting several cultural buildings. The tranquility and brilliant beauty of the location make it a distinctive destination in Marseille in many respects.

20. Make your Way to La Friche la Belle de Mai

La Friche sprang from the ashes of the Seita tobacco plant in Marseille and is now a center for creativity and innovation.

La Friche la Belle de Mai is a complex public place with about 400,000 visitors each year that includes a sports area, café, performance venues, gardens, a bookshop, and a training facility.

Every type of artistic expression, every trend, and individuals of all ages may be found here. Exploration, debate, and the unexpected may be found on every street corner in this section of town.

21. Go on a Shopping Spree at the Capuchin Market, Noailles

The most affordable food market in the town’s center, inaugurated in 1956, symbolizes the crossbreeding that developed Marseille.

The Queen Mother personally came to Marseilles to lay the foundation stone of the Capuchin a monastery, although the construction of the structures would take a long period due to a lack of funding.

It is home to traditional businesses like fishmongers, bakers, and the neighborhood’s wood-fired pizzas. There also exist flavors and other desserts and other beverages at discounted prices, as well as unsold products from major merchants or local businesses.

22. Pay Respect at Saint Vincent de Paul Church

Saint Vincent de Paul Church, commonly known as L’Eglise des Reformes in Marseille, France. It is situated at the northern end of Marseille’s most renowned street, La Canebière.

The Chapel of the Augustinians Reformed used to exist on this place in the Phocaean city’s 1st district.

Each year, the Santonniers’ Mass is held there on Christ the King’s Sunday before the start of the Santons’ Fair. If you happen to be in Marseille at the time, I strongly recommend that you attend this characteristically Provencal celebration.

The Church is now one of Marseille’s most visited parishes, with approximately 1000 faithful attending important Catholic events. It is an ideal location for prayer in Marseille.

23. Explore the Motorcycle Museum

This instructive and entertaining museum dedicated to the art of speed has over 240 motorcycles ranging from 19th-century models to modern racing machines. The museum is housed in a rebuilt flour mill and contains four stories, each dedicated to a distinct period.

The Motorcycle Museum’s mission is to sustain social connections and to be a component of integration in a heavily urbanized setting. With this goal in mind, the admission price is voluntarily encouraging universal access.

Qualified individuals monitor pedagogical games and instructional activities supplied to organizations, social structures, and schools. A scooter or motorcycle driving simulator is offered for youth 14 and above, as well as adults.

Where to Stay in Marseille, France

Hostel Vertigo Vieux-Port

Location: 38 Rue Fort Notre Dame, 13007 Marseille, France

Hostel Vertigo Vieux-Port is situated in the heart of Marseille, approximately 210 meters away from Vieux Port. A stairway leads to a quadruple bedroom or a bed in a hostel for guests. There is air conditioning. In public places, there is a free internet connection.

Breakfast is served daily at Hostel Vertigo Vieux-Port, and there is a common kitchen including a microwave and kettle. Guests may unwind on the outside terrace or in the lounge room, which is decorated in a Mediterranean style.

With a 24-hour reception, multilingual personnel of Hostel Vertigo Vieux-Port can provide tourist information. Local eateries and the Cantini Museum are also nearby.

Price per Night:

• $22 – $25

Amenities:

• Restaurant
• Free WiFi
• Family rooms
• Terrace
• Bar
• Heating
• Breakfast

Single Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room For 1 (1 night): $22 Price + $1 taxes and charges

Notable Inclusions:

• 1 bunk bed
• Inner courtyard view
• Air conditioning
• Private bathroom

InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu

Location: 1 Place Daviel, 13002 Marseille, France

The InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu is located in the historic neighborhood of Marseille, 360 meters from the Old Port. There is WiFi access available.

The hotel has approximately 190 rooms and suites, several with landmark vistas and private patios, and a contemporary, stylish design that complements its historical elements.

On-site, there are two gourmet restaurants. Le Capain Bar has a variety of drinks crafted by experts. A spa including saunas, sunbeds, a fitness center, and an indoor pool is available in the hotel’s relaxation zone. Hotel guests can use the spa for an additional fee.

Price per Night:

• $280- $1,508

Amenities:

• City view
• Garden
• Pets allowed
• Terrace
• Balcony
• Air conditioning
• 24-hour front desk

Prestige King Suite with Harbour View For 2 (1 night): $1,292 Price + $5 taxes and charges

Notable Inclusions:

• Private suite
• 115 m²
• Sea view
• Landmark view
• Inner courtyard view

Marseille Travel Tips

Pack appropriately

Needless to say, every time I travel, I am at an advantage of the weather. The spring weather made all of the walking more delightful. However, one thing to keep in mind with Marseille is that the weather may be unpredictable.

Think about buying the Marseille City Pass

If you intend to visit the majority of the major attractions, get a Marseille City Pass via the Internet or at the tourist center.

The pass can be used for up to three days and includes a museum entrance, unrestricted public transportation, public bike sharing, and a guided city excursion.

It saves you time by allowing you to bypass ticket queues at famous destinations, especially during busy tourist seasons. In addition to free admission to attractions, city passes may provide discounts on activities, restaurants, and stores, allowing you to save even more money during your stay.

Keep a close eye on your money

You’ll be shelling out euros in Marseille. Keep a watch on them since the city is still a vast brawling port where some individuals, at the very least, may have intentions for your money that don’t involve you.

Marseille is a well-known tourist destination. Pickpockets and fraudsters may target travelers, as in any tourist-heavy location. Being cautious with your money will help protect you against theft or fraudulent activity.

Beware of tourist traps

While Marseille, France, is a lovely and bustling city with a rich cultural past, it does have several tourist traps, as does every famous tourist destination.

Don’t fall for tourist traps that promise inexpensive bouillabaisse. Marseille’s trademark meal should cost at least 64.64 USD and no less than 107.74 USD per person.

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