Are you planning to visit Marseille? So discover the 11 must-have things to do in the city Phocéenne, sunny 2 900 hours a year!
The city of Marseille, located in the South of France and bordering the hot sea of the Mediterranean, is the 2nd city of France in population with its 858 000 inhabitants. Visit Marseille is a Mediterranean city full of history and rich in culture that invites you to relaxation and discoveries.
The beaches, coves and monuments of this city of art and culture will not fail to seduce you, but you are not yet at the end of your surprises. Indeed, Marseille is a Provencal city that remains faithful to its traditions, an aspect that you can discover through the gastronomy and local products, the legacy of the past. This destination promises an exceptional holiday under the sun of the Midi.
Discover our selection of the best things to do in Marseille!
For a visit to Marseille, opt for City Pass , which gives you access to the city’s transport, many museums and other benefits!
1. The Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean
Photo credit: Flickr – Mat Distef
Opened in 2013, MuCEM, or Musée des Civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée, is a must-see if you visit Marseille. Located at the entrance of the port, you will be seduced with the unique architecture of the building: an impressive cube in concrete lace.
Built on the site of Fort Saint-Jean, the museum hosts fabulous exhibitions that invite the most curious travellers to discover the different civilizations that have made the Mediterranean identity, from prehistory to present.
2. Old Port
Photo credit: Flickr – Napafloma-Photograph
Visiting Marseille is also enjoying the atmosphere that hangs on the Old Port, famous for its screaming, its boats, its buildings of times in the background and its many restaurants and cafes along the docks.
Take a place at a table on one of the terraces, and enjoy the sun’s rays in front of a unique and typical show.
3. Making a boat trip
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Daniel Harwardt
After strolling on the docks of the old port, why not take advantage of it to rent a boat ?
Finally, it would be a shame to visit Marseille without enjoying the beauty of its coastline. Also, with its 2,900 hours of sunshine per year, a boat ride turns out to be a great idea of outing with family or friends. And if you don’t have a boat license, don’t hesitate to ask for the services of a skipper!
Thus, renting a boat during your stay in Marseille will allow you to enjoy the landscapes of the Mediterranean coast while making the full of vitamin D!
4. The Cathedral of Major
Photo credit: Flickr – François Schwarz
Many monuments of the Marseille heritage, the Cathedral of Major is one of the must-sees. Only his particular architecture, with Romanesque and Byzantine influences, is worth a visit.
If the exterior will charm you with its striped facades and splendid domes, the interior will surprise you with its impressive dimensions. You will also enjoy the arcades, statues, mosaics and an infinity of small details that make the particularity of the place.
5. The tour of historical monuments
Photo credit: Flickr – emmrichard
To start, the ancient port will take you away in the history of Marseille. Otherwise, most large religious buildings, like the very well known Basilica Notre-Dame-de-la Garde , retrace the history of the 19th century. Go up to the top of the "Good Mother", as it is called there, and discover a panoramic view of the roofs of Marseille.
Your historic walk continues in the 19th century by visiting the castle of La Buzine before arriving in the contemporary era with the radiant and modern Cité du Corbusier .
6. The neighborhood of Cart
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Zyankarlo
A must-see place is certainly the neighborhood of Cart, the oldest district of Marseille, which is also one of the most visited. It is located in the heart of the historic centre of the city, close to the Old Port.
You will immediately fall under the charm of its steep alleys that climb the hill, its picturesque high buildings and its unique atmosphere. You will discover here a real condensed postcard from Marseilles that inspired the successful "Best Life" series.
7. The coastline
Photo credit: Flickr – Jopa Elleul
Marseille offers exceptional diversity, but its coast alone is worth a visit. Let yourself be seduced by its calanques that invite you to relax and escape.
For walks and swims in the family, head to the Prado seaside park, known for its many landscaped beaches, green spaces and skate park.
Another possibility, let yourself be tempted by a small walk at sea towards the Friuli Islands or enjoy the scuba diving on Riou Island.
8. Relaxation and well-being in the calanques
Photo credit: Flickr – maheva bagard laursen
In the calanques, Marseille unveils its nature and wild side in all its splendor. The embossed relief of the calanques hides in places beautiful small beaches accessible after a beautiful walk.
♪ Cassis calanques are part of the most beautiful of the Bouches-du-Rhône. They are about 20 kilometres from downtown Marseille.
On the beach of Morgiou or those of the calanque of En Vau, indulge yourself in gentle hours of farniente or swim in these little corners of paradise with the edges of the world.
9. Marseille flavors
Photo credit: Flickr – N Wong
What to do in Marseille? Discover his gastronomy! Whether you are gourmet or gourmet, offer a small parenthesis to discover local specialties.
Freshly fished in the Mediterranean, southern vegetables, Provence herbs and other spices will put your taste buds on holiday. The famous bouillabaisse and pistou soup are to taste absolutely!
10. The Château d’If
Photo credit: Flickr – Ralf Smallkaa
Visit Marseille without passing through the Château d’If, it’s kind of like removing its singing accent from the city. Ranked Historic Monument with its 100,000 visitors per year, the former fortress prison is accessible by sea shuttle and promises a breathtaking view of Marseille.
The same one that once inspired Alexandre Dumas for her famous novel The Count of Monte-Cristo . If you want to enjoy the experience, don’t hesitate to opt for a visit inside the Castle: this one promises a parenthesis out of time.
11. Make your own pastis
Nothing more local and original than to make your own pastis here in Marseille! True information and passionate, your host Guillaume will guide you in the preparation of your mix, certainly unique, pastis.
This workshop gives way to everyone's creativity, in a good atmosphere. At the end of the workshop, you will leave with your own 700mL pastis.
How to get to Marseille?
You have a choice between the car , the train and the plane to get to Marseille, everything will depend on your place of departure. The TGV connects Paris to Marseille in just 3 hours, and you will arrive in the center of Marseille, Gare St Charles, which is very convenient. You can also fly, but you will arrive at Marignane Airport, located about 24 km from Marseille. However, many shuttles are flowing between the airport and Marseille. To find a cheap flight, you can search our partner's website Ulysses .
Where to stay in Marseille?
If you choose to visit Marseille, several neighbourhoods offer to you according to your desires ! The Old Port is an ideal point to explore Marseille on foot, the Canebière, very noisy and agitated will allow you to be close to everything, and the district of the plain is ideal if you are looking for a young, central and festive place.
And finally, if you’re looking for something more authentic and picturesque, it’s definitely the neighbourhood of the Basket that will fill you. You can find a cheap hotel in Marseille by doing a search on a Compare hotels .
We easily fall under the charm of Marseille, this destination that has everything to please. Whatever your preferences, beach, history, art, culture, gastronomy, the city Phocéenne will satisfy you. Are you still wondering what to do in Marseille?
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