Planning a trip to Provence? Marseille, the multi-faceted city of Marseille, will seduce you with its spectacular calanques, remarkable historical heritage and authentic Mediterranean culture. We were won over by this dynamic metropolis that combines Provencal traditions with urban modernity.
Discover our ideas for what to do in Marseille, illustrated with photos that will make you want to go. Bonus: useful tips and additional activities.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
1. Discover the Calanques National Park
Why visit?
The Parc National des Calanques is one of France’s most spectacular natural gems. These veritable Mediterranean fjords offer a striking landscape, with turquoise waters fringed by white limestone cliffs that plunge dramatically into the sea. We were dazzled by this unspoilt natural setting, home to some of Marseille’s most beautiful beaches. You can explore this natural paradise by hiking for the more adventurous, or from the comfort of a boat to admire the secret coves from the sea. Exploration reveals remarkable biodiversity and breathtaking panoramas.
Practical advice
- Visit duration: half or full day
- Difficulties and PRM access: check with cruise lines before booking, as some tours are not recommended for people with back pain.
- Access: from Marseille or Cassis
- Parking: paying parking lots in Marseille and Cassis
- Eating out: a few restaurants in the calanques
- Book your Calanques cruise here!
2. Stroll around the Old Port and downtown
Why visit?
This lively port is the historic and social heart of the town, where we enjoyed watching the constant bustle of pleasure boats and trawlers. It is the starting point for many sea excursions to the Calanques or the Frioul Islands. You can stroll along the quays, admire the traditional boats and enjoy the many café terraces. Although we weren’t particularly impressed by the famous Canebière during our exploration of the city center, the entire pedestrian zone offers an authentically Marseillaise atmosphere!
Practical advice
- Length of visit: 2 to 3 hours of strolling
- Difficulties and access for disabled people: accessible and partly pedestrian area, not too steep.
- Access: metro line 1 stop “Vieux-Port” (info here)
- Parking: pay parking lots in the center
- Eating out: a wealth of options around the port, including the excellent star-rated Restaurant Une Table au Sud.
- Would you like to discover the historic center in a different way? Book your guided tour with an authentic Marseillais!
3. Escape to the Frioul Islands
Why visit?
The Frioul Islands boast unspoilt landscapes and remarkable biodiversity, which you can discover by ferry from the port. We were seduced by this raw nature in contrast to the urban hustle and bustle. This wild archipelago is home to some magnificent beaches, including the sublime Plage de Saint-Estève on Ratonneau Island, a haven of peace with crystal-clear waters. Enjoy the tranquility of these wind-beaten limestone islands, ideal for hiking and observing Mediterranean wildlife.
Practical advice
- Length of visit: full day to explore the 2 islands on foot
- Timetable: regular ferry departures from Marseille’s Vieux-Port – book your trip here
- Difficulties and PRM access: concrete areas with smooth, even ground, but also irregular and sometimes uneven paths.
- Rates: return ticket €11.10 or €8.30 for families
- Access: Marseille Old Port pier
- Parking: Parking du Vieux-Port
- Catering: available along the Quai du Port de l’Île de Ratonneau
- Do you have sea legs? Choose a boat cruise to the Frioul Islands?
4. Admire the splendid Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
Why visit?
Nicknamed the “Good Mother” by the people of Marseilles, this Romanesque-Byzantine basilica sits majestically atop the Colline de la Garde, 154 meters above sea level. We were impressed by its recognizable silhouette, which watches over the city of Marseille with its gilded statue of the Virgin of Notre-Dame de la Garde visible from all over the city. You’ll discover an exceptional 360-degree panorama of Marseille, the Frioul Islands and the sea. The interior is sumptuous, rich in gilded ornamentation and religious details. This spiritual and architectural ascent is a must-see during your stay!
Practical advice
- Length of visit: 1h to 2h (if you also visit the Musée de Notre-Dame de la Garde)
- Opening hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (variable according to season)
- Difficulties and access for wheelchair users: a motorized vehicle will take you to an elevator leading to the basilica.
- Rates: free access
- Access: on foot via the steep Chemin du Bois Sacré, by bus on line 60 or by tourist train from the Vieux-Port.
- Parking: parking lot at the foot of Notre-Dame de la Garde
- Catering: Restaurant du Sanctuaire or Buvette Le Bon Air (in high season) on site
5. Explore the MUCEM and Fort Saint-Jean
Why visit?
The Musée des Civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée is a remarkable architectural symbol of Marseille’s cultural renewal. We were seduced by this lacy concrete cube, designed by French architect Rudy Ricciotti, which blends harmoniously with Fort Saint-Jean. Explore the permanent and temporary collections devoted to Mediterranean cultures through an innovative modern scenography. A stroll along the footbridges offers breathtaking views of the sea and the city. Fort Saint-Jean, a historic monument linked by a suspended footbridge, completes this unique cultural experience where heritage and modernity come together magnificently.
Practical advice
- Tour duration: 2h to 4h
- Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (closed Tuesdays)
- Handicap access: fully accessible – more info here
- Rates: full €11, reduced €7.50
- Access: by public transport (metro, bus and streetcar)
- Parking: Parking du Vieux-Port
- Catering: 4 restaurants on site
- Book your MUCEM admission ticket now!
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6. Treat yourself to a stay in a luxury hotel
Why visit?
Marseille’s upscale hotels turn your stay into a refined experience. We discovered exceptional establishments combining contemporary design and personalized service, often housed in renovated historic buildings. Choose from palaces overlooking the Old Port with sea views, boutique hotels or more modern establishments. These privileged addresses offer spas, gourmet restaurants and panoramic terraces that sublimate the Mediterranean art of living. On our trip, we loved staying at theC2 Hotel and enjoying its intimate, relaxing spa – check photos, photos and availability.
Practical advice
- Difficulties and access for PRMs: generally well adapted and equipped establishments
- Rates: vary according to standing and season
- Parking: valet parking and private parking lots
- Catering: bistronomic or gastronomic restaurants on site
- See our article on the best hotels in Marseille (available soon).
7. Enjoy the picturesque Corbières Beaches
Why visit?
Located at the foot of a viaduct and south of the Estaque district, the 3 Corbières Beaches are an invitation to slow down. The path carved out of the rock and the stairs leading up to it already add a touch of cachet to the arrival. Untouched by tourists during our visit, they offered a most soothing setting for a morning swim. Claire’s clear water and panoramic views over the Mediterranean reinforce this sense of escape in the middle of the city. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a simple moment, between bathing, sun and Provencal sweetness.
Practical advice
- Length of visit: as you wish
- Handicap access: well-equipped beach (amphibious wheelchairs and drop-off point available) – more info here
- Access: bus stop line 35 “Corbières base nautique”, by car from the D568 road
- Parking: public parking lot on site
- Catering: not available – bring a picnic
8. Getting lost in the Panier district
Why visit?
The Panier district is like a village in the city, with steep, colorful streets. We loved getting lost in this maze of small cobbled streets adorned with creative street-art and facades with colorful shutters. You’ll discover the popular and authentic soul of the Phocéenne city through its shady squares, artists’ studios and local craft stores. This bohemian neighborhood reveals a preserved Mediterranean atmosphere where history, culture and conviviality come together. The terraced cafés invite you to take a contemplative break in the very special atmosphere that gives Marseille its timeless charm.
Practical advice
- Visit duration: 2h to 3h of strolling
- Difficulties and PRM access: steep, cobbled streets, stairs and slopes
- Access: metro line 2 stop “Joliette” then 10min walk
- Parking: nearby pay parking lots
- Eating and drinking: many typical cafés and restaurants
- How about exploring the Quartier du Panier with the whole family on a fun-filled guided tour and treasure hunt?
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9. Going back in time at the Grotte Cosquer
Why visit?
The restoration of the Cosquer cave at the Villa Méditerranée offers an extraordinary journey into Mediterranean prehistory. We were fascinated by this faithful reconstruction of the underwater cave discovered in the Calanques, with its 30,000-year-old cave paintings. You’ll plunge into the world of our hunter-gatherer ancestors, thanks to a striking technological immersion that recreates the atmosphere of this sunken cavern. This unique experience reveals representations of animals now extinct, and bears witness to the artistic genius of prehistoric man. A moving scientific journey that connects the present to our most distant origins.
Practical advice
- Length of visit: approx. 2 hours, including 35 minutes exploring the cave
- Opening hours: 9.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.
- Handicap access: easy access, adapted toilets and facilities – more info here
- Price: €18 for adults, free for children under 5
- Access: by public transport (metro, streetcar and bus)
- Parking: Parking du Vieux-Port
- Catering: On-site cafeteria-restaurant
- Book your ticket with an audioguide here!
10. Walking in Malmousque
Why visit?
The Quartier de Malmousque reveals a confidential, romantic facet of Marseille, a genuine, unspoilt fishing village at the end of the Corniche Kennedy. We were charmed by this peaceful enclave of white houses and colorful shutters. You’ll discover fishermen’s cottages, rocky coves and flower-filled stairways leading down to the sea. This bucolic walk offers sublime panoramas of the Mediterranean horizon. The village atmosphere contrasts delightfully with the hustle and bustle of Marseille, and invites contemplation.
Practical advice
- Length of visit: 1h to 2h walk
- Difficulties and PRM access: stairs and narrow paths
- Access: bus line 83 from downtown
- Parking: limited spaces along the corniche
- Catering: a wide range of restaurants, including Restaurant Inizio for its Italian flavours.
- Take a guided stroll through Malmousque and other charming areas of Marseille!
11. Appreciate the authenticity of the Vallon des Auffes
Why visit?
The Vallon des Auffes is one of Marseille’s last traditional fishing ports, miraculously preserved from modern urbanization. We were touched by the authenticity of this little haven of peace. You’ll discover a picture-postcard setting with fishermen’s cottages, hanging nets and family restaurants serving bouillabaisse according to ancestral recipes. This picturesque enclave on the Corniche Kennedy bears witness to the maritime past of the Phocaean city and preserves the Mediterranean art of living. The village atmosphere and fragrances of yesteryear create a moving interlude in time in the heart of the metropolis.
Practical advice
- Tour duration: 30min to 1h
- Difficulties and PRM access: stairs and paved floors
- Access: bus 83 stop “Vallon des Auffes”.
- Parking: a few spaces along the corniche
- Catering: traditional fish restaurants
- Fancy a guided tour of the Vallon des Auffes and other picturesque areas of Marseille?
12. An exceptional gastronomic experience
Why visit?
Marseille’s gastronomic scene combines Mediterranean traditions with contemporary audacity, offering a unique culinary experience. While bouillabaisse remains a staple of the Old Port, the city is also known for its Michelin-starred restaurants, where chefs creatively revisit local flavors. We fell in love with the Restaurant Une Table au Sud, where each plate is transformed into a sensory voyage, between finesse and authenticity. Tasting at such a table means discovering Marseille in a different way, through its products, its light and its marine spirit. An exceptional moment that we highly recommend you experience!
Practical advice
- Length of visit: meals from 1 to 3 hours
- Opening hours: depending on location
- Handicapped access: generally accessible restaurants
- Rates: vary according to standing
- Access: downtown and tourist areas
- Catering: reservation recommended
- See our article on the best restaurants in Marseille (available soon).
13. Slowing down in the Estaque district
Why visit?
L’Estaque embodies the working-class, artistic soul of Marseille, a working-class district immortalized by the famous French painter Paul Cézanne. To this day, this authentic neighborhood captivates with its friendly atmosphere and splendid views of the Mediterranean. You can stroll along the water’s edge, between the fishermen’s boats and the lively terraces. It’s also an opportunity to taste the famous chichis fregis and panisses, local specialties sold in small stalls. A perfect place to slow down and enjoy a simple, authentic Marseille.
Practical advice
- Visit duration: 1 to 2 hours of discovery
- Difficulties and PRM access: sloping neighborhood
- Access: bus stop line 35 “Estaque Port”, by car from the D568 main road
- Parking: spaces available in the neighborhood
- Catering: family restaurants and cafés
14. Contemplate the imposing Cathédrale de La Major
Why visit?
Sainte-Marie-Majeure Cathedral, nicknamed “La Major” by Marseillais, dominates the landscape between the Old Port and the Joliette district. Its monumental 19th-century architecture, blending Romanesque and Oriental influences, captivates with its domes and facades elegantly striped in white and green stone. Listed as a Monument Historique since 1906, it is one of France’s largest cathedrals, impressing both by its size and its refinement. A strong symbol of Marseille’s heritage, it reflects the city’s multicultural influence and is well worth a contemplative stop.
Practical advice
- Tour duration: 30min to 1h
- Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (flexible hours)
- Difficulties and PRM access: relatively wide aisles, smooth floor, stairs at entrance
- Rates: free access
- Access: bus line 49 “La Major” stop
- Parking: Parking du Vieux-Port
- Catering: cafés and restaurants in the sector
15. Visit the Palais Longchamp and its museums
Why visit?
The Palais Longchamp is a grandiose achievement, combining a monumental water tower, formal gardens and classical colonnades in a park setting. Inside, you’ll discover 2 prestigious museums: the Musée des Beaux-Arts, with works by Rubens, David and Ingres, and the Musée d’Histoire Naturelle, with its wealth of regional and exotic specimens. We really enjoyed this cultural walk through paintings, sculptures, fossils, rare animal species and other curiosities. This architectural and landscaped ensemble is one of the finest examples of Marseille’s heritage.
Practical advice
- Length of visit: 2h to 4h with museums
- Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed on Mondays)
- Difficulties and PRM access: Musée des Beaux-Arts easily accessible – arrival via boulevard Montricher where there is an access ramp and then elevator, Musée d’Histoire Naturelle not accessible
- Admission: free for permanent collections, €6 for temporary exhibitions, free for under-18s – more info here
- Access: public transport (metro, bus and streetcar)
- Parking: pay parking lots in the surrounding streets
- Catering: numerous restaurants in the vicinity
Best things to do in Marseille: other ideas
Other cultural visits
The city is home to a number of other interesting cultural institutions:
- Château Borély: an elegant collection of decorative arts in a refined neoclassical setting – details here
- Le Corbusier’s Cité Radieuse: a welcoming masterpiece of modernist architecture to discover on guided tours – book here
- La Vieille Charité: former baroque hospice housing the Musée d’Archéologie Méditerranéenne and the Musée d’Arts Africains, Océaniens et Amérindiens – info here
- The Musée Regards de Provence: a showcase for regional art in a former sanitary station – details here
- The Soap Museum: a space dedicated to the secrets and history of Marseille’s soap industry – info here
Other churches
Apart from the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde and the Cathédrale La Major, Marseille is home to many religious buildings:
- Église Saint-Ferréol les Augustins: a remarkable neo-Baroque façade in the heart of the historic center.
- Saint-Victor Abbey: founded in the 5th century, this abbey contains precious crypts, chapels and sarcophagi – find out more here.
- Saint-Laurent Church: a fine example of Provençal Romanesque art, with a breathtaking view of the Old Port from its forecourt – details here
- Église Notre-Dame du Mont: a darkened neighbourhood church with a magnificent painted ceiling
Other beaches
Marseille’s coastline offers a wide variety of seaside experiences:
- Les Plages du Prado: a seaside resort with water sports activities and restaurants facing the islands.
- Plage du Prophète: this stretch of golden sand is well equipped for families.
- La Plage des Catalans: close to the city center, this beach has an urban feel.
- Les Plages des Calanques: secret coves with crystal-clear waters, perfect for an immersion in nature.
- Les Plages des Îles du Frioul: a change of scenery guaranteed in an unspoilt environment off the coast of Marseille.
Best things to do in Marseille with children
Travelling with the family? Don’t panic, we’ve found plenty of activities in Marseille to share with your children:
- Musée de l’Illusion: immerse your children in a fascinating world where perception and reality intertwine – book your tickets here!
- A treasure hunt through Old Marseille: a fun treasure hunt in the Panier district – see details of the activity here!
- Ecopark Adventures Treetop Adventure: a tree walk for young and old – book your tickets here!
- The little tourist train: a convivial ride that allows you to explore the city without tiring and admire its most beautiful panoramas – more info here.
Excursions around Marseille
Visiting Cassis and Aix-en Provence
Just a few kilometers from Marseille, Cassis and Aix-en-Provence offer two unmissable experiences. Cassis seduces with its spectacular calanques and charming fishing port, whileAix unveils its elegant lanes, lively squares and rich cultural heritage. You can choose to explore these two gems on your own if you have a car, or opt for a tour accompanied by a local guide to better grasp their history and secrets.
>> Book your organized tour to discover Cassis and Aix-en-Provence <<
Explore Provence and taste its wines
Immerse yourself in the heart of Provence with a tour that brings together some of the region’s unmissable gems. Stroll through the hilltop village of Les Baux-de-Provence, a real Provencal postcard, before admiring the impressive Pont du Gard, a masterpiece of Roman engineering. Continue on to Avignon, the city of the popes, with its ramparts and rich historical heritage. The day ends in style with a wine tasting at Châteauneuf-du-Pape, one of the region’s most prestigious vineyards, for a tasty and convivial experience.
Discover the villages of the Luberon
From Marseille, treat yourself to a Provencal interlude in the heart of the Luberon. Take the picturesque Combe de Lourmarin road, discover Bonnieux and its 12th-century church, be seduced by the flamboyant colors of Roussillon, then admire the spectacular view of Gordes. With guide and transport included, this excursion is ideal for exploring Provence’s most beautiful hilltop villages without the hassle of organization.
>> Book your guided tour of the Luberon here <<
Useful tips for visiting Marseille
Where is Marseille?
- France’s second-largest city on the Mediterranean coast
- Marseille to Aix-en-Provence = 30min drive
- Marseille to Cassis = 35min drive
- Marseille to Avignon = 1h20 drive
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
How to get to Marseille
Marseille boasts excellent transport links, making it easy to reach from all over France and the rest of the world.
To reach Marseille:
- By plane: Marseille Provence Airport serves many international destinations and is about a 30-minute drive from the center. – see available flights!
- By car: the town is well connected by the A55, A7 and A50 freeways. It takes around 40 minutes to get to Cassis, 45 minutes to La Ciotat and 50 minutes to Aix-en-Provence, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the region.
- By train: Marseille-Saint-Charles station offers direct services from Paris, as well as to other French destinations such as Lyon, Nice and Bordeaux.
See the available schedules and book your train tickets now.
Parking in Marseille
Parking in Marseille can quickly become a challenge, especially around the Old Port and in the busy central districts. A full list of the city’s parking lots is available here, to give you easy access to the city’s main tourist attractions. If you want to avoid the stress of traffic, opt for park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts, then take the metro or streetcar to the center. See a map of them here.
Getting around Marseille
Walking around Old Marseille is a real pleasure, but the size of the city soon makes the use of public transport essential. The RTM network brings together metro, tramway and bus services that efficiently serve the entire urban area. The metro provides quick access to the main tourist attractions, while self-service bicycles offer an eco-friendly alternative for getting around. Last but not least, shuttle boats make crossing the Old Port a breeze, and provide easy access to the Frioul Islands.
Marseille City Pass
Alone, with family or friends, CityPass Marseille is the ideal way to explore the city in complete freedom. Available in 24, 48 or 72-hour packages, it includes unlimited access to public transport (bus, metro, streetcar) and must-see tours such as the tourist train, the Colorbus bus or a boat trip to the Frioul Islands or the Cosquer Cave. The pass also entitles the holder to entry to a number of emblematic museums, including Mucem, Regards de Provence and the Maison Jaune, as well as numerous discounts in stores and tourist activities. It’s a great way to discover Marseille at a lower cost!
>> Book your City Pass to explore Marseille at your own pace <<
Where to eat in Marseille
Marseille is home to some exceptional restaurants. In particular, we recommend
- Restaurant Une Table au Sud: a Michelin-starred address on the Old Port, where Mediterranean flavors are revisited with finesse and creativity.
- Restaurant Copains: a friendly restaurant featuring local, seasonal produce in a warm atmosphere.
- Restaurant Wood Cantine: a trendy, uncluttered place to enjoy healthy, gourmet and inventive cuisine.
Visiting Marseille in winter
Winter in Marseille offers a mild, bright climate, perfect for exploring the city in a different way. It’s an ideal time of year to visit museums in peace and quiet, away from the summer crowds, or to linger on sun-drenched terraces. Thanks to mild temperatures and often clear skies, walks in the calanques remain a real pleasure even in the depths of winter.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE Côte d’Azur
- Inspiration
The most beautiful landscapes in 30 photos
Best things to do on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful villages
Best beaches on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful gardens
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Most beautiful islands
Secret places
- Practical advice
Successful travel on the Côte d’Azur (coming soon)
Rent a car in Provence – in Nice – in Cannes – in Marseille – in Aix-en-Provence.
Itineraries: 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
Weekend ideas: best-of – romantic – luxury – unusual
- Where to stay
Where to stay on the Côte d’Azur
Best luxury hotels on the Côte d’Azur
Hotels by the sea
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