The capital of Provence and gateway to the Mediterranean, Marseille has a unique blend of ancient heritage and modernity. We were won over by this bustling metropolis, where Provencal traditions and Mediterranean influences mingle.
In this article, discover the 8 reasons why we think Marseille is well worth a visit!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is Marseille worth a visit?
Marseille absolutely deserves a place on your travel itinerary. This Phocaean city, with its 2600 years of history, seduced us with its exceptional diversity, combining remarkable natural riches, recognized cultural heritage and authentic Mediterranean atmosphere. We particularly enjoyed its spectacular calanques and characterful neighborhoods, which reveal the true soul of Provence. For more inspiration, our selection of the city’s best attractions will be available soon.
Reason 1 – For its natural richness
Marseille will amaze you with its exceptional natural treasures, starting with the unmissable Parc National des Calanques, which contributes to the city’s international reputation. We were dazzled by these Mediterranean fjords with their turquoise waters and white limestone cliffs plunging into the sea. The Frioul Islands, a wild archipelago facing the Old Port, also offer unspoilt landscapes and remarkable biodiversity, which you can discover by ferry. The Grotte Cosquer, a submerged prehistoric sanctuary discovered in 1985, is a unique natural heritage that we highly recommend you visit!
>> Book your boat tour of the magnificent Calanques <<
Reason 2 – For its cultural heritage
As France’s oldest city, with 2,600 years of history, Marseille boasts an exceptional cultural heritage that we loved discovering. It was also nominated European Capital of Culture in 2013. The MUCEM, an emblematic museum of Mediterranean civilization, harmoniously combines with Fort Saint-Jean in a striking architectural ensemble. We also recommend a visit to the Palais Longchamp, home to the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Musée d’Histoire Naturelle, particularly suitable for families. The Château Borely and Le Corbusier’s Cité Radieuse complete this remarkable cultural offering.
>> Book your MUCEM admission ticket now! <<
Reason 3 – For its location and sunshine
Ideally located in the South of France, Marseille is a strategic crossroads for exploring the entire region. We appreciated this central location, which means that Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Arles, the Camargue, the Luberon wine region and the Côte d’Azur are all just a few hours away. Its privileged Mediterranean climate offers over 300 days of sunshine a year, creating ideal conditions for enjoying its natural and cultural attractions. As a result, you’ll enjoy mild weather virtually all year round, so you can plan your stay with peace of mind whatever the season.
>> Tempted by an organized tour to explore the Luberon and taste its wines? <<
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Reason 4 – For its lively beaches
Marseille’s beaches are relatively numerous and lively. They are easily accessible by public transport, especially those concentrated in neighborhoods closer to the center. The Prado seaside resort is particularly well known for its many facilities, including a Ferris wheel and merry-go-rounds. These stretches of fine sand benefit from modern facilities and constant entertainment. You’ll be able to alternate between lazing in the sun, water sports and walks along the shore, all in a unique urban setting that blends city and sea. For our part, we loved the Corbières Beaches, nestled under a viaduct, which we discovered early in the morning in absolute calm.
Reason 5 – For its characterful neighborhoods
Marseille reveals its authentic soul through its neighborhoods, each with its own distinct personality, which we were delighted to explore. The Quartier du Panier plunges you into a unique artistic universe where street art flourishes from floor to wall, creating a fascinating open-air gallery! Malmousque and the picturesque Vallon des Auffes reveal the city’s maritime heritage with their colorful fishermen’s cottages. We also recommend a stroll through the Estaque district, immortalized by the famous French painter Paul Cézanne.
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Reason 6 – For its religious heritage
Marseille’s religious heritage unfolds majestically through the remarkable buildings we discovered on our travels. A true symbol of Marseille, the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde awaits you at the top of the Chemin du Bois Sacré, offering an exceptional panorama of the city and the sea. We were also captivated by the Cathedral La Major, an imposing stone vessel of impressive dimensions that bears witness to the architectural grandeur of the 19th century. The Vieille Charité, a former Baroque hospice transformed into a cultural center, harmoniously complements this religious heritage by hosting exhibitions.
Reason 7 – For its culinary specialties
Marseille’s gastronomy is a veritable voyage for the senses, and we enjoyed it at every meal. Traditional local recipes such as bouillabaisse, an authentic Mediterranean fish soup, pistou soup flavored with basil, or panisses, the typically Provençal fried chickpea pancakes, reveal all the richness of the local terroir. In Marseille, the aperitif is a sacred ritual in which pastis (an alcohol flavored with aniseed and licorice) takes pride of place. Look out for our article on the city’s best restaurants to awaken your taste buds with local flavours!
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Reason 8 – For its dynamic, trendy atmosphere
Marseille pulses with a modern, youthful energy that impressed us during our stay. This dynamic city is bursting with good places to spend a convivial and festive moment, whether by the sea on the Corniche Kennedy or from a rooftop offering a spectacular view of the sea. Numerous sporting events and internationally renowned music festivals are held here. The destination also attracts a jet-set clientele to its luxury hotels and restaurants, redefining the art of living in Marseille. Our article on the best hotels will be available soon.
Some disadvantages of a trip to Marseille
Safety
Safety is a major concern during your stay in Marseille. We advise you to avoid certain sensitive neighborhoods, preferring central tourist areas, and to keep an eye on your personal belongings. It’s a good idea to ask the locals directly about places to avoid at different times of the day. During our stay, a Marseillais warned us about certain neighborhoods and advised us against going out alone after dark.
The city’s surface area
Marseille’s vast expanse can surprise visitors, who often underestimate the distances between different districts and attractions. This metropolis is one of the largest in France, making it impractical to explore all its treasures on foot. The city makes up for this with a well-developed transport network including buses, streetcars, self-service bicycle hire, scooter hire and cabs. This way, you can optimize your travels and get the most out of your discovery without exhausting yourself. Visit the official website of the urban transport networks here.
Weather conditions
While Marseille enjoys a pleasant year-round climate, it does have to contend with the mistral, the powerful wind typical of Provence, which can blow for days at more than 60 km/h, making outdoor activities difficult. In summer, the heat can exceed 32°C, making it hard to visit at the hottest times of the day: so it’s best to go out in the morning or evening.
The ambivalence of the city
Marseille elicits contrasting reactions from visitors: either they adore this city of character, or remain perplexed by its sometimes raw authenticity. This ambivalence is an integral part of Marseille’s identity, which we’ve come to appreciate over the course of our trip. The city never fails to impress with its unique blend of Mediterranean beauty and contemporary urban reality. You’ll discover a metropolis that fully embraces its contradictions, where trendy neighborhoods coexist with working-class areas, exceptional heritage and sometimes brutal modernity. In our opinion, this unvarnished authenticity is one of Marseille’s greatest assets!
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.
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
Best boutique-hotels
