Marseille is the second-largest city in France after Paris, the capital of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, and the earliest city in the nation. Found on the Gulf de Lyon, which belongs to the Mediterranean Sea, Marseille is the best mix of African and French culture. Called the bridge in between North Africa and Europe, Marseille is a city that will beauty you with its lovely blue waters and historical old town. There are numerous things to do in Marseille that you can quickly invest a couple of days in this seaside city.
From its amazing Old Port to the famous Chateau d’If, Marseille this Mediterranean City ought to not be missed out on when going to Southern France.
Leading Things to do in Marseille
Most of the cool things to do in Marseille lie in the Vieux port/Le Panier part of town. This natural harbor has actually been utilized for the last 2400 years and is the best location to begin your expedition of the city.
1. Old Harbour– Le Vieux Port
Marseilles is among our preferred cities in France. Le Vieux Port of Marseilles is spectacular and filled with the raw energy that you would anticipate from any vibrant port city. Surrounded by historical structures and filled with fishing boats and leisure crafts, the port feels as if it has actually stalled in time. And it should, the Old Port of Marseille go back to 600 BC!
The old fort stands happily at the water’s edge and the cathedrals look down over the primary square. Besides the slick restaurants and coffee shops lining the boulevards, it appears it might be the setting for an old pirate film. We might picture what it resembled back in the 17th Century when schooners would enter the Vieux port filled with sailors. And it seems like it hasn’t altered a bit.
When going to the Old Port, we recommend getting an area at an outside patio area with a glass of champagne accompanied by fresh mussels to take in the energy and environment.
When going to Marseille, we recommend getting a Marseille City Pass– The city pass stands for 1-3 days and lets you get on hop off to see all the leading traveler destinations. With limitless access to mass transit plus a trip on the Traveler train to Notre-Dame de la Garde or through the Old Marseille. You’ll have entry to MUCEM, and Concerns de Provence Museum, plus crossing Frioul Island, or If Island with entryway to Chateau D’If. There are lots of discount rates, entry to local museums, and a directed city trip. See information here.
2. Le Panier
When going to Europe, we constantly enjoy getting lost in the old towns of its historical cities. And Marseille is no various. Le Panier, The Old Quarter goes back to 600 BC when the ancient Greeks settled in these parts. It is the earliest district in Marseille and was initially called Massala when it was established and ultimately changed into its French name today. It has actually been the center of migration to the city producing a multicultural flare filled with enjoyment.
The narrow cobblestone streets lined with vibrant shivered windows produce a beautiful walk through the lives of the residents and the location is filled with dining establishments and coffee shops.
This directed audio trip lets you experience Le Panier, the historical district of Marseille where you’ll check out Vieux Port, Municipal Government, Saint Nicolas, and Saint-Jean forts, and the Notre Dame “Bonne Mère” Basilica.
3. Fort Saint-Jean
Standing front and center of the Old Town is among the most checked out monoliths in Marseille. Fort Saint-Jean is linked by a footbridge to MuCEM (Museum of the Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean). Fort Saint-Jean can’t be missed out on with its high watchtower. Constructed by shipowners in the Middle Ages to strengthen the location and safeguard Marseille from intruders.
3. MuCEM– Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean
It is fitting that this museum stands in among Europe’s earliest cities. In 2013, Marseille was called a European Capital of Culture and The MuCEM– Musée des civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée was opened as part of its inauguration. The modern-day structure is a sharp contrast to the historical architecture lining the waterside. Constructed in between land and sea, MuCEM, lies next to Fort Saint-Jean bringing life to the location.
While the museum is devoted to the history of European civilization and Mediterranean Culture, it is the structure itself that has actually captured the attention of travelers. It is the most recent of Marseille’s traveler destinations and is rapidly ending up being the most popular thing to do in Marseille.
4. Chateau d’If
Marseille is the setting for this popular book, The Count of Monte Cristo composed by Alexander Dumas, however Chateau d’If is not an imaginary place. It is extremely genuine and this island jail stands simply off the coast of Marseille in the Mediterranean Sea.
Initially developed as a fortress, Chateau d’if was later on utilized as a jail for political detainees. Take the boat over to If Island (consisted of in our CityPass) and after that check out the cells of the popular political detainees who suffered an uninspiring fate without any opportunity of escape.
Remarkably, the cells of Chateau d’If were rather big. The higher-ranking detainees spent for much better cells that were large and even had fireplaces. The poorer detainees were condemned to the lower dungeons which were excruciating and we were unable to see.
If you have actually checked out The Count of Monte Cristo or recognize with any of the motion pictures, Chateau d’If need to be contributed to your list. Poor Edmond Dantes was sent out to the jail island of Chateau d’If where he invested 14 years suffering at the hands of his tormentors prior to leaving and taking his vengeance. Get your copy on Kindle or Paperback here.
EUR10 will get you a seat on the 20-minute ferryboat flight out to the island. You will need to pay another EUR5 when you come to Chateau d’If to see the websites. Or if you have a City Pass, the entry and crossing are consisted of.
4. Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
Paris isn’t the only city with Notre Dame. Marseille city has its own Notre Dame, the Notre Dame de la Garde standing high up on a hill keeping watch on its ships. This is a fantastic location to direct for views of the city of Marseille and its port. Make certain to search for, a big Virgin Mary sits atop the belfry watching the sailors.
Likewise referred to as La Bonne Mère, this perspective is not to be missed out on. The high walk up 150 meters deserves it however if you do not wish to stroll, you can capture the traveler train as much as see the views and the huge gilded statue of the Virgin Mary. Get here early to beat the rush of travelers as it is Marseille’s most popular tourist attraction.
This full-day sightseeing excursion consists of a see to the basilica Notre Dame de la Garde plus a lot more destinations consisting of, MuCEM and the Rental Property Méditerranée, Saint-Victor Abbey, and its 4th-century crypt, and a lot more.
5. Marseille Cathedral– Cathédrale de la Major
When going to Europe, we constantly “discover our faith” (well, a minimum of we discover an interest in seeing its monoliths) Cathédrale de la Major is a lovely monolith on the waterside going back to the 19th century.
Like much of the structures in Marseille, The Cathedral mixes Romanesque and Byzantine designs. It is a huge cathedral covering 141 meters (462 feet). Its dome towers reach a height of 16 meters (52 feet) This cathedral advised us of the Duomo in Florence, however with an even more lovely setting.
6. Parc National des Calanques
A great day journey from Marseille is Calanques National Forest. It is the only national forest in Europe that lies near metropolitan locations and is both on land and sea. It lies straight next to Marseilles en path to Cassis.
Calanques National Forest is a big park at 520 square km (201 square miles) and it most definitely appears like something from the Greek Islands. It was designated a national forest in 2012 and has fantastic treking tracks and locations for kayaking and checking out the limestone cliffs and peaceful coves.
Take a boat flight to see the spectacular coast and covert fishing towns that line the coast. This Catamaran trip to Calanques National forest. This 5-hour trip goes along the Mediterranean Sea in between La Madrague and the town of Cassis, by means of Les Goudes and Callelongue. It is a fantastic method to check out the coast.
9. History Museum– Musée d’Histoire de Marseille
With Marseille being the earliest city in France, it is just fitting to check out the History Museum. The Musée d’Histoire de Marseille homes 4000 displays and interactive destinations showcasing the 26-century history of the city. Entryway to the History Museum is consisted of in your City Pass.
10. Palais Longchamp
Palais Longchamp is a monolith that was developed to commemorate the conclusion of a long canal, The Canal de Marseille that provides the city with water from the Durance River. It is a big green area with interconnected parks. It houses the Museum of Arts going back to 1801 and it is likewise house to the Nature Museum. Its 2 wings are linked by a lovely big water fountain and waterfall.
11. Abbaye Saint-Victor
If you have not gotten enough of the history in Marseille, visit Abbaye Saint-Victor. Not just will you find out about the city’s spiritual history, however it is likewise an Abbey with a view. The Basilica and the crypts have lovely views of the Old City.
A terrific method to navigate Marseille is to take a biking trip. This 3.5-hour trip covers all the highlights of Marseille while taking in the fresh sea air. You’ll go through:
The Panier Area (the earliest district of Marseille) The Significant CathedralThe brand-new MuCem Museum areaThe Old Port (the primary location in Marseille) The Pharo (where you have a lovely view of the Old Port) Malmousque Little PortThe Vallon des AuffesThe Kennedy CornicheNotre Dame de la Garde (the “bonne mère”) The Abbaye of Saint-Victor
12. Vieille Charité
Vieille Charité was when an old almshouse (a structure to assist the bad) and is now a museum and cultural center. It is a hip location with a Bohemian ambiance consisting of 3 tiers of art galleries, street art, and stores. This is a fantastic location to get a feel for the regional culture, and to do some shopping a the art market. There are lots of bars and coffee shops and it’s best for individuals enjoying. Plus there are 2 crucial museums in the complex, the Museum of Art of Africa and the Museum of Archaeology.
13. Parc Borély
Marseilles was charming and anybody going to the south of France ought to make it a stop on their list. It is filled with history, lovely architecture, and parks. Parc Borély is thought about among the most impressive gardens in France. It was built in the 17th century and is made up of 3 various gardens. An English Garden, a French garden, a horse racing track linked by an arboretum.
How to get to Marseille
Marseille lies in the south of France and you can fly to the Marseille Provence Airport which is simply 27 km away. There are flights daily from all cities in Europe. International flights to Marseille link by means of London, Paris, and Dublin.
The train is among the most convenient methods to get to Marseille and there are everyday trains from Paris. Marseille’s primary station is the Gare de Marseille St Charles.
The primary bus station in Marseille is Gare St Charle (St. Charles bus station) and gets here from all over Europe.
Where to Remain In Marseille
When taking a trip through Europe, we frequently remain at Ibis or Etap hotels when taking a trip on a Spending plan. Now that we are a bit older, we choose to spend lavishly on higher-end lodging, however we still believe these are 2 fantastic hotel chains.
Vieux Port– The very best location to remain in Marseille is the Old Port. It is centrally situated and simple to see the majority of the leading Marseille destinations. It can be rather loud and hectic however.
Le Panier– The Old Town is another fantastic alternative in the 2nd arrondissement. Not far from the Old Port, there are a number of options of lodging. comprised of 3 locations in Marseille and this is a great alternative for a quieter stay than the old port. Les Grands Carmes, City Center, and La Joliette.
Train Station– This is a great alternative that is a more economical location, however it is still simple to navigate. We remained at the Ibis Hotel and discovered it to be rather enjoyable.
Navigating Marseille
We had a vehicle while going to Marseille, however traffic was hectic, so we parked it and mainly strolled. However due to the fact that we had a vehicle leasing so we were extremely mobile in Marseille and had the flexibility to remain outside the city while taking a trip on a Spending plan.
If you do not wish to stroll, a Marseille City Pass is a fantastic alternative. It lets you Flight Marseille’s public transportation free of charge. Passes can be purchased for 24, 48 or 72 hour and cover:
Open door to Marseille’s museums consisting of– the Marine Museum, Natual History Museum, Fine Arts Museum, Palais Longchamp, and more. A Trip on the train to Notre-Dame de la Garde or le Panier old townGet tastings and discount rates in licensed stores.