Marseille, the second largest city in France with almost a million inhabitants, is also one of the most touristic cities in France. Marseille has many things to do and see with some of the most popular places in France.
Marseille is also one of the gateways for a stay in Corsica or North Africa via its port, one of the largest in France.
In this article, you will discover the essential things to do in Marseille, these mythical places that have made the reputation of the Phocaean city.
Summary:
What to do in Marseilles:
- The Château d'If and the Frioul Islands
- The Old Port, the must-do in Marseille
- The creeks of Marseille
- The Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, the symbol of Marseille
- The MUCEM, THE museum to do in Marseille
- La Canebiere
- Fort Saint Jean
Practical advice for visiting Marseille
City-pass Marseille :Discover the Marseille city-pass and benefit from free admission and reductions on a large number of visits and excursions. Simplify the organization of your stay in Marseille Buy your Pass
The Château d'If and the Frioul Islands
The Frioul Islands form an archipelago of 4 islands located in the middle of the creeks of Marseille. Their arid climate explains the absence of flora. However, the animal fauna is very present, in particular many seabirds. These islands are a paradise for fishermen, hikers and divers. They can also be visited by scooter or electric bike.
THEIsland of Pomegues is home to the first organic aquaculture farm in the world, sea bass are raised there.
On theIsland of Ratonneau we will not fail to visit the Caroline Hospital which was a quarantine hospital and which was built in the XNUMXth century.
As for theFrioul Island, it is the most famous thanks to the presence of the Château d'If. This fortress, built by order of François 1er from 1524 to 1531, quickly became, from 1580, a prison because of its isolation. José Custado Faria was the escape companion of Edmond Dantès, alias the Count of Monte-Cristo, whose story Alexandre Dumas recounted in one of his best-known novels. The Marquis de Sade and the Man in the Iron Mask were also locked up there. Open to the general public since 1890, the fortress can be visited.
Visiting the Château d'If and the Frioul Islands are among the top activities to do in Marseille.
Book your entry to the Château d'If
The Old Port, the must-do in Marseille
Marseille's oldest port is one of the city's emblematic places. Built on the Calanque du Lacydon 26 centuries ago, it testifies to the antiquity of the city. Its quays were built between the 1844th and XNUMXth centuries. At the end of the XNUMXth century, the two oldest buildings in the city were built: the Hôtel de Cabre and the Maison Diamantée. Fort Saint Jean and Fort Nicolas were built in the XNUMXth century. In XNUMX, it became necessary to build the new Joliette basin to cope with the influx of merchant ships. The rue de la République, which connects them, is installed in stride.
Today, the marina is the central point of transport in the city: metro, bus, batobus to Estaque or Pointe Rouge, maritime shuttles to the creeks or the islands and the little tourist train all converge on the essential number one for a stay in Marseille.
Semi-pedestrianized, it has become the essential meeting place for Marseille residents and tourists alike, especially since a large number of restaurants and bars welcome everyone to enjoy the catch sold at the fish market.
The creeks of Marseille
If you are asked what to do in Marseille, then you will undoubtedly have to answer the Calanques National Park.
It has a remarkable biodiversity. Despite the proximity of the city, 140 plant and animal species coexist in these places. The 60 marine species that live there are a delight for divers. Over more than 20 kilometres, coves and coves with transparent blue waters stretch between the Marseilleveyre massif and the Puget massif, and delight swimmers who wish to leave the noise of the city behind. It can be accessed in multiple ways. The GR 51 follows the coast and will delight hikers. Some creeks are easily reachable on foot from a station connected to Saint Charles station. Finally, the arrival by boat promises incredible wonder. Climbers will savor the relief of the massifs. Among the best known of the creeks, it is worth mentioning the Goudes, the creek of Sormiou, that of En vau and that of Sugiton. The surprising landscapes of the creeks have something to delight young and old. Sandy or pebble beaches follow one another allowing everyone to find a sheltered place to bask.
Activities to book to discover the creeks:
Small-group motorboat trip: see offers
Catamaran cruise: see the offers
Electric bike: see the offers
First dive: see the offers
Hiking: see the offers
Climbing: see the offers
The Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, the symbol of Marseille
Whether you arrive by boat, by motorway or by plane, this building is the signal of arrival in Marseille. Nicknamed "The Good Mother" by the people of Marseille, she dominates the city and the Mediterranean and is considered the guardian of sailors and fishermen. Built in the 157th century in a Roman-Byzantine style on the highest hill in the city, it culminates at XNUMX meters in height. It is accessible from the old port by car, bus, bicycle or on foot.
The basilica is a place to visit in Marseille. The site is open every day with free access, except for the museum which traces its history. There is an entrance fee and the museum is closed on Mondays. Several themes make it possible to understand the evolution of the Basilica through the ages. The particularity of Notre-Dame de la Garde is the contrast between the very sober exterior despite the use of materials of contrasting colors (the white of the limestone and the green of the Golfalino sandstone) and its sumptuous interior. The lower church, the crypt, is built into the rock, while the upper church is decorated with polychrome mosaics and marbles of different colors. The bell tower, 41 meters square, is surmounted by a 12,50 meter tower above which rises to 11,20 meters the statue of the Virgin and Child, in gold.
The MUCEM, THE museum to do in Marseille
One of the latest must-sees in Marseille: the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations, the MUCEM was inaugurated in 2013.
It extends over 40 m² spread over three sites: MUCEM, Fort Saint Jean and the J000 port jetty. The entrance ticket allows access to the three sites. It is open every day except Tuesday.
Its collections, partly inherited from the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions in Paris, continue to grow. To date, there are more than 250 objects, 000 photos, 350 posters, prints and postcards and some 000 books. The permanent collections cover the periods from the Neolithic to the contemporary. The MUCEM is a multicultural place: exhibitions, debates, conferences, concerts, shows as well as activities for children and families are offered to the public.
Otherwise, entry to the MuCEM is also included in the Marseille city pass. This pass will allow you free entry to this museum, but also to other tourist sites in the city. If you want to know more, you can read our dedicated article on the Marseille city pass.
La Canebiere
This avenue in the center of Marseille stretches for one kilometer: from the Reformed Church to the Old Port. Created in 1666, it also includes the rue de Noailles and the allées Meilhan.
You can admire many beautiful buildings there; and many businesses are still well established there. Thus, the Torréfaction Noailles, or Toinou, the seafood specialist, or even the Empereur house, which would be the oldest drugstore in France, still continue to attract customers and tourists to this popular district. In the allées Meilhan, the buildings date from the end of the XNUMXth century, such as that of the C&A store, formerly Hôtel du Louvre et de la Paix, or the Hôtel de Noailles, transformed into a police station.
The Grand Théâtre presents a mixture of neo-classical and Art-deco styles. The Saint-Féréol-les-Augustins church was built in 1888 in a neo-classical style. We will not fail to admire the Palais de la Bourse not far from the Old Port, nor the monument to Mobiles built in 1894.
Fort Saint Jean
Listed as a Historic Monument in 1964, this fort faces that of Saint Nicolas. Former Commandery of Hospitallers in the 1664th century built on the site of the ancient city of Marseille, the square tower was erected in the 1668th century and the tower of the beacon, or round tower, in 1671. Louis XIV decided to build the fortress between 1679 and XNUMX. In XNUMX a ditch was created to isolate it from the city. Its buildings are spread over two levels: the lower floor includes the square tower, whose roof terrace offers a breathtaking view of the city, and which houses a museum that traces the history of the site. The Saint Jean Chapel as well as access to the upper level via a small square complete the set. The upper floor includes the officers' gallery, the round tower, former barracks and the Georges-Henri Rivière building. Access to the gardens and towers is free and the Fort is open every day except Tuesday.
Discover a wine estate in Cassis!Finally, how about a cellar visit in Cassis, near Marseilles? To do this, head to the Dona Tigana estate founded by the former French footballer, Jean Tigana. During your visit, you will learn more about this wine and its history. You can also taste some of the house wines, or even take some home. Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, consume in moderation. Learn more
Practical advice for visiting Marseille
- When to visit Marseille?
- How to come to Marseilles?
- How long to visit Marseille?
- Where to sleep in Marseille?
When to visit Marseille?
A typical southern city, Marseille can be visited all year round. Its Mediterranean and particularly mild climate makes it very easy to enjoy each season. Of course, the winter will be cooler than the summer. But the level of sunshine remains high compared to other French regions. If you want to swim and enjoy water activities, then opt for a stay in Marseille between the months of May and September. The latter are warmer and less rainy.
With its geographical location by the sea, Marseille is a city where the Mistral is very present. This is a typical wind of the region, which helps clear the sun of possible clouds.
How to come to Marseilles?
Marseille is a city quite well served by various transport. Here are the main means of transport to visit Marseille:
- By car :
Perfectly served by the motorway, Marseille is easily accessible by car. If you do not have a car, you can rent one thanks to this comparator: rent a car. - By train :
Marseille has a TGV station very well located for visiting Marseille. So you can easily get to Marseille from cities like Paris, Lyon, Montpellier or even Lille. Book your train ticket - By plane :
Marseille is also easily accessible thanks to its airport, located not far from the entrance to Marseille. The latter serves many cities in Europe, the Maghreb but also some more distant destinations such as Montreal or Reunion. Book your plane ticket to Marseille - By ferry:
Last possibility to get to Marseille: come by boat. Indeed, Marseille is a port city served by various cities in the Mediterranean. It is also an important port for ferry departures to Corsica. You will also find boats for Italy or the Maghreb. Book your ferry to Marseille
How long to visit Marseille?
The city of Marseille is quite large and has many activities to do and places to visit. If this is a first visit for you, I recommend that you plan at least 3 days. This duration will leave you time to visit the must-sees such as Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde and the MuCEM. But also, you can take an excursion in the Calanques or a beautiful walk to discover the magnificent park.
Where to sleep in Marseille?
I'm not going to detail here all the neighborhoods in which to sleep, I'm going to content myself for the moment with recommending 3 well-located accommodations in Marseille: a charming hotel, a more accessible hotel and an apartment.
Hotel C2
To start, I suggest this splendid hotel located between Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde and the Old Port of Marseille. You can do most of your sightseeing on foot. Regarding the hotel, the rooms are very beautiful, comfortable, spacious and clean. A magnificent address where the welcome and the spa area will also be positive points. Charming hotel See rates
The People Hostel
Here is an establishment for small budgets or solo adventurers. This is a beautiful hostel located in the old Panier district, not far from the MuCEM and the Old Port of Marseille. This establishment also offers single double rooms with a private bathroom. The decoration is modern and trendy, the staff very welcoming and the place will appeal to the greatest number. Aub. youth, Single room See the rates
The Apartments of the Old Port
Regarding the apartments, I recommend this address. This is a set of apartments located close to the Old Port and near the Canebière. You will therefore be ideally located for visiting Marseille. These apartments are fully equipped and well appointed. You will have the choice regarding the size of the accommodation or the number of rooms. The apartments offered range from studios for 2 people to apartments that can accommodate up to 6 people. Some even have a pleasant terrace. Apartments, 2 to 6 pers. See prices
I hope you have enjoyed this visit to the unmissable places of Marseille. Don't hesitate to tell us about your favorite places in and around Marseille.
