Getting started: A few notes about Marseille
- Marseille is a major Mediterranean port city in south-eastern France.
- The city is the center of the Bouches-du-Rhône province and the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in the south of France.
- Founded more than 2,500 years ago, Marseille is home to many historical buildings and natural wonders.
- Since 2013, Marseille has held the title of European Capital of Culture together with Kosice, Slovakia.
- Marseille is one of the sunniest cities in France, with mild weather for about 300 days of the year.
- The city has several well-known museums and theatres, as well as lively restaurants, shops and entertainment venues.
You can start planning a trip to this lovely French port city by checking out fares and schedules on the Marseille flights page.
Places to visit in Marseille
Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde
One of the city’s iconic emblems and a must-see site is the majestic Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica. Featuring 360-degree views of the city, the hilltop cathedral complex is accessible via the metro or bus, and then can be reached by foot or on the touristic mini-train. In addition, there’s a car park at the foot of Notre-Dame de la Garde if you are traveling by private vehicle.
Château d’If Fortress
The Château d’If has a special place in the historical sights of Marseille. While its inclusion in The Count of Monte Cristo by French writer Alexandre Dumas added to the fame of the fortress, its history goes back much further: At the beginning of the 16th century, King François, on a visit to Marseille, decided to build a fortress on the island of If to strengthen the city’s defenses. Consequently, the Château d’If was built between 1524 and 1531. Due to its isolated location, the fortress was used as a prison. It is accessible via boat.
Marseille Cathedral
You can add this gorgeous cathedral to your list of places to visit in Marseille. Called “La Major Cathedral” by residents of the city, it is the only cathedral to have been built in France in the 19th century. The 40-year construction process was completed in 1893 and the cathedral features bell towers, as well as magnificent interiors adorned with sculptures and mosaics.
Vieux-Port (Old Harbor)
Attesting to Marseille’s status as a historical port town, Vieux-Port is the oldest harbor in the city. Now beautifully restored, Vieux-Port is a popular meeting place for residents and tourists alike, hosting large events and various entertainments. On the evenings when the Olympique Marseille football club takes the field, fans come here to celebrate the team. You can even plan an excursion to Marseille according to the events in Vieux-Port to enjoy the harbor’s dynamic energy and fun.
Abbey of Saint-Victor
South of Vieux-Port is the Abbey of Saint-Victor, a must-visit monument with religious and cultural significance. The monastery exhibits architectural characteristics of the early Christian and Romanesque periods and, additionally, hosts numerous cultural, artistic and archaeological events, including the internationally renowned Saint Victor Classical Music Festival.
The Mucem – Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean
Dedicated to the Mediterranean, this expansive museum focuses on the contemporary aspects of European and Mediterranean civilizations. With more than 350,000 objects, the museum offers a full calendar of events including permanent and temporary exhibitions. Aiming to promote the Mediterranean heritage, Mucem was opened in June 2013 as part of the Marseille Provence – European Capital of Culture initiatives but swiftly became one of the 50 most visited museums in the world. You can add the museum to your list of places to visit in Marseille and enrich your cultural journey.
Palais Longchamp
This elegant complex was built in 1869 to bring water to the city. Featuring lovely landscaped gardens a majestic fountain, and statues of lions and tigers at the entrance, the museum and its surrounding parks and gardens are accessed via a colonnaded road. The museum’s collections include paintings, drawings and sculptures from the 17th and 18th centuries in the museums. The Palais Longchamp, standing out among Marseille’s historical monumental structures, is also a delightful locale in the city with its scenic outdoor area.
Calanques National Park
One of France’s loveliest national parks, Calanques National Park has been open to visitors since 2012. Spanning a total of 520 square kilometers, just 85 square kilometers of Calanques is terrestrial, with much of the park extending into various bays and the Mediterranean Sea. More than a thousand plant species and tens of animal and marine species are sheltered within the borders of Calanques National Park, which receives 2 to 3 million visitors annually. There are strict rules to protect the delicate balance here: For instance, from June 1 to September 30, access to the park may be prohibited, to protect nature and visitors from the risk of fire; as well certain access roads to park may be closed to motor traffic. Before going to Calanques National Park, it is a good idea to check the website for updated information.
Le Panier district
The Le Panier district is another charming area on the list of places to visit in Marseille. The many reasons to explore Le Panier include its cute narrow roads, colorful street art and attractive terraced venues, as well as its picturesque squares and historical buildings.
Stade Vélodrome
In addition to its cultural heritage, Marseille is distinguished for the intense fandom of its residents. One of the city’s emblems, the Stade Vélodrome has hosted a number of important tournaments, from the European Football Championship to the World Cup. On days without matches, you can tour the stadium and hear legendary stories from 1937 to the present. Of course, you can always join the ardent Marseillaises on match days or at one of the concerts held in the stadium.
Massif des Calanques
In Calanques National Park, these limestone cliffs are a natural wonder that can be added to your list of places to visit in Marseille. Some of the cliffs, which feature rugged paths, are easier to access than others; many overlook turquoise bays and sandy beaches where you can sunbathe, swim or canoe.
Getting around Marseille
Urban transport in Marseille
Although Marseille is one of the largest cities in France in terms of population, travel around the city is relatively easy. The city’s metro system offers convenient access to tourist attractions, shopping centers and various neighborhoods, as does the extensive tram system, which has three main lines. For areas not reachable via the metro and tram network, such as Calanques National Park, the bus offers another option.
Airport transport in Marseille
About 25 kilometers northwest of the Marseille city center, Marseille Provence Airport welcomes millions of passengers every year. Buses and taxis operate between the city center and the airport; the nearest train station to Marseille Provence Airport is Provence-Aér, reachable via a shuttle bus. Don’t forget to check our Miles&Smiles page to earn Miles for your flights!
Dining in Marseille
As a port city, Marseille is known for its seafood and bouillabaisse – a rich stew made with different types of fish – is a noteworthy dish, as is oursinade prepared with sea urchin, or bourride, another type of fish soup. Other traditional local products include tapenade, a paste of green or black olives, as well as capers, anchovies and olive oil.
When is the best time to visit Marseille?
April and May, when the temperatures are getting warmer, are great times to visit Marseille and the city is relatively calm during these months. As the weather in the area is mild throughout the year, visitors can generally enjoy the bays and beaches through September and October. June and July tend to be the months that attract the most tourists.
Can you visit Marseille in winter?
In addition to the mild spring and autumn, the winter months are a delightful time to visit Marseille. It rarely rains in this sunny city, the temperatures are cool but not cold – an average of around 10 degrees Celsius – and there are fewer tourists.
