Wondering if Marseille is worth visiting? The oldest French city boasts beautiful beaches, delicious food, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Patrick Donovan. Image Location: Le Panier Marseille, Marseille, France
What to do in Marseille, France: the highlights
Many of the city’s main attractions are within walking distance of each other, perfect for soaking up some sun.
Le Panier Marseille
Start by strolling around the bohemian Le Panier district, filled with hidden squares and stunning street art. Then head to Cathédrale de la Major, a grandiose building that mixes Roman and Byzantine architecture in a surprisingly harmonious way.
Villa Mediterranée
For a nearby historical contrast, visit Villa Mediterranée, a modern cultural space constructed in 2013. As part of the Villa’s exhibition space, and beneath its waters (no diving gear required), lies a to-scale reproduction of the 30,000-year-old prehistoric Cosquer Cave.
Mucem
If you enjoy museums, you can’t miss the Mucem (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations). This impressive building hosts a permanent exhibition about the cross-pollination between Mediterranean countries. Temporary exhibits are also interesting to check out and a full day might be needed to see everything. The nearby Fort Saint-Jean, part of the museum, is free to visit.
Les Docks
For a unique shopping experience, head to Les Docks, a 19th-century maritime warehouse transformed into a mall.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Jean-Pierre DE LEUSSE. Image Location: La Bonne Mère, Marseille, France
More things to do in Marseille
La Bonne Mère
Start the day by climbing up to la Bonne Mère, the local name for Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, which sits atop a hill.
Vieux-Port de Marseille
The Vieux-Port (Old Port), France’s biggest seaport, is another Marseille classic. Check out the Ombrière, a large, mirrored roof designed by British architect Norman Foster that’s both an art piece and provides protection from the sun. Look up, and you’ll see a relaxed, tanned version of yourself – Marseille is working its charm on you!
Palais du Pharo
From the Old Port, head to Palais du Pharo, built by Napoleon III to impress Empress Eugénie. Today, you can relax in its garden and enjoy a sea view.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Olena_Z. Image Location: Vallon des Auffes, Marseille, France
Vallon des Auffes
Take a break from imperial splendor at nearby Vallon des Auffes, a tiny fishermen’s enclave with intimate seafood restaurants and a bohemian feel. Continue strolling along the coast to La Corniche for a nice sea view and small city beaches.
La Cité radieuse
Farther from the city center, visit la Cité radieuse, built by the renowned architect Le Corbusier. These are still inhabited apartments, but guided tours are available.
What is close to Marseille?
If you love history and French literature, take a ferry to the Château d'If, one of the settings of Alexandre Dumas’s famous The Count of Monte Cristo novel.
The small Frioul islands facing Marseille are a protected area with birds, beaches, and restaurants and are also worth a visit.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Trent Rolfe. Image Location: Marseille, France
Where to eat in Marseille
For an authentic meal, it’s generally recommended to eat at restaurants with non-English menus as these cater to locals.
If your budget allows, or if you’re looking to treat yourself, we recommend Chez Fonfon, which offers the famous local fish soup called Bouillabaisse. That’s one local delicacy worth splurging on.
Another famous, more affordable place next to Mucem is Le Môle Passedat. And for those on a budget, we recommend Copains, Otto Marseille, Chez Paul, and La Grotte.
How many days in Marseille is enough?
We recommend three days to cover the basics. But there are many day trips from Marseille, and as one of the sunniest cities in France, you might not want to leave.
To get to magical Marseille, there’s no better option than by train. From Paris, it takes just over 3 hours, with 23 daily departures to choose from. Marseille also connects to many other French, Spanish, and Italian cities by train. No matter your itinerary, Trainline is your best bet for the cheapest and most convenient tickets.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Olena_Z. Image Location: Vallon des Auffes, Marseille, France