Marseille

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Marseille

Marseille is the undiscovered jewel in the crown of France’s Mediterranean coastline. The rocky hills of Provence look down onto the ancient port and the thousands of boats docked in its clear blue waters. Countless artists have been seduced by the sunny climate and the hustle and bustle of the town. France’s second city has all you could ask for — beautiful beaches, ancient buildings, thriving arts, and a dynamic nightlife.

The City

Founded by Phocaean Greeks 2 600 years ago, Marseille is France’s oldest town, a melting pot of peoples and cultures, and a gateway to southern Europe and North Africa. Today, the city is still dependent on the port for its revenue and is dominated by fishing boats and people selling fresh produce. Marseille is cut in half by La Canebière, one of the main shopping streets, which runs west to east from the Vieux Port. The city is divided into 15 arrondissements (districts), ranging from gentrified to run-down, and is famed for its fish-dominated culinary menu and its potent aniseed tipple, called pastis. The exclusivity increases as you head further south to the corniche and Prado, the city’s best beach, with three kilometres of fine sand.

Do & See Dining Cafés Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

Marseille is an urban cultural hot spot, a French city with historical and maritime museums, lovely architecture and beautiful nature in the form of parks and a stunning beach. Visit the main harbour and take a stroll around the Abbaye Saint Victor, explore the narrow streets of the old quarter, or make time for one of the beaches not too far from the city centre.

Château d'If

Château d'If was, historically, France’s very own Alcatraz, built in 1527 and used as a prison in the 17th century. This place was the inspiration for Alexandre Dumas's novel "The Count of Monte Cristo", and occupies an island of its own 1.5 km …

Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

The defining symbol of Marseille towers on a hilltop 154 metres above the city, with the gilded statue of the Virgin Mary stretching skywards. The views from up here are simply stunning. Take the shuttle for convenience or embark on a just-under-an-hour-long hike up from the old …

Vieux Port Fish Market

There is a bustling fish market in the Vieux Port (old port) well worth exploring. The intense smell of fish and salty sea breeze contributes to making this experience engaging to the senses. Why not buy some fresh fish and try your hand at the local speciality fish stew …

Saint Victor Abbey

Abbaye Saint Victor is Marseille's oldest church. The abbey is built by the graves of Marseille’s first martyrs. Throughout history, the building was used as a church, prison, warehouse and barracks. Entry is free of charge, but a small fee is collected for seeing the crypt containing important historical artefacts and …

Marseille History Museum

Musée d'Histoire de Marseille is an interesting and well-visited museum with historical and archaeological artefacts dating back to the city's founding times. You can find it ideally located next to the Old Port. An English audio guide is available to …

Prado Beaches

Located at the end of the corniche are the Plages du Prado, Marseille’s stretches of sandy beaches. With a steady sea breeze, the beaches are excellent for kite-flying or a first windsurfing lesson. Prado encompasses several compact beaches with multiple shopping and dining opportunities in the …

Park Borély

Park Borély (Parc Borély) is a stunning development covering many hectares, situated not too far from the Prado beaches. Along with the 18th-century château, there are the superbly well-maintained English and French Botanical Gardens and a rowing …

Roman Docks Museum

Roman Docks Museum (Musée des Docks Romains) is situated on the site of a Roman docks warehouse discovered after World War II. Here you can find a range of impressive artefacts discovered during the reconstruction of the old harbour. One of its primary attractions are the "dolia" - large ceramic containers once used to …

Orange Vélodrome Stadium

The Orange Vélodrome is where the official football club in Marseille, Olympique de Marseille, is based at. Attending a football game here is a lot of fun thanks to the lively atmosphere created by cheering locals, and will likely prove enjoyable even if football isn't exactly a passion of …

La Corniche

Enjoy this romantic walkway along the sea and the stunning views that it provides. En route you will see the Château d'If, as well as beautiful coves called "calanques". The entire 12-kilometre long Corniche leading down to the Prado Beaches is best explored by bike, with stops for photos and …

Place Castellane

This is an impressive Marseille roundabout where many tourist photos have been taken. It is a major transport hub, whose focal point is a large fountain with an interesting obelisk statue. There are several cafés around the square's perimeter and off down the streets of the …

Les Calanques

A "calanque" is an inlet, cove, or bay, and the ones you find outside Marseille are no less than mesmerising. The impressive limestone formations and the turquoise waters make for an excellent retreat. There is a wide range of sporting activities available here, as well as plenty of relaxation for the …

The Old Charity

The 17th century brought a cruel repression of beggars to France, and in Marseille many of them were imprisoned. Almshouses were opened to serve as workhouses for beggars and this specific building was just that. Nowadays the building, called La Vieille Charité in French, is a cultural centre and houses, among other things, museums …

Garden of Remains

This archaeological site (the local name Jardin des Vestiges) was discovered as constructions of a shopping centre commenced here in 1967. The garden contains an interesting mix of Greek and Roman remains. The majority of its finds are ruins of the old …

Lighthouse Palace

On the left hand side of the port you can find the Lighthouse Palace, a congress and conference building ideally located in a park with great views of the water and islands. Heralded as one of Marseille's most beautiful palaces, "Palais du Pharo" was first constructed for Napoleon III in …

Palais Longchamp

Palais Longchamp is an extraordinary, majestic building right in the middle of the city that throws you years back in time with its ornamental staircases and large fountains. The building houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Natural History …

Memorial of the Marseillaise

The Memorial de La Marseillaise tells the story of Marseille and the French national anthem. It is a compact museum found on Rue Thubaneau, whose staff are very friendly to visitors and eager to share the story of the quintessentially French tune and how it came into existence - paradoxically, not in the city …

OK Corral

OK Corral is a Wild West thematic amusement park, a great outing for the whole family. You can try water slides, different adventure rides and roller coasters, and much more. Stunt and cowboy shows are put on daily. The park is located near Cuges-les-Pins outside …

Cosquer Méditerranée

This impressive building, known as the Villa Méditerranée, was designed in 2013. It boasts sleek modern architecture and an impressive cantilevered section that looms over an artificial pool. Inside, you can enjoy exhibitions that cover both marine life and local history. In June 2022, a new exhibit was presented to the visitors — a replica …

Dining

Marseille boasts a culinary tradition heavily influenced by its surroundings. Fish dominates, and one dish in particular — bouillabaisse. This fish stew combines a variety of fish with saffron, fennel and orange zest. It is served with rouille, a garlic and chilli-flavoured mayonnaise. Olive oil, herbs, fresh fruit and vegetables are also quintessential elements of Marseille cuisine.

Le Miramar

This restaurant is located in the heart of the Vieux Port (along with all the other upmarket local fish restaurants). Le Miramar has earned its spotless reputation due to serving excellent bouillabaisse. The restaurant's menu is, however, rather varied, and includes meat dishes, …

L’Epuisette

L’Epuisette is located in the old port of Vallon des Auffes, which makes for a magical backdrop with great views of the sea and fishing boats close by. The cuisine served is gourmet Mediterranean, greatly appreciated by both locals and tourists …

Le Café Thaï

This traditional Thai restaurant has an exquisite patio garden, a refreshing green retreat with wrought iron chairs. Here, flavourful Thai food comes served in an inspiring and fun environment. Food is reportedly authentic, cooked to order by trained …

Nul Part Ailleurs

Nul Part Ailleurs serves lunch and dinner in the old port area. This means the restaurant's location is favourable for sight-seers: it is located in close proximity to many of the city's attractions. The menu holds dishes of Provençal cuisine, grilled meat, pasta and …

Le Petit Nice

Le Petit Nice is a lovely family-run seaside inn that seems almost to be trapped in time, keeping its nostalgic charm from days gone by. The hotel’s restaurant has been awarded 3 Michelin stars, thanks to head chef Gerald Passedat’s exquisite sense for flavour and presentation, consistently offering unforgettable gastronomic …

Les Trois Forts

Make sure you book a table at this restaurant in advance, and ask for the corner table to get the best views of the Old Port. Gourmet restaurant Les Trois Forts is located at the top floor of the hotel Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port, and offers a feast for all …

La Côte de Boeuf

Being in Marseille, you might experience seafood burnout. If you do, try and give La Côte de Boeuf a shot. This place serves gigantic steaks grilled to perfection, and the wine list is just as impressive to match. Staff speak English, and will be glad to accommodate your …

Peron Restaurant

This restaurant is beautifully located on a cliff overlooking the sea, and offers diners the possibility of enjoying their meal outside on the terrace. The best time to go is in the evening, so you get to experience the stunning sunset while you …

Cafés

Marseille’s proximity to the Mediterranean Sea has a significant influence on its coffee culture. You'll often find outdoor cafés with picturesque seafront views, where locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy coffee and people-watching. Espresso, or "café" in French, is a popular choice in Marseille. It's often served in small cups, reflecting the traditional French coffee style. Pair your espresso with a delicious assortment of pastries, such as croissants, pain au chocolat, or another local specialty.

Les Arcenaulx

It is a diverse crowd that throngs to this intellectual restaurant that also functions as a bookshop, salon de thé and a Provençal produce seller. Dishes include the classic Filet de bœuf “Rossini” and set menus. The wine list include labels from all across France and …

Torrefaction Noailles

It is hard to miss the intriguing entrance to this cafe, which looks more like a shop of curiosities than anything else. There are, indeed, some curious edibles and drinkables inside — coffee beans are imported from all over the world, and there is confectionery as far as the eye can …

Le Café de la Banque

Le Café de la Banque is a classic Parisian-style cafe and bistro that seems charmingly stuck in time. The cafe offers a reasonably priced, varied menu and a good selection of drinks and coffees, and is certainly worth the short 10-minute walk from the old …

Café Populaire

Whether you come during the day for lunch and a cup of joe or at night time for a low-key drink, the snug and friendly atmosphere of Café Populaire will certainly pull you in. This charming and stylish bistro has a lot to offer — food is above par, and both the glass roof …

Les Buffets du Vieux-Port

The buffet you will find at this restaurant is more than enough to please just about anybody. It does not matter what you are in the mood for, you will find everything and more on tables loaded with fine meats, salads, seafood, an astonishing selection of cheeses and, naturally, dessert and …

La Caravelle

Ideally located in the port area (the first floor of Hotel Bellevue, to be exact), La Caravelle is a restaurant and live jazz venue that has become an institution in Marseille. It is a good place to enjoy a couple of drinks, breakfast or brunch, or maybe some exquisite French cooking in the …

Bars & Nightlife

Marseille is all about bar culture — whether it be sipping on an aperitif at an outdoor cafe table in the late evening sun or standing around a bar chatting with friends, drinking beer, and snacking on olives. The city’s cultural diversity means there is a little bit of everything in Marseille to suit all tastes. Locals really go for it, partying until well into the morning hours, especially during the summer.

Le Bar de la Marine

Le Bar de la Marine is a beautifully decorated 1930s bar made famous by French author Pagnol who used to frequent it. The bar is also known for being the set of a romantic wedding proposal in the popular British comedy "Love Actually". Enjoy the views of the port and a fresh breeze in …

Espace Julien

Espace Julien is the place to listen to live music in Marseille. Bands and genres played here vary — everything ranging from hip hop to jazz, reggae and chanson française has sounded here. Check their website to see who is performing when you're in …

Le Bazar Marseille

Le Bazar Marseille throws big parties for the city's young and trendy. There are four bars and an outside VIP area to enjoy, and drinks are professionally crafted. Do mind that dress code and face control apply, and bring your dancing shoes along with the pair you're …

Dock des Suds

Dock des Suds has hosted musicians and bands from all over the world, including artists from countries like Cameroon and South Korea. Housed inside a former warehouse, it is a spacious venue where a concert or event is on most days of the week. Check the schedule to see what's on when you are …

The Shamrock

This jolly Irish pub is conveniently located in the Old Port. The Shamrock is great for drinking beers (lots of them — a dozen varieties on draft and many more bottled varieties on offer) and watching sports. The atmosphere is good fun, partly thanks to the daily happy …

O’Brady’s

Another good Irish pub (along with the old port's Shamrock) is the O’Brady’s. Here you can enjoy a beer or two in a cosy atmosphere in the company of good friends. They also host live bands and broadcast sporting events, and — rumor has it — serve the cheapest pint of Guinness in the …

The Red Lion

The Red Lion is one pub worth writing into your itinerary if you're heading out of the stuffy town to a more relaxed beach area. This busy British pub offers a genuine British feel, hosts live band performances and broadcasts sporting events. Enjoy the breezy outdoor seating or head inside for a game of …

Polikarpov

The Polikarpov is a famous bar ideally located near the Old Port. This is a good place to go for some pre-party drinks, shots or aperitifs. Enjoy your drink outside, on the breezy outdoor terrace in one of the old town squares. It tends to get rather busy in the …

Shopping

Marseille’s main shopping areas are in the central and southern parts of town and cater to all tastes, from Côte d’Azur luxury and large department stores to quirky little boutiques and stores. If you want smaller shops then head to the Cours Julien area, which has built up a reputation as an alternative, bohemian quarter. The area is also great for food and antique markets at weekends. Le Panier, Marseille’s oldest neighbourhood, is the best place for local products. Rue des Petits Puits and places des Pistoles are good streets for Provençal pottery and shops selling lavender soap and olive-based goodies.