France’s second-largest city and most important port, bustling Marseille offers visitors vibrant old neighborhoods and historic sights. Roughly 482 miles (775 km) south of Paris on the Mediterranean coast, Marseille, a major transportation hub, serves as an ideal base for exploring the French Riviera and Provence. Half-day and full-day guided tours show off Marseille’s shore, wine, and neighboring regions. Take a walking tour of Marseille’s historic center around the Old Port (Vieux Port) to learn about the city’s Greek and Roman roots. Travel through time with a visit to the Abbey of Saint Victor to see its fifth- century crypts; and stop in the 19th-century Neo-Byzantine Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, one of Marseille's most recognized monuments. Climb on an electric bike to glide along the pretty road known as Corniche Kennedy, plus stop for panoramic coastal views. Tour the opera house, and score tickets to a performance. Day trips take you beyond the city on a tour of the Calanques National Park, a stretch of rugged coastline near Marseille; or to the gorgeous natural landscapes around the Luberon Massif. Take a day tour of Provence to see Avignon, charming Aix-en-Provence, and Arles. Or head to soak up the sun along the French Riviera, with stops in Cannes and Nice. For coastal charm closer to the Marseille’s city center, join a tour to the UNESCO-listed inlet of Cassis, which features magnificent views from its dramatic sea cliff, Cape Canaille.
Marseille’s Mediterranean climate, along with music festivals such as Rock Island and Marsatac, draws vacationers south in the balmy summer months. For the best deals, visit in late September, when the summer hordes have left, but it’s still warm enough to hit the beach or take a day trip to the French Riviera.
Marseille is set on the Mediterranean coast and is famously sunny, both in weather and culture. A less-bourgeois, laid-back kinda place, the city blends the culture of southern France with French tradition; think pastis liqueur and pètanque (lawn bowling), bouillabaisse fish stew, and yachts bobbing at the Vieux-Port.
...MoreThe city is large, but two days gives enough time to check off Marseille must-sees such as Chateau d'If, Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica, and Old Port of Marseille. To discover the surroundings, take a long weekend and explore the coastline of Calanques National Park.
...MoreYes. Marseille’s key sights are mostly within walking distance, with the Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica, atop a steep hill, being an exception. Active folks may like the hike, but others can take a bus or the Petit Train Marseille to the parking lot.
...MoreYes. Many of the beaches are southeast of the Old Port of Marseille, starting with the small, pleasant Plage des Catalans. Beach lovers have options, from the soft sands of Plage de la Pointe Rouge, to the popular shores at Plages du Prado, to the wilder inlets of the Calanques.
...MoreYes. While it’s not a hedonistic party capital like Barcelona or Berlin, Marseille’s nightlife is decidedly fun. Especially in spring and summer, when the evenings are balmy and the revelry shifts outside. Expect beachside DJ sets, alfresco dining, and festival-style concerts organized by the Mucem.
...MoreDiscover the city’s international vibe at Marché des Capucins, a bustling central market where African spices are sold. For respite, head to Parc Borély or the Prado beaches for some people watching, or head to the rooftop at the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations for views of the sea.
...MoreNumber of Attractions | 32 |
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Number of Tours | 277 |
Number of Reviews | 2,565 |
Currency | EUR |
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