Marseille
“When you come to Marseille, you have the impression you’re in a place with freedom”. Matthieu Gamet
The sunshine capital of France has had a makeover recently, meaning that there’s no better time to visit. For a foreigner, the first things that come to mind about Marseille might be The French Connection, national hymns and Zinedine Zidane. But the city has so much to offer than these dubious claims to fame.
Sometimes called the French Texas, Marseille is a long way, literally and metaphorically, from the metropolitan refinement of Paris. Nestled between Provencal fishing villages, the city has been a commercial port for thousands of years, thanks to its proximity to Africa. African immigration has made for an unusually rich local culture.
Marseille cuisine is simple and garlicky. Be sure to try bouillabaisse, its famous fish soup. Grand 19th-century buildings loom over the central Street of the Republic. Brutalist masterpieces stand watch over the Vieux Port, the hub of city life. Marvel at Notre Dame Cathedral (not to be confused with that Notre Dame) and the island castle of Chateau d’If. Mediterranean-blue sea joins dramatic cliff formations at the Massif des Calanques, a nearby national park. The Mucem is a leading museum of modern art, the Palais Longchamp a grand and elegant garden.
Approach Marseille with an open mind, and you’ll be rewarded.
Top Attractions in Marseille
Unique Boutique: Shopping in Marseille
Where to Eat in Marseille
Places to Stay:
Activities
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Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, Marseille
The Neo-Byzantine Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde (Basilica of Our Lady of the Guard) stands at the highest natural point in the city (149 meters) and offers marvellous views to Marseille and the Mediterranean Sea.
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Délices Lamarque, Confiserie, Marseille
Charming store in the area of the Old Port specializing in traditional Provence confectionery, biscuits, chocolates and delicatessen.
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Jardin de la Colline Puget, Marseille
The oldest public park in Marseille, Jardin de la Colline Puget is on a hill, not far from the Old Port and on the way to/from the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde.
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Jardin Émile Duclaux, Marseille
The Émile Duclaux Garden has great views of the coast and the old town of Marseille. It is also home to the Palais du Pharo.
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La Boulangerie Aixoise, Marseille
La Boulangerie Aixoise is one of the cosiest bakeries in the area of the Old Port of Marseille.
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Le Parc Pastré, Marseille
This is a huge and magnificent park at the southern end of the city which stretches to the hills of Marseilleveyre and the Calanques.
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Le Parc Valmer, Marseille
An exotic park on a hill which offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea.
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Marseille/Un Été en vacances, Concept T-shirt Store, Marseille
Un été en vacances is a quirky concept store in the Old Port specialising in T-shirts and other clothes and accessories inspired by Marseille.
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Musée des Beaux-Arts, Marseille: All Year
The museum is dedicated to the fine arts of 16th-19th centuries and occupies the left wing of Palais Longchamp (Longchamp palace).
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Musée des civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée (Mucem), Marseille
National museum in the heart of the city devoted to the cultures of the Mediterranean.
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Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle, Marseille: All Year
A museum dedicated to natural history located in the right wing of Palais Longchamp (Longchamp palace).
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Parc Balnéaire du Prado, Marseille
Open all year round, the Prado Seaside Park is the biggest and best-known beach complex in Marseille.
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Parc Borély, Marseille
Parc Borély is one of the oldest parks in Marseille and is just beside the Prado Seaside Resort.
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Parc Longchamp, Marseille: All Year
Stunning park which consists the majestic Palais Longchamp (Longchamp palace).
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Parc du 26ème Centenaire, Marseille
The Parc du 26ème Centenaire was made to honour the 26 centuries of Marseille’s history on the site of the former Prado train station.
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The Old Port, Marseille
The Old Port harbours some of the most spine-tingling sights that Southern France has to offer.
