Vacation to Marseilles, France | Keytours Vacations

Discover Marseille's Wonders

A gateway to the Mediterranean, Marseille is France's oldest and second largest city. Your vacation to Marseille will guide you from the bustling port to elegant displays of 17th architecture. Then enjoy panoramic views from the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde. At sunset, it is said that time appears to stop and Marseille is the most beautiful place on Earth.

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Description

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.

Useful information

Population:

The city: 870,321 Marseille urban area: 1.6 million

Currency:

Euro (EUR) €1 = 100 cents

Emergency Info:

Ambulance: 15
Police: 17
Fire: 18
EU Emergency Number: 112

Opening Hours:

Normal opening hours for shops are 10am– 7 pm from Monday to Saturday. Some shops might be closed over lunch. On Sundays shops are normally closed or have reduced opening hours.

Do & See

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 port.

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 offshore.

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 of the famous Cosquer Cave, in an atmosphere similar to that of the original, that has been submerged since the 90s. You get to explore the 1,750-square-metre replica aboard a comfortable exploratory vehicle and learn about the Homo sapiens that lived in the cave 30,000 years ago. See the engravings, paintings, speleothems, handprints and geological features that have been reproduced for public viewing in the most realistic and scientifically rigorous manner.

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 port.

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 dining.

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 weary.

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 1858.

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 visitors.

Dining

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 alike.

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 requests.

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 chefs.

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, too.

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 senses.

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 pizza.

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 dine.

Cafés

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 and open kitchen add to the unique ambience.

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 evening.

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 port.

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 beyond.

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 pastries.

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 see.

Bars & Nightlife

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 in town.

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 town.

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 the outdoor seating area. The place is open all day long and gets buzzing at the weekends, when locals and visitors gather for assorted evening drinks.

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 wearing.

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 city.

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 evenings.

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 darts — the choice is entirely yours.

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 hour.

Shopping

Centre Bonneveine

In the southern part of Marseille, in the eighth district to be exact, you can find the bustling Centre Bonneveine. The Centre Bonneveine offers more than 60 shops, a cinema, several restaurants and a supermarket. It is the best one-stop shopping location in the southern part of town.

Centre Bourse

The Centre Bourse is a massive shopping centre, with about sixty stores and department stores, a stone’s throw away from the Old Port. It is a great place for getting all your shopping done in one place — from fashionable clothing, to cosmetics, to anything else you may possibly fancy.

Cours Julien Area

If you want smaller shops then head to the Cours Julien area, which has a reputation as an alternative, bohemian quarter. The area is also great for food and antique markets at weekends — come here to find that one-of-kind vintage souvenir or item of clothing.

Cours Julien Market

Cours Julien is located near the busy street of Cours Lieutaud. This little alley hosts various markets, one of the most popular ones being the local farmer’s market on Wednesdays. Come for fresh, organic local produce and portable edibles to bring home.

Galeries Lafayette

Galeries Lafayette is one of the most spectacular and well-known department stores in France — there are multiple spread across the nation. You will find the most prestigious designer and cosmetics labels here. This is also home to huge toy, jewellery, home ware and delicatessen departments.

La Canebière

South of the Centre Bourse mall is La Canebière, which is to Marseille what the Champs Elysées is to Paris. Combined with rue Ferréol, rue de Rome and rue de Paradis, this street makes up the biggest shopping area of the city and includes local and international designer stores.

La Maison du Pastis

La Maison du Pastis offers 65 different pastis and absinthes. They also have a tasting room which is worth stumbling upon, and then out of. Sample several varieties of liquor, and pick a favourite to bring home as a reminder of the good times had in Marseille.

Le Panier Area

Le Panier, Marseille’s oldest neighbourhood, is the best place for local produce. Rue des Petits Puits and Place des Pistoles are good streets for Provençal pottery and shops selling lavender soap and olive-based goodies. Come here to pick up quintessential local souvenirs.

Tourist Information

Best Time to Visit

Most people choose July and August for their stay in Marseille and Provence, due to the pleasant — although sometimes very hot — weather, which allows for beautiful days at the beach. However, visiting in May or June can be a great idea as well: the city will be less crowded and the temperature nicer, spring at its best. Provence's famous lavender fields are in bloom from June to August.

Passport / Visa

France can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.

Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)

Marseille Provence Airport is located 30 kilometres from the town centre. You can take the train to reach the city centre, and the journey takes approximately half an hour. There are also shuttle buses that run between the airport and Marseille’s train station, Gare Saint Charles. From the train station you can easily reach other nearby cities. Taxis and car rental companies are represented at the airport.

Public Transport

The best way to get around in Marseille is by using the very efficient metro system which runs between 6 am and 9 pm. With two lines, it is part of a wider Marseille public transport network (RTM) that includes buses (which run later). The public transport network consists of the metro, buses, trams, trains and ferries. There are different types of tickets depending on your preferences. A useful ticket is the Carte Groupe for four to twelve people, which makes a single journey cheaper. A 24H/72H card is also available: it allows you to make as many journeys as you like on the RTM network.

Taxi

Taxi Radio Marseille +33 4 91 02 20 20 www.taximarseille.com

Electricity

230 V / 50Hz

Pharmacy

Pharmacie du Vieux Port 4 Quai du Port, Marseille +33 4 91 90 00 57 Mon–Fri 9am–8pm, Sat 8am–7pm, Sun closed

Post

Look for a yellow mailbox if you want to send a letter or postcard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the must-see attractions in Marseille?

Marseille's top attractions include the Old Port, the historic Le Panier district, the stunning Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, and the MuCEM museum.

When is the best time to visit Marseille?

The best time to visit Marseille is from May to September when the weather is warm and ideal for enjoying the beaches and outdoor activities.

What local dishes should I try in Marseille?

Be sure to try bouillabaisse, a traditional fish stew, as well as panisse, a chickpea flour snack, and navettes, a sweet biscuit flavored with orange blossom.

How can I get around Marseille?

Marseille has an efficient public transport system including buses, trams, and a metro. Taxis and bike rentals are also available for getting around the city.

How many days should I spend in Marseille?

A stay of three to four days is ideal to explore Marseille's main attractions, enjoy its beaches, and take a day trip to the nearby Calanques National Park.

What neighborhoods are best to stay in Marseille?

The Vieux Port area is popular for its central location and vibrant atmosphere, while Le Panier offers a charming historic setting with narrow streets and local shops.

Are there any day trips I can take from Marseille?

Consider a day trip to the Calanques National Park for stunning coastal views, or visit the nearby towns of Aix-en-Provence and Cassis for a taste of Provence.

Trips

Marseille Pre or Post Cruise

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