One of Europe’s oldest cities, founded by Greek sailors as far back as 600 BC – Marseille is a truly beguiling place. Built around a port on the Mediterranean coastline, it sits at the southeastern tip of the French region of Provence, close to mountains, hills and verdant countryside.
With hidden coves, tempting beaches and intriguing islands on offer, Marseille has always been a popular destination for surfers, sailors and sun worshippers. One unmissable day trip is a visit to the unspoiled and magnificent Calanques national park. But beyond the coastline lie diverse neighborhoods – some with majestic architecture dominating broad boulevards, others with charming cottages tucked along quiet back streets.
Marseille offers a mix of imposing cathedrals, modernistic museum buildings and ancient fortresses. It has art both indoors in galleries and outside painted across buildings and walls. It is a multicultural city, with a large Italian population as well as communities from across Africa. This rich diversity can be seen in the city’s markets, restaurants and art spaces.
From the azure ocean to the summit of its hills, Marseille is an entrancing city. Its warm summers and mild winters make it the ideal year-round destination; its coastal position in the beautiful region of Provence, gives restaurants access to some of the finest produce France has to offer, from both land and sea. Join us on a tour of this warm, welcoming and wonderful place which will satisfy both body and soul.
[Pro tip: invest in a CityPass – which comes in 24-, 48-, or 72-hour versions offering free public transportation along with free or reduced entry to many of the major landmarks and museums.]
Where to Stay in Marseille
The Hyper Glamorous One
InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu is a magnificent 18th-century building in the center of Marseille’s historic quarter. This super luxury hotel offers a blend of historical charm and modern elegance, all created by the talented architect Jean-Philippe Nuel. With 194 rooms and suites, guests can enjoy views over the Old Port.
The hotel’s central location is convenient for exploring all the main sights of the city on foot. Tired after a day experiencing the local culture? Then check out the superb Clarins spa, whose interior design evokes the wonderful fountains and ponds of the Provencal region. And if you have worked up a thirst – don’t forget to head to the Caspian bar for cocktails with a view.
The Seaside One
Around a twenty-minute drive from the city center, nhow Marseille is a lovely seaside hotel. Visitors looking for a tranquil retreat from the sometimes fast-paced energy of the city can relax in this clifftop sanctuary close to Prado beaches ( host to the sailing events at the 2024 Olympic Games).
nhow Marseille has 150 spacious thoughtfully-decorated rooms – but the absolute treat for guests must be the private terraces which look out over the ocean. With a gentle soundtrack provided by the ocean waves, these balconies are the perfect place to view the Mediterranean sunset.
There’s a very spacious outdoor swimming pool which opens from May to October – ideal for clocking up some laps, or simply relaxing and enjoying the sea views and sunshine. There is also a gym, and wellness area with heated pool, Jacuzzis, hammam, and sensory showers.
The Quirky One
Play shopkeepers at France’s oldest hardware store, Maison Empereur, in operation for over two hundred years. This family run institution is currently in the hands of the seventh generation of the Empereur family.
Housed in a historic, centrally located building, Maison Empereur has an apartment for rent. Located on the 1st floor of the boutique it is furnished in a vintage style allowing guests to enjoy the true feeling of living above the shop. And when you are done sleeping, pop downstairs, take in the atmosphere of this delightful store and buy some fabulous keepsakes.
The Downtown One
In the heart of La Joliette business and shopping district, NH Collection Marseille blends history and modernity to create a delightful environment for guests, whether they are visiting for leisure or business. The hotel’s historic building offers 176 well-appointed guest rooms. Enjoy the contrast of gorgeous Haussman style architecture with elegant 21stcentury interior design.
Ideally placed for shopping, theaters, bars and restaurants – this property is in a very walkable area. It is just a ten-minute stroll from the lovely Old Port with its seafront bars and restaurants and mere meters from the colorful murals of the arty Panier district. Don’t want to venture far? No problem. This hotel has a restaurant serving local delicacies, a charming bar and well-equipped fitness center.
The Fun One
Mama Shelter Marseille is a vibrant, modern boutique hotel located in the fashionable 6th district of Marseille, close to the Cours Julien neighborhood. Designed by Philippe Starck, this hotel offers a unique blend of contemporary design and creature comforts.
Décor in the communal areas and bedrooms is modern and quirky. There’s a large bar and restaurant with covered terrace where guests can grab a snack or drink throughout the day. The evenings liven up with sets from local DJs.
Where to Shop in Marseille
The Best Mall
Les Terrasses du Port is a superb shopping center close to the Vieux Port with views over the ocean. Located in the fun and busy La Joliette district, head here to explore French and global fashion brands, pop to the cinema or just take in the sea views from its open-air terraces. Spacious and airy with numerous dining outlets – it is easy to lose track of time in this convenient shoppers’ paradise. And don’t hold back – the mall has excellent public transport links taking shoppers across the city. Really plan to load up? Then hire a car and take advantage of their extensive parking lot.
Prettiest & Artiest
The oldest district in the city is known as Le Panier, believed to have been the first place the Greek settlers built their houses, because of its convenient proximity to the Port. Today Le Panier is home to a thriving artistic community. Narrow streets crisscross the gentle hills and are lined with galleries, artisanal shops, selling crafts, handmade clothing and beautiful artworks. Take a break in one of the neighborhood’s charming squares with cafes and bars, perfect for people watching. Pro tip: bring your camera. This area is famed for its murals – pastel-colored paintings which look radiant under the exquisite Provence light. Many of the streets are filled with greenery – climbing plants and flowers adorn buildings – truly picturesque.
Best Boulevard
Get your steps in on this kilometer long Avenue in the heart of the city. La Canebière is a must-see and has an interesting history – it was once the site of one of the biggest hemp trading markets in the world. Starting at either the Vieux Port or the Eglise des Réformés you can tick both these tourist sites off the list, while shopping.
Most Hipster
A little off the beaten track, but well worth the trouble is the edgy-feeling and bohemian-looking Cours Julien district – home to curving streets filled with vinyl record stores, vintage clothing, sourdough bakeries, natural wine shops, performance spaces, hipster cafes and much more. Like its prettier neighborhood cousin Le Panier – this area also deals in murals – but these are garish and confrontational, plastered over shopfronts and doorways. Super atmospheric and very cool, there’s an excellent farmer’s market every Wednesday morning.
Best Market
The Capucins market in the Noailles district is a dream destination for bargain hunters. Reflecting the multicultural population of the city, this market has been a mainstay shopping spot for nearly seventy years. Take in the rows of colorful vegetables, fish fresh from the ocean, meats and spices and gorgeous fabrics. A festival for all senses, take a walk through this morning market and nibble on some gorgeous local olives as you browse the many stalls.
Where to Eat in Marseille
For Bouillabaisse
Perhaps the signature dish of Marseille – bouillabaisse started life as a fisherman’s treat. It is a broth made from shells, which is served with a selection of fish and seafood from the day’s catch. Traditionally designed for the fisherman to eat with his family, over the years Bouillabaisse has become a highly regarded elevated dish, served at some of the city’s top restaurants. The dish is often presented in two stages – first a rich brick red broth, perfumed with saffron, parsley and fennel arrives in a bowl along with a side of toasted bread croutons, raw garlic, and a small pot of rouille – a sort of mayonnaise. The custom is to rub the bread with the garlic, top it with a little rouille, then float it in the broth where it will become soft and impart even more flavor to the dish. Next, a feast of cooked mixed seafood arrives – which can be added to more of the broth. It’s delicious – but very filling, so make sure you arrive hungry.
Perhaps the most famous destination for Marseille’s renowned fish stew is the elegant Le Miramar restaurant, located on the harborside in the old port district. This is a stylishly appointed restaurant, where suited waitstaff will tease your palate with elegant amuse-bouches before presenting you with their famous, delicious and authentic bouillabaisse.
For Street Food
If you are looking for a one stop centrally located place to try some Mediterranean street food snacks, then look no further than Les Grandes Halles. Tucked down a pretty side street just moments from the harbor, this large food court offers all the Mediterranean top hits. Panisses – a classic local staple of fries made from chickpea flour are available in this lovely venue, along with, pizza, sandwiches, Spanish specialties, shellfish, rotisserie and grill Take a seat on the outdoor terrace and watch the world wander by.
For Fine Dining
With all the treasures of the sea close by, it is no surprise that Marseille is home to some of the world’s best seafood restaurants and boasts two which have been awarded Michelin’s top accolade of 3 Michelin stars. AM par Alexandre Mazzia offers diners exciting tasting menus that play with spices and recall the chef’s childhood in the Congo. Expect artfully presented, exciting plates in an elegant minimalist space.
Right next to the ocean and with glorious bedrooms for diners who don’t want to travel after their feast Le Petit Nice is a family-run hotel and restaurant where the freshest local seafood takes center stage. Located next to the stunning little port of Fausse Monnaie, be sure to take your swimsuit – after a lunch or dinner gazing over the perfect Mediterranean waters, take a short flight of stairs down onto an outcrop of rocks popular with bathers.
For Pizza
Marseille has a large Italian community and as a result has a spectacular Italian restaurant scene, including a Marseille-style pizza, which uses Emmenthal cheese in place of traditional mozzarella. Provence is famous for its Mediterranean vegetables, especially its delicious tomatoes – so get ready for a treat at one of the city’s many excellent pizzerias.
For Traditional Provencal Food
Eat like a local at this well-respected restaurant, which serves up specialties from the region in delightful surroundings. Chez Madie les Galinettes cooks all the classics – seafood, meat, and delicious pasta. Pro tip: Try the clams in thyme. Feeling daring? Try the Pieds Paquets, a mixture of sheep feet and offal.
Where to Drink in Marseille
For Pastis Lovers
A strong aniseed liquor prized in Marseille is Pastis – a clear drink that turns yellow when water is added. And there’s a museum/bar/restaurant in its honor, where enthusiasts can learn about the history of the drink, before enjoying a tasting at the bar. Aptly named ‘Maison Jaune” (the Yellow House), there is also a restaurant where the chef uses pastis as an ingredient in dishes.
For Glamour
The southern sister of a popular Parisian cocktail bar CopperBay Marseille has a slightly nautical vibe about it, appropriate to its coastal location. Sail-like parasols, rattan chairs, and walls the color of a Mediterranean summer sky all give a sense of geography to this relaxing yet stylish bar. This is the yacht-club vibe destination for an elegantly presented mixed drink, many made from local ingredients. Or perhaps you fancy a bit of mystery? Then try the city’s speakeasy Carry Nation. It’s so clandestine that you only get the address when you book online, but if you want a choice of over 300 fine spirits, this secret bar is worth the trouble to find.
For Natural Wine
It doesn’t really get more natural than L’Abri – a natural wine bar and restaurant with a difference – which is that they make delicious local and natural wine themselves. Perched atop a hill overlooking the port, L’Abri is located in a former rope factory. With a broad selection of small plates, many featuring local favorites, this is a relaxing place for an early evening sundowner or an easy sharing supper.
For Craft Beer
Beer aficionados will be spoiled for choice at la Cane Bière a beer cellar and bar with a name that both recalls Marseille’s famous boulevard (see above) and, well, a can of beer. With 400 bottled varieties of beer in the cellar and twelve more on tap – it might take a lifetime to try them all. It doubles as an exhibition and sales space for local artists, so if you like some culture with your beer – this is the place.
Things to Do in Marseille
Ride an e-Bike to the City’s Most Scenic Spots
Navigate hilly Marseille without sweat and tears on an organized e-bike tour around some of the city’s most famous landmarks and neighborhoods. Multilingual guides lead groups of cyclists along coastal roads, into hidden coves and ports and up to the magnificent Notre Dame de la Garde church. The tour takes in other impressive viewpoints and districts of the city.
Top-of-the-range e-bikes take all the demanding work out of cycling, making this half-day tour feel almost effortless. With plenty of stops to take photos, time to explore on foot and with engaging guides at hand ready to share their extensive local knowledge, this combination of fitness, sightseeing and history lesson is the ideal way to get to know Marseille – without getting sore feet.
Learn About the Region’s History in a Magnificent Museum
MuCEM is the first museum dedicated to exploring the civilization of Europe and the Mediterranean. A relative newcomer at 11 years old, this museum spans three sites. In the town center the CCR Centre for Conservation and Resources houses the museum’s collections. Right next to the water at the entrance of the Old Port is a carefully restored historical monument – the Fort Saint-Jean. This is contrasted by a third building, known as J4 – a striking architectural wonder of a 72m concrete cube with lacy cladding. This building has become a modern landmark for the city. Take plenty of time to explore this one-of-a-kind museum with vast permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Take a Boat Trip to Some Mysterious Islands
All aboard for a short ferry ride to some of Marseille’s outlying islands. Setting off from the Old Port, the first stop is at Château d’If, a building which inspired the plotline of the Count of Monte Cristo. Catch another boat to the Frioul islands, a place to admire beautiful nature and opportunities to swim in the clear waters.
Ride a Miniature Train and Enjoy the Sights in Comfort
Possibly the most comfortable, indulgent and easy way to experience Marseille is onboard Le Petit Train – a miniature train that winds its way through the streets making sightseeing utterly pain-free.
Choose from two different routes – a harbor circuit, which takes visitors to the famous MuCEM (see above), port area and the fascinating panier district, or a seaside route along the corniche, passing Fort St Jean and Fort Nicolas, towards the hidden port of Vallon des Auffes and up to Notre Dame de la Garde.
