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It's easy to get lost in Marseille, with its gardens and cultural sites. When you arrive in the city, it can be hard to know what to see and do.
Here we offer you a tour of Marseille and what you shouldn't miss.
How can you visit Marseille without seeing the iconic "Bonne Mère"? This Roman-Byzantine basilica, which serves as both a sanctuary and a fortress, seems to have always watched over the city and its inhabitants. This 19th-century architectural gem not only features a majestic Virgin and Child statue over 11 meters high, but also houses hundreds of ex-votos, testimonials, and prayers addressed to sailors lost at sea.
Visiting this historic and cultural site is well worth the effort: the building is perched on a limestone peak 149 meters above sea level. But the climb is worth the detour, as the view of the city is breathtaking, both day and night. You can see the whole of Marseille, from the Old Port to the Frioul Islands, including the beaches and hills that border the city.
You can take a small train to get there, but it's worth making the journey on foot, not only to experience the spirit of the pilgrimage tradition that marks these paths, but also to enjoy the beauty of the sites you pass through. You'll pass by the Palais de Justice, then the ancient Jardin Pierre Puget, and climb a few steps to reach the summit, where you'll be rewarded with a sublime panorama of the entire city.
When we talk about the most beautiful landscapes in Marseille, we inevitably mention the Calanques, located between Marseille and Cassis. These azure and white sites, where the clear water invites you to swim and encounter the fish and other marine mammals that inhabit it. These places became a national park in April 2012 to protect their beauty and impressive biodiversity. They are home to many plants and animals classified as "rare" or "endangered".
There are two ways to explore this area full of secrets: by land or by sea. For a hike, Luminy is a good starting point, providing access to the Calanques de Sugiton and Morgiou. The more athletic can embark on an 11-hour walk to Cassis, enjoying magnificent panoramic views along the way. For family outings, opt for the 1.5-hour circuit from Callelongue to the Calanque de Marseilleveyre. However, be aware that in summer, access to the massif is restricted or even prohibited. The best way to visit the Calanques is still by boat.
There is also the option of taking a boat from the Old Port or Pointe Rouge to enjoy a trip around the most beautiful Calanques. As with hiking, there are several routes to choose from if you go by sea. The advantage of this option is a delightful trip between land and sea, even in the height of summer... and perhaps even the chance to swim in the clear, precious waters.
Marseille is a city close to the water, and its Old Port attracts many visitors with its promise of authenticity and liveliness. On the Quai des Belges, the most central part of the Old Port, every morning there is a lively atmosphere of sailors and fishermen at the fish market. In this picturesque fish market, you will feel more than ever at the heart of the Phocaean city, surrounded by Provençal men with strong Marseille accents.
A tour of the Old Port is an opportunity to admire the galleys of Saint Victor Abbey and the Cour d'Estiennes d'Orves on the south bank, before taking the famous Ferry Boat (free of charge) to the north bank. Another monument not to be missed in the Old Port is the town hall, built in 1653, a superb example of Provençal Baroque style. On the façade of its Puget pavilion, classified as a historical monument since 1948, you can still glimpse the figure of the Sun King Louis XIV
The countless cafés and restaurants offer the opportunity to sample Provençal flavors or treat yourself to a bouillabaisse. If you're walking around the area, don't hesitate to climb up to the Palais du Pharo, whose garden offers a breathtaking view of the Old Port. From this natural balcony, you can see how narrow the entrance to the port is and admire the comings and goings of ships and pleasure boats.
En mars 2012, ces lieux ont fait l’objet d’un ambitieux chantier de réaménagement.
The Mucem, located at the entrance to Marseille's Old Port, is one of France's most iconic museums and a major cultural symbol of the city. Opened in 2013, it is dedicated to the civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean, offering a unique insight into the history, exchanges, and cultures that have shaped this region.
Its remarkable architecture, designed by Rudy Ricciotti, combines concrete, mineral lace, and walkways connecting Fort Saint-Jean, creating a spectacular ensemble open to the sea. Inside, the museum offers permanent and temporary exhibitions combining history, art, anthropology, and society.
The Mucem is also a place to stroll, where you can enjoy exceptional views of the Mediterranean. More than a museum, it is a living space where heritage, modern creation, and cultural discovery intersect.
This district of old Marseille, north of the Old Port, is home to a host of secret, hidden or little-known places. It is the historic heart of the city, stretching out behind the town hall. The original name of Marseille's oldest district is said to come from a 17th-century inn called "Le logis du Panier".
Here you will find the Hospice de la Vieille Charité, a former convent and hospital dating back to 1670. Originally intended to house vagrants and orphans, this architecturally beautiful building now houses the Museum of African, Oceanic and American Indian Arts. In addition to this monument, you can stroll around the Musée des Docks Romains (Roman Docks Museum) or the Préau des Accoules, a museum dedicated to children.
You can take a tour on a small train, but walking through its narrow streets and small stairways is a much better way to discover the secret charm of Marseille. The colorful facades of this working-class neighborhood give it a typically Mediterranean style. This contrasting area holds the city's oldest memories, reminders of a time when the shops were overflowing with the fruits of the many trades linked to the nearby sea.
A stroll along Marseille's most famous thoroughfare is a must when visiting the Phocaean city. Historically very busy, this axis is now the heart of the city center. Thousands of visitors walk along it every year to reach the Vieux Port, the grandiose opening onto the sea at its end. In summer, it's an opportunity to explore a route steeped in history, reflected in the architecture of the buildings that line it. In winter, you'll find the famous Provençal santons market, which decorates Christmas nativity scenes here. It's also the ideal place to find typical souvenirs.
Opposite the Old Port, La Canebière can take you to Cours Julien, an authentic neighborhood that has been a meeting place for art since the 19th century. You can visit the Palais des Arts, where the Regards de Provence foundation regularly offers new exhibitions. This former city hall is now a bohemian neighborhood with an organic market, music bars, and beautiful shops.
If you want to visit an authentic fishing district, the Estaque district, marking the northern entrance to Marseille, is what you are looking for. Its streets are steeped in history. This historic port area also has a very interesting industrial past. It has also been a favorite haunt of many painters since the late 19th century, including Paul Cézanne, Pierre Auguste Renoir, Georges Braque, and several precursors of Cubism. Since 2010, the Monticelli Museum, located in the Fortin de Corbières, has been displaying an impressive collection by Adolphe Monticelli, a 19th-century painter from Marseille. It also hosts a wide range of temporary exhibitions.
Food lovers will also find their fill of tradition in the chichis stalls at the port, the exclusive place to buy the famous Chichis Freggis. The port's many restaurants invite you to enjoy bouillabaisse and other fish dishes, freshly caught from the day's catch.
The Marseille harbor offers beautiful walks through neighborhoods steeped in life and history, from L'Estaque to La Corniche. The Corniche is a public maritime area that is home to the beautiful islands of Marseille. As you stroll along, you can not only admire the sea, but also see the Porte d'Orient, the Repatriates' Monument and the marégraphe, an old instrument for measuring sea levels. The best way to admire the beauty of Marseille harbor is on a boat trip.
Following the Corniche Kennedy, you arrive at the Prado beaches, probably the most popular in Marseille. Along the way, you will discover the villages of Malmousque and Les Goudes, with their small fishing ports. In these small districts bordering the sea, it is hard to believe you are in the large metropolitan area of Marseille. The Vallon des Auffes is also worth a visit to soak up the picturesque atmosphere among the typical fishermen's huts. Two bridges span the creeks of Les Auffes and La Fausse Monnaie.
For lovers of greenery and fresh air, the Palais Longchamp is a must-see. Not far from the Old Port, in the 4th arrondissement, this historic monument is a place to relax, promising an enjoyable visit whether you're alone or with your family.
This site, well worth a visit, is full of architectural wonders and sculptures. Its gardens are a haven of peace for adults and also offer activities for children. Water gushes from a sublime and imposing fountain, a true work of art, cascading into multiple basins adorned with bronze fountains. The zoo, which was open to visitors until 1987, has closed its doors for good, but the rear of the park still bears its name. Venturing into the upper reaches of the park, you will come to the astronomical observatory.
The palace is a superb 19th-century building, composed of three entities. In the center, a water tower stands as a monument to the glory of water in Provence. On either side, you can enter the Museum of Fine Arts or the Natural History Museum, classified as a "Musée de France" in 2002.
The Frioul Islands are worth a visit for those seeking a little peace and quiet, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Boats take travelers there from the iconic Old Port, but also from the Port de la Pointe Rouge, located further south. Whether you choose to stop off at the island of If, Pomègues or Ratonneau, this excursion will make you feel like you're at the end of the world. It's a change of scenery, offering amazing, protected natural landscapes just a few dozen minutes from the heart of the city.
The Île d'If is a must-see for history buffs and literature lovers. Perched on these rocks is the Château d'If, the remains of a former state prison that preserves the memory of Captain d'Anselme in the 16th century and Mirabeau in the 17th century. The more imaginative among you may see traces of the imprisonment of Edmond Dantès, the famous Count of Monte Cristo, a vengeful character created by Alexandre Dumas. A legendary site in the Mediterranean, where you can still see the intact architecture in a preserved environment.
Among the 111 districts that make up the city of Marseille, there is bound to be one that appeals to you, whatever your interests. Here are a few places not to be missed in the Phocaean city.
Playing in the gardens of the Palais Longchamp, Borély Park, or Montredon Pastré Park
Swimming at the beach or in the coves of the Calanques
Taking a stroll around the Préau des Accoules in the old Panier district
Rue Saint Férréol, Rue Paradis, and Rue de la République
On La Canebière, where you can easily find the most typical souvenirs of Marseille.
The Cantini Museum
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC)
The Fashion Museum
Borély Castle
Fort Saint Jean
The Faience Museum
The Museum of Fine Arts
The numerous fountains
La Vieille Charité
The Marseille History Museum
The Abbey of Saint Victor
The ancient port and the Docks Museum
The Four des Navettes
The Nouvelle Major Cathedral
Parks and gardens (Borély, Prado seaside park, Puget Hill Garden, Palais Longchamp, Pastré countryside)
The Calanques
The Stade Vélodrome
Diving or kayaking in the bay
Hiking in the Calanques
The Marseille racecourse