The best activities in Marseille

Freddy Imbert - PlanetAzur
Nov 25, 2022
|
5
min read
The best activities in Marseille

Marseille, a city in southern France's Camargue area, is close to the Rhône river's mouth and is situated on the Mediterranean Sea's Gulf of Lion coast. The locals are known as Marseillais.

Best places to visit in Marseille

Marseille, a port city, is a vibrant, multiethnic destination with an abundance of history and art. When you take a closer look at Marseille's attractions, you'll start to wonder how to fit them into your schedule. The Old Port is brimming with attractions and has personality and charm.

If you can only spend one day in the city, make it this one. You'll discover parks, museums, and cultural institutions as you travel, letting you enjoy Marseille's tourism to its fullest.

We're making a list of Marseille's top attractions because there are so many that you really must see. Try to cover every one of them!

Old port

Vieux Port or Old Port, is one of the top Marseille points of interest. It’s now the center of restaurants, cafes, and hotels that sit alongside historical buildings like the Sainte Marie lighthouse and Maison Diamantée. The lively marina offers many different things to experience, like browsing the fish market and riding the ferry.

Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

A magnificent golden statue of the Virgin and Child is perched atop the tower of this 19th-century neo-Byzantine church 150 meters above the river to guard Marseille's nautical community.‍

The basilica contains the lower levels of a renaissance fort that also had a chapel. There have been religious sites and watch towers on La Garde for many centuries.

Although a tourist train frequently runs from the Old Port, the climb should not be taken lightly in the summer.

source: Unsplash

CALANQUES NATIONAL PARK

The southern and eastern suburbs of Marseille border a region of extraordinary natural beauty. The Calanques are a group of rugged, white limestone cliffs and rivers that rise to enormous heights and drop abruptly to the ocean. These rocky beauties are accessible by both land and water.

Slow Visit to The Calanques

Panoramic Hike in the natural park of the Calanques from Luminy

LA CORNICHE

La Corniche is one continuous balcony next to the Mediterranean sea that winds down the coast for several kilometers from the Old Port, passing via beaches and eccentric tiny neighborhoods.

You can drive by it, but the sea air and magnificent views of the Frioul Archipelago and the Château d'If towers in the bay make walking there just as worthwhile.

The Vallon des Auffes, a typical fishing port on a steep inlet bordered by dilapidated ancient houses and accessible from the sea beneath the arches that support the road, is one of the most remarkable sites.

Getaway Water Hike around the Island

source: Unsplash

ABBAYE SAINT-VICTOR

This place of worship was formerly a part of a fifth-century abbey. With Early Christian and Carolingian-era foundations, the basilica of the monastery is one of Marseilles' oldest standing structures.

LE PANIER

The Greek colony of Massalia was located in this area of Marseille, just north of the Old Port, and it has been inhabited since 600 BC.

It had historically been one of Marseille's poorest neighborhoods, as evidenced by La Vieille Charité, a baroque almshouse built in the 17th century with three stories of arcaded galleries surrounding a chapel.

With independent boutiques, craft businesses, cafes, and a huge amount of creative street art, it is becoming a popular neighborhood.

Walking Tour of the oldest neighborhood in Marseille

source: Unsplash

MuCEM

Modern museum MuCEM, which opened in 2013, revitalized a section of Marseille's waterfront near the Fort de Saint-Jean from the 17th century.

The majority of visitors concur that the displays are inconsistent, irrationally switching between time periods and themes, but they are so varied that there are galleries to catch everyone's interest.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN MARSEILLE

To Conclude

Marseille is the oldest city in France. Marseille is also famous for their foods and restaurants. In Marseille, there are many sightseeing places, restaurants, museums, and monuments, some of them are listed above, which make the city a popular tourist destination. So everyone must visit Marseille and makes their moments memorable.

To discover unique experiences in the fantastic French city of Marseille, visit PlanetAzur, where you will find guided tours, visits, culinary experiences, and much more! A unique site where you can come into close contact with the splendid reality of Marseille and beyond, in close contact with nature and the history of the city.

Most asked questions

What are the Top Attractions to Visit in Marseille?

Marseille offers a rich tapestry of attractions, including the vibrant Le Panier neighborhood known for its quaint, pastel-painted buildings and artistic ambiance. The iconic Notre-Dame de la Garde, perched atop a hill, offers stunning city and sea views and boasts a beautiful mosaic interior. For history enthusiasts, the Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée (MuCEM) is a must-visit, showcasing a wide range of exhibits on Mediterranean cultures​

What Unique Outdoor Activities Can You Do in Marseille?

Nature lovers can explore the Parc National des Calanques, which offers activities like hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing in a breathtaking setting of limestone cliffs and turquoise coves. Boat tours in this area provide a serene maritime experience, revealing the park's most spectacular scenery​​.

Where to Find the Best Culinary Experiences in Marseille?

Marseille's culinary scene is a delight, especially in areas like Le Panier, where restaurants serve fresh-caught seafood and a variety of cuisines, from French to Algerian. For a traditional Marseille experience, sampling 'pastis,' an anise-flavored apéritif, is a must. The city's Old Port area is also renowned for offering fresh fish and spectacular sunset views

What are the Best Cultural and Historical Sites in Marseille?

Marseille's rich cultural tapestry is best experienced at sites like the Château d'If, a 16th-century castle with a fascinating history as a former prison. The Musée d'Histoire de Marseille tells the city's story from its Gallo-Greek origins to the present day, while La Vieille Charité, a former public hospital, now hosts cultural events and art exhibitions

Where Can Families Enjoy Kid-Friendly Activities in Marseille?

For families, Marseille's Old Town, Le Panier, is a picturesque area for a leisurely walk, revealing the city's oldest history. Visiting the Palais Longchamp, home to Marseille's Musée des Beaux-Arts, offers both artistic insights and a beautiful park for children to enjoy. Additionally, the city's biggest avenue, La Canebière, close to the Vieux Port, is perfect for a family stroll, showcasing Marseille's historical grandeur

See more →
Our site uses cookies to provide you with a personalized experience, to ensure that it functions properly and to optimize its technical and marketing performance. Click "Accept" to enable all cookies or see our Privacy Policy for more information.