Summary
Similar to various ports across the globe, Marseille has historically been viewed as an area associated with seediness and crime. Nevertheless, traces of its rugged charm remain, which contributes positively to its unique character and offers an alluring dynamism and vibrancy.
Tip: Acquire the Marseille City Pass for complimentary access to several museums, a guided tour, and free usage of public transport.
The essence of the city can be explored in neighborhoods such as Le Panier, Noailles, and La Paine, marked by an array of shops, markets, and cafés. The Old Port has been operational since 600 BC, and if you wish to delve into the historical richness of France’s oldest city, there exists an exceptional selection of museums that will transport you through time.
Let us examine the top attractions in Marseille:
1. Old Port
The expansive rectangular port of Marseille has engaged in trade for 2,600 years, functioning more as an entire district rather than merely a singular attraction.
Surrounded on three sides by quays adorned with broad promenades, primarily from the 18th century, the old warehouses now house numerous cafés, fish restaurants, and bars at ground level, providing outdoor seating to observe life unfold within this captivating city as you enjoy a pastis.
Long moved to modern docks to the north, the vessels at the old port predominantly cater to leisure activities.
However, at the innermost Quai des Belges, the freshest catch is still delivered each morning to be sold at the fish market beside the water.
2. Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
This monumental structure is easily identifiable as it rises above the skyline to the south of the Old Port.
This 19th-century neo-Byzantine church stands 150 meters above water, crowned by a large golden statue of the Virgin and Child, overseeing Marseille’s maritime community.
Religious sanctuaries and watchtowers have existed on La Garde for centuries, and the basilica itself integrates the lower levels of a Renaissance fort, which originally included a chapel.
The ascent should not be underestimated during the summer months, but there is a tourist train that departs regularly from the Old Port.
The panoramic view from this vantage point is undoubtedly breathtaking.
3. Calanques National Park
The southern and eastern outskirts of Marseille extend into an area characterized by remarkable natural beauty.
The Calanques feature jagged white limestone cliffs and inlets that soar to incredible heights, plunging steeply into the sea.
These stunning landscapes can be explored on foot or by sea.
For those who prefer hiking, a resilient spirit is essential as the GR 98 trail from Marseille to Cassis takes approximately 11 hours and traverses challenging terrain.
The effort is richly rewarded by the captivating scenery.
Additionally, mini-cruises depart from the Old Port alongside guided kayaking experiences.
Whenever possible, aim for the indescribably exquisite cove at Calanque d’En Vau.
Available tour: Catamaran Cruise & Lunch in the Calanques National Park
4. Musée d’Histoire de Marseille
Understanding Marseille’s extensive 26-century history can be challenging, but this excellent museum located near the Old Port is instrumental in providing insights.
Given the extensive timeframe covered, it is recognized as the largest urban history museum in France.
History enthusiasts will find themselves immersed in hours of exploration, examining amphorae, ceramics, architectural remnants, ancient shipwrecks, mosaics, sarcophagi, and much more.
Alongside this extensive array of artifacts spanning from Ancient Greece to the 20th century, the museum features maps and models that depict Marseille in various historical periods, and it connects to a series of archaeological sites containing ramparts, port structures, and a necropolis.
5. La Corniche
Stretching several kilometers along the coast from the Old Port, La Corniche presents itself as a long promenade adjacent to the Mediterranean, passing by beaches and quaint neighborhoods.
While driving is an option, walking along this route provides the additional benefit of experiencing fresh sea air and remarkable vistas of the Frioul Archipelago and the Château d’If towers situated in the bay.
One of the most remarkable sites is the Vallon des Auffes, a traditional fishing harbor nestled within a steep inlet, embellished with weathered old shacks and accessed via the arches supporting the roadway.
6. Le Panier
This district of Marseille, located just north of the Old Port, has been continuously inhabited since 600 BC and was the location of the Greek colony of Massalia.
As the city transformed, it became a hub where various waves of immigrants settled. Presently, a substantial Maghreb and Corsican community resides here.
The area features ochre-colored walls, stone staircases, and elongated, passage-like streets leading to sunbathed squares.
Historically regarded as one of Marseille’s poorer regions, evidenced by the La Vieille Charité, a 17th-century baroque almshouse showcasing three levels of arched galleries around a chapel, the district has now evolved into a trendy locale abundant with independent boutiques, craft shops, cafés, and vibrant street art.
7. MuCEM
Officially opened in 2013, MuCEM is a contemporary museum that revitalized a segment of Marseille’s waterfront adjacent to the 17th-century Fort de Saint-Jean.
While the architecture is striking, the contents can be challenging to encapsulate: it offers a sweeping overview of Mediterranean culture and civilization, incorporating art, photographic exhibits, and historical artifacts.
Many visitors agree that the exhibitions tend to be inconsistent, often shifting erratically between periods and themes. Nonetheless, their diversity ensures that various galleries will capture visitors’ interests.
Admission to the fort, constructed by Louis XIV, is included in the ticket, and this fortification is linked to the museum by two pedestrian bridges.
8. La Plaine and Noailles
Located directly east of the Old Port are two neighborhoods that provide insight into everyday life in Marseille.
Noailles represents an area where generations of Africans have settled, particularly following Algeria’s establishment as a French territory in 1830. The bustling market in this area operates from Monday to Saturday, presenting sights and sounds reminiscent of a souk in North Africa or the Middle East, with flatbreads being baked and kebabs sizzling over hot coals.
La Plaine, situated around Place Jean Jaurès a few streets further east, is one of the more fashionable areas of the city.
This locale features stylish boutiques, bars, and a market operating on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings, offering a diverse array of stalls selling products from fresh produce to perfumes.
9. Stade Vélodrome
Long before its splendid refurbishment prior to Euro 2016, the home stadium of Olympique de Marseille was already revered as one of the world’s iconic football temples.
It now stands as the largest club football stadium in France, accommodating 67,000 spectators, and is effectively shielded from the relentless Mistral wind by a remarkable undulating roof.
Despite its iconic status, Stade Vélodrome has not always received the appreciation it deserves from the city or OM’s fans; however, an hour-long tour will provide insights into its history as you visit the dressing rooms, ascend to the highest tier of the stands, and go pitch-side.
10. Boulevard Longchamp
One of Marseille’s most enlightening strolls can be enjoyed along Boulevard Longchamp, characterized by its elegant 19th-century buildings and dual rows of plane trees.
The ideal route is to start from Canebière station, heading toward Palais Longchamp, where the crescent-shaped colonnade and fountain of this magnificent 19th-century complex gradually come into view.
Palais Longchamp and the surrounding park were commissioned to commemorate the completion of the Canal de Marseille, which facilitated a much-needed water supply for the city.
The Natural History Museum and Museum of Fine Arts are also located in this area.
11. Cité Radieuse
Constructed between 1947 and 1952, this concrete apartment complex was the first Unité d’Habitation designed by Swiss architect Le Corbusier, a prototype replicated across Europe during the post-war era.
The concept aimed to integrate the homes, streets, and services of a city within an 18-floor concrete structure.
Presently, over a thousand individuals reside here, but tours offer the opportunity to explore one of the restored original apartments and ascend to the rooftop terrace for a panoramic view of the city.
All of Le Corbusier’s creations are now UNESCO-protected sites.
12. L’Estaque
Now a northwestern suburb of Marseille, L’Estaque retains its origins as a fishing village that inspired renowned painters such as Cézanne and Braque in the late 19th century.
Cézanne notably devoted significant time to L’Estaque, capturing the village and coastal scenes across different seasons on canvas.
If you are familiar with his artistic renderings, you may find it thrilling to view these portraits in real life.
Additionally, the local artist Adolphe Monticelli was closely associated with the village during this era, and a museum in L’Estaque houses the largest collection of his works globally.
As you wander, make sure to visit the old port where you can sample panisses (chickpea flour chips) and chichis fregis (donuts).
13. Musée des Docks Romains
Given Marseille’s wealth of ancient history, a single museum is insufficient to encompass all it has to offer.
The Musée des Docks Romains, merely a few streets from the northern edge of the Old Port, occupies the site of one of the world’s few recognized Roman commercial warehouses.
These structures were uncovered post-World War II; during the conflict, numerous streets were demolished by the Germans.
The most remarkable features here are the dolia, enormous ceramic jugs tall enough to reach adult height, capable of containing up to 2,000 liters of wine or olive oil.
14. Beaches
Despite its coastal Mediterranean location and 42 kilometers of shoreline, Marseille has never been predominantly regarded as a beach destination.
In the mid-1970s, Prado seaside park was established, reclaiming 40 hectares of sea and outfitting it with shingle and sand.
What accentuates its appeal is the scenic view of the twisted white cliffs marking the entrance to the Calanques to the southeast.
Alternatively, the beaches at Corbière located north, just beyond L’Estaque, also provide options for seaside relaxation.
These beaches are man-made as well and, similar to Prado, are safeguarded from erosion using breakwaters.
15. Cuisine
Bouillabaisse is a renowned dish hailing from Marseille, prepared in various regions around the globe.
This fish and seafood stew is traditionally created using lean fish less valued in the market, such as scorpionfish, conger eel, and sea robins, which improve in flavor when cooked thoroughly.
These ingredients are simmered together with wine, olive oil, and saffron, though the specific preparation may vary across restaurants.
A key element in the experience is the use of rustic bread generously spread with rouille, a piquant mayonnaise, which is immersed in the broth.
This dish is best complemented with white wines from the Rhône Valley or Languedoc-Roussillon.
On the sweeter side, visitors can savor navettes, small boat-shaped biscuits available in various flavors, ranging from anise to chocolate.
