Exploring Marseille: A Comprehensive Guide

France’s oldest city, founded 2,600 years ago, is an exciting and fascinating place. It’s got everything – from Roman remains and medieval churches to palaces and some great avant-garde architecture. This bustling, industrial city is a working city that takes enormous pride in its own identity, making it a unique travel destination. Many travelers include Marseille as part of an itinerary along the Mediterranean coast, and it’s certainly worth spending several days exploring this vibrant city.

1. Overview of Marseille

• France’s second most populated city with over 840,000 inhabitants.
• Located in the Bouches-du-Rhone in Provence on the Mediterranean coast.
• Leading cruise port in France, welcoming over 705,000 passengers annually.
• Attracts approximately 4 million tourists each year.
• Enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine annually.
• Boasts 57 kilometers of stunning coastline.
• Designated as the European Capital of Culture in 2013.

2. How to Get to Marseille

• By Air: Fly into Marseille-Provence Airport from the USA with one European stop-over.
  Airport Transport information

Marseille Airport is located 30 kilometers (15.5 miles) northwest of the city center.

3. Transportation Within Marseille

Marseille features a comprehensive network of public transportation options. There are bus routes, two metro lines, and two tramlines managed by RTM, making navigation easy and affordable.

Contact RTM at: 00 33 (0)4 91 91 92 19 for more information.

The same tickets are valid across all three forms of Marseille transport. Passengers can purchase tickets in metro stations and on buses (singles only), at tabacs, and newsagents displaying the RTM sign. A single ticket is valid for one hour, and various transport passes can be advantageous for public transit users (12 euros for 7 days).

4. Weather in Marseille

Marseille enjoys a glorious climate, with over 300 days of sunshine each year. Monthly average temperatures range from 37°F to 51°F in January, rising to highs of 66°F to 84°F in July, the hottest month. The wettest months are from September to December, and summer can be quite hot and oppressive, leading many to seek cooler retreats along the surrounding coastline.

Check out Marseille weather today.

5. Hotels in Marseille

As Marseille is not primarily a tourist city, accommodations are available year-round, including in July, August, December, and January. Options range from the newly renovated and chic Hotel Residence du Vieux Port (18 que du Port) to the iconic Hotel Le Corbusier (La Corniche, 280 bd Michelet).

For further information on Marseille hotels, visitors can refer to the Tourist Office.

6. Dining in Marseille

Marseille residents take pride in their culinary heritage, especially their renowned fish and seafood. The star dish is bouillabaisse, a traditional Provençal fish stew made with a medley of cooked fish, shellfish, garlic, saffron, basil, bay leaves, and fennel. Other local delicacies include mutton and lamb belly, though these may require some acclimatization.

Visitors can explore various districts rich in diverse dining options. The Cours Julien and Place Jean-Jaurès areas are known for international cuisine, while Vieux Port and the pedestrianized zones behind the port offer quaint bistros. It’s worth noting that many restaurants close on Sundays, and some restaurateurs take vacations during the peak summer months of July and August.

7. Top Attractions in Marseille

• Around the Vieux Port: The heart of Marseille life with bars, restaurants, shops, and a mix of luxury yachts and fishing boats. Fishing boats deliver their catch at quai des Belges, while ferries head to Chateau d’If and the Calanques.
• Abbaye de St-Victor: This ancient church resembles a fortress and features an impressive scale and ancient crypt.
• Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde: Recognizable by its enormous golden statue of the Virgin Mary, the basilica boasts an ornate Byzantine-style interior.
• Jardin des Vestiges/Musee d’Histoire de Marseille: This garden preserves the original Greek walls and a corner of the Roman port, enhanced by the adjoining museum’s eclectic collection.
• Musee Cantini: Located in a lovely 17th-century mansion, it showcases a remarkable collection of Fauve and Surrealist art.
• MuCEM: Opened in 2013, this museum is located at the entrance of the Old Port and addresses diverse Mediterranean cultures.
• Chateau d’If: Famous for its association with Edmond Dantes, this fortress island is a perfect escape from the crowds.

For more information, visit the Official Tourist Website.