A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
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.
Marseille is France’s second largest city, situated along the southern coast of the Mediterranean Sea.
The old port city of Marseille is the third-largest city in France. While the city once had a reputation for being rough around the edges, today, it embraces that old-world roughness that is softened by its modern charm.
As an American living in Marseille, GoTravelDaily has the inside scoop on what visitors truly want. You need to know the best ways to explore the city, what neighborhoods to visit, how to savor its culinary delights, and why you’ll root for Olympique de Marseille even if you don’t like football.
Summer is the traditional time to visit this sun-blessed city on the Mediterranean: its big blue sea is toasty warm, urban beaches sizzle with outdoor action, festivals abound, and dancing spills across the sand and on starry rooftops after dark. The party vibe is electric.
Simply taking in the energy of daily life that unfolds on every café-clad square and boat-fringed quay is a blockbuster attraction in this charismatic, intoxicating city in France’s hot south – and it’s gratis.
Savoring an aperitif at sundown as the fiery sun sinks into the big blue has been a sacrosanct ritual in seafaring Marseille since time immemorial. However, the bar scene has evolved far beyond sailors chugging back bottles of cheap wine portside. As southern France’s grittiest, giddiest city has morphed into a metropolitan trendsetter, the drinking scene is reaching heady new heights – on its rooftops.
Olympique de Marseille is the only top-level football club in Marseille, and its support is rabid and unswerving; you could even go so far as to call it religious devotion.
As an ancient Greek port, traditional rebel, and contemporary French starlet, the beguiling city of Marseille boasts a captivating blend of urban grit and grandeur. The good news is that its museum offering is equally bold and eclectic.
Marseille’s unique charms have transformed it into a destination unlike anywhere else in L’hexagone – a kaleidoscope of jaunty street art, rugged scenery, busy cafes, and bustling markets, from the glittering port to the colorful neighborhoods.
With groundbreaking museums and world-class restaurants, Marseille offers plenty of opportunities to splash out. However, it’s also a city that can be enjoyed and experienced without breaking the bank. From the glittering Vieux Port to affordable eats in the historic Le Panier district, many of the best things to do in this famous Mediterranean metropolis can be either low-cost or even free. Here’s how to experience Marseille economically.
At first glance, it might be hard to spot green patches in the hectic port city of Marseille in southern France. City dwellers tend to gravitate along the coast, toward the iconic Massif des Calanques or to the people-packed quays framing the Vieux Port and surrounding pedestrian, cafe-packed squares for their daily dose of fresh air andflânerie(casual strolling).
Marseille’s reputation as a frenetic, fast-paced port city in France’s smoldering south precedes it. However, navigating its noisy, traffic-clogged streets can be exhausting. Fortunately, the revitalizing, big blue Mediterranean is never far away, and with some savvy planning, getting around can be a breeze.
High season means uncomfortably hot city temperatures – 35°C is fairly common at noon – and urban beaches packed with holidaymakers. The summer festival season is in full swing, with bags of open-air film screenings, rooftop concerts, and dance parties to entertain. Hotels and hostels are fully booked, with rates at a premium.
Marseille’s reputation as a frenetic, fast-paced port city in France’s smoldering hot south precedes it, and navigating its noisy, traffic-clogged streets can be exhausting. However, the revitalizing Mediterranean is never far away, and with some savvy planning, getting around can be a breeze.
Discover the culinary delights of Marseille, a city renowned for its vibrant food scene. From sumptuous Michelin-starred establishments to charming bistros, there is something for every palate.
If you are cruising the Mediterranean Sea, there’s a good chance that the city of Marseille or another city on the French Riviera will be a port of call. Marseille serves as a gateway to the historic Provence area of France and provides easy access to captivating cities such as Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, St. Paul de Vence, and Les Baux.
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.
Marseille is the second-largest city in France after Paris, the capital of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, and the oldest city in the country.