Top 15 Tours in Marseille You Can’t Miss

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.

Marseille’s location on the Mediterranean Sea contributes to its quaint ambiance. The population of almost a million people, along with street art, chic cafes, world-class museums, and a vibrant cultural scene, provides an electrifying urban atmosphere.

Below are 15 of the premier tours available in and around Marseille.

1. Take a Sightseeing Tour of Marseille

Commence your exploration of Marseille with a comprehensive sightseeing tour. This four-hour journey showcases various parts of the city, including its oldest neighborhood and the historic Old Port.

Accompany your guide and board a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan to venture through Marseille and the French Mediterranean Coast.

Your initial stop will be at Notre Dame de la Garde, where you will enjoy panoramic views of the city, coastline, and surrounding mountains.

Following that, you will navigate to the city center, home to Noailles Market, Fort St. Jean, and the Le Panier neighborhood. After concluding the walking tour in the city center, experience a scenic five-kilometer drive along The Corniche leading to Goudes.

2. Set Sail for Calanques National Park

Depart Marseille aboard a spacious catamaran to cruise along the rugged coastline of the Mediterranean Sea towards Calanques National Park, recognized as one of the nation’s most breathtaking natural sites.

This five-hour endeavor allows you to witness the stunning landscapes of the national park while swimming and snorkeling in the crystalline waters near unparalleled coves. Lunch is provided, and snorkeling equipment is readily available on board the catamaran.

3. Explore the French Riviera

The French Riviera, also known as the Cote d’Azur, serves as a premier vacation destination for both residents of France and visitors from around the globe. This 11-hour guided excursion will navigate through some of the highlights of this beloved paradise.

Depart from Marseille in a comfortable minivan as you journey along the coast to visit Monaco, Eze, and Nice.

Your first destination is Monaco, where you will witness the changing of the guards at the Princes’ Palace and traverse the renowned streets that transform into a racetrack during the Formula One Grand Prix.

Afterward, proceed to Eze, where you will explore this medieval town and visit a perfume factory.

Lastly, discover the charming city of Nice, observing iconic sites such as the Cours Saleya market and the Promenade des Anglais.

4. Visit the Capital of Lavender and the Luberon Valley

Board an air-conditioned minibus for a ten-hour tour of Sault and the Luberon Valley. Sault, recognized as the lavender capital of the world, allows you to admire sprawling lavender fields and visit a lavender producer.

You will have the opportunity to explore this picturesque town and enjoy lunch before proceeding to your next destination.

The villages of Roussillon and Gordes within the Luberon Valley are among the most captivating in France, and you will dedicate the remainder of the afternoon to discovering both.

5. Visit the Roman Towns of Provence

Embark from Marseille in a comfortable minivan for a 7.5-hour exploration of Roman towns and monuments. The first stop is Arles, where you will see remarkable examples of Roman architecture, including the Roman Arena and the historic Old Town.

The next destination is Nimes, where you will have some free time for exploration and lunch before visiting an ancient Roman settlement.

Your final destination on this tour will be Uzes, where additional Roman sites, including Le Pont du Gard, await your discovery.

6. Bike Along the Seashore

Enjoy a 90-minute exploration of a charming section of Marseille by electric bike. The majority of the tour occurs along the seaside and in surrounding neighborhoods.

As you glide along the streets, you will have opportunities to pause and capture photographs of various landmarks, including Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica, The Vallon des Auffes, and Pharo Palace.

Throughout the journey, take breaks and listen to stories and historical insights from your knowledgeable guide.

7. Take a Wine Tour of the Luberon Wine Region

Renowned worldwide for its wine, France provides an opportunity to explore one of its prominent wine regions through a 7.5-hour tour of the Luberon Wine Region.

Accompany your guide from a convenient location in Marseille as you travel in a spacious, air-conditioned minivan. During the tour, visit several wineries and wine cellars while learning about the unique techniques employed by winemakers in this area.

In the picturesque village of Loumarin, enjoy some leisure time for exploration.

8. Go Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Calanques National Park

Engage in a four-hour marine adventure with this exciting tour, which gives you the opportunity to appreciate the stunning scenery of Calanques National Park both above and below the water’s surface.

Meet a diving instructor at Port de la Pointe Rouge in Marseille. After receiving your snorkeling and diving gear, travel by inflatable boat to the national park.

As you sail to the area, enjoy the natural beauty of the French Riviera. Upon reaching a secure spot near one of the park’s islands, spend approximately half an hour snorkeling to discover the underwater marine life.

Subsequently, receive diving instruction to immerse yourself 18 feet beneath the water for an up-close look at even more marine species, including striped mullet, sea stars, and zebra bream. Before departing the docks in Marseille, you will be awarded a scuba diving certificate.

9. Go Truffle Hunting

Discover the intricacies of truffles and hunt for them on this three-hour guided tour at a truffle plantation in Provence.

Gain insights into this secretive industry, including the cultivation and harvesting of truffles, as well as the training of dogs for the hunting process.

Collaborate with authentic truffle hunters to search for your own truffles. Savor your findings with champagne, followed by a lesson on how to clean, store, and prepare these exquisite delicacies.

To conclude the tour, explore the vineyards and an olive grove in the picturesque Luberon region.

10. Track Van Gogh on a Unique Tour from Marseille

Experience a 7.5-hour excursion following the footsteps of the renowned painter, Van Gogh, with pick-up from your hotel in an air-conditioned minivan.

Your tour begins in the city of Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll see the Roman arena and stroll along the Cours de la Republique.

Next, visit the village of Les Baux de Provence, and explore Saint Remy de Provence and Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, one of Van Gogh’s former residences. Enjoy some free time to discover the area before returning to Marseille.

11. Take a Segway Tour of Notre Dame de la Garde

If you have never ridden a Segway before, do not fret; your instructor will brief you prior to embarking on a two-hour adventure through significant areas of Marseille.

As you glide through the city streets utilizing this unique mode of transportation, you’ll pass by notable landmarks such as Cathedrale de la Major, the Mucem, and the Old Port.

Upon reaching Notre Dame de La Garde, take some time to admire the incredible views of the city, as well as the cathedral and the Abbey of St. Victor.

12. Indulge with a Foodie Walking Tour

On this three-hour walking tour, immerse yourself in the diverse cultures that contribute to the multicultural atmosphere of Marseille.

Wander through the historic streets of the Noailles district, where you’ll encounter numerous attractions, including Le Panier, the city’s oldest neighborhood. Experience the unique cuisine and beverages from various cultures, including French, Greek, and Italian.

Stop at six distinct eateries to sample local specialties such as panisse and pastis. Absorb the delightful aromas from the restaurants and cafes while your knowledgeable guide narrates the history behind these cultures.

13. Explore the Region of Aix-en-Provence

Depart Marseille aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus for a four-hour exploration of the stunning area of Aix-en-Provence.

Travel along the famous Cours Mirabeau, characterized by its notable fountains and historic mansions, prior to entering the heart of Aix-en-Provence.

Take in the charming streets and visit Cathedrale Saint-Sauveur d’Aix. Participate in a workshop focused on artist Paul Cezanne, followed by free time for independent exploration.

14. Take an E-Bike Tour of Calanques National Park

Depart Marseille aboard an E-Bike for a three-hour adventure to Calanques National Park.

Along the way, traverse off-road trails while witnessing various natural attractions, including Chateau Pastre, Montagne de l’Aigle, Parc de la Fontaine d’Ivoire, Crete des Escampons, and Col de Cortiou Mountain Pass.

Return to the city via the Roy d’Espagne neighborhood, concluding your tour at Pointe Rouge Harbor.

15. Take a Tour of Marseille in a Vintage Sidecar

Embark on an exploration of Marseille’s historic neighborhoods while riding in a vintage sidecar alongside your guide.

During this two-hour tour, you will discover various districts, including the historic areas of Le Panier and Noailles, and see landmarks such as Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica. A scenic drive along the Corniche JFK and a visit to the port of Goudes will also be included.