What is there to do in Marseille, and what activities can you enjoy in Provence’s largest city?

Sights, museums and history

Marseille was settled long before the Common Era. The city has always benefited from its favourable location by the sea, with a harbour that is easy to defend.

As the city expanded rapidly, many historic buildings were demolished and rebuilt, so most of those that have survived to this day date mainly from the 15th to the 19th centuries.

The greatest concentration of sights and museums is found around the Vieux-Port, the old harbour in the heart of Marseille. Be sure to visit these attractions.

• Fort Saint-Jean
• Fort Saint-Nicolas
• Le Pharo viewpoint
• Replica of the Cosquer Cave
• Museum of Mediterranean Civilisations
• Le Panier district

One of the city’s most famous landmarks, however, stands on a hill quite a distance from the harbour. Yet even this is inextricably linked to the sea.

Read about interesting facts, such as why there are model ships hanging from ropes inside, and about the basilica Notre-Dame de la Garde.

View hotel prices in Marseille

Discover the beautiful coastline and the national park

Although Marseille is a lively city with very dense development, less than 40 minutes’ drive from the city centre to the south or north, you’ll discover breathtaking coastlines, beautiful countryside and dozens of kilometres of walking trails.

To the south of Marseille lies the Calanques National Park, which is almost entirely uninhabited but easily accessible by public transport buses (standard city travelcards are valid on these) and criss-crossed by countless footpaths.

Conversely, to the north of Marseille, you can enjoy peace and tranquillity in the small resorts along the picturesque Côte Bleue. You can only get there by train, on which city travelcards are not valid; however, the fare is not expensive, costing around 5 eur to 7 eur one way.

Enjoy a boat trip

Marseille’s seaside location and the many attractions on the neighbouring islands or along the coast make it an ideal destination for boat trips.

Three ferry companies operate from the Old Port (Vieux-Port), all of which have terminals near the metro station.

As the boats also serve as a means of transport, detailed information on ticket prices, links and timetables is provided in the Transport section. You will also find a map of the boat routes in Marseille there.

Beaches and swimming

Despite the rugged coastline and the lack of long beaches, swimming in the sea is one of the most enjoyable activities in Marseille.

The beautiful sandy Catalans beach is the closest to the city centre.

Further south along the coast, you’ll come across plenty of small sandy and pebbly beaches. All beaches are free to access 24/7.

Facilities such as changing rooms and showers are only available at Catalans beach.

Trips in the surrounding area

Marseille is also ideally situated for trips to other historic towns and areas of natural beauty.

Where can you go on day trips from Marseille?

• Aix-en-Provence– a town with a beautiful historic centre and cathedral, it is the closest place of interest from Marseille
  • Bus 50 – runs every 5–10 minutes, the journey takes 35 minutes and a ticket costs 7 eur; detailed information: lecaraixmarseille.com/line-50
  • Train – 1–3 times an hour, the journey takes 45 minutes and a ticket costs 9,50 eur, detailed information: sncf-connect.com
• Arles– a historic town with a very well-preserved Roman amphitheatre
  • Train – 1–2 times an hour, the journey takes 60 minutes and a ticket costs 18,20 eur, detailed information: sncf-connect.com
• Avignon– another historic town with a famous half-ruined bridge and the Papal Palace
  • Train – 1–2 times an hour, the journey takes 110 minutes and a ticket costs 24,50 eur, detailed information: sncf-connect.com