Two Days in Marseille: Explore, Indulge, and Delight!
Discover the charm of Marseille, where family fun awaits around every corner.
19 July 2023
Raymonde Gagnon
France Travel Writer
Marseille, France offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and family-friendly activities, making it an ideal destination for an unforgettable family trip. Take a stroll through the picturesque Vieux Port and indulge in delicious local cuisine, while the little ones revel in the vibrant street performances and boat rides. Explore the captivating museums and historical sites, such as the iconic Notre-Dame de la Garde or the famous MuCEM, guaranteeing a memorable experience for everyone in the family.
Travel plan
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- Start your day with a quirky breakfast at the Café de l'Abattoir, where the pancakes come in the shape of iconic landmarks like La Bonne Mère.
- Embark on a seaside adventure at the Calanques National Park, where turquoise waters hug impressive limestone cliffs, perfect for hiking and swimming.
- Refuel at Chez Etienne, a charming local restaurant famous for its mouthwatering bouillabaisse – the traditional seafood stew that will make your taste buds sing.
- Visit the bustling Vieux-Port (Old Port) and hop on a ferry to the Château d'If, the notorious island fortress that inspired Alexandre Dumas' "The Count of Monte Cristo."
- Satisfy your cultural cravings at the Musée d'Histoire de Marseille, where interactive exhibits and ancient artifacts bring Marseille's rich history to life.
- End your day with a leisurely stroll along the Corniche Kennedy, a scenic coastal road that offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the chance to people-watch the stylish locals.
- Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Le Panier, a charming neighborhood teeming with narrow streets, vibrant graffiti, and hidden cafes serving delicious pastries.
- Immerse yourself in seafood heaven at Les Halles de la Major, a bustling indoor market bursting with fresh catches of the day, aromatic spices, and local delicacies.
- Indulge in a taste of nostalgia at Maison Empereur, Marseille's oldest hardware store turned charming shop offering kitchenware, Provençal treasures, and old-fashioned sweets.
- Take a boat trip to the peaceful Frioul Islands, where you can bask in the sun, swim in crystalline waters, or explore the eerie ruins of the 16th-century Fort Ratonneau.
- Savor a leisurely lunch at Chez Fonfon, a legendary brasserie nestled in Vallon des Auffes, known for serving the best bouillabaisse in town while gazing at bobbing fishing boats.
- Finish your Marseille experience at Le Cours Julien, an artsy district filled with colorful street art, quirky boutiques, and trendy cafés where you can mingle with the city's bohemian crowd.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Marseille, France by plane is to fly into Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) from major cities across Europe and North Africa. Airlines such as Air France, Ryanair, and EasyJet operate regular flights to Marseille.
Car
Travelers can drive to Marseille by renting a car or driving their own vehicle. Major highways such as the A7 and A55 connect Marseille to Lyon, Nice, and other cities in France. However, traffic in Marseille can be congested, so it's recommended to travel outside of rush hour.
Train
Travelers can take a train to Marseille from major cities across Europe, with the Marseille Saint-Charles train station serving as a major hub. The TGV offers connections to Paris, Lyon, Nice, and other cities in France, while the Eurostar offers connections to London.
Boat
Travelers can also reach Marseille by boat, with the Marseille Cruise Terminal serving as a popular port for cruise ships. Direct ferry services to Marseille are also available from cities such as Algiers, Tunis, and Corsica.
Bus
Taking a bus is a cost-effective way to get to Marseille. Eurolines and Flixbus operate regular services to Marseille from various cities across Europe. The bus station in Marseille is located at Gare routière Saint-Charles.