Romantic Marseille: A 3-Day Coastal Getaway

Escape to the romantic charm of Marseille, where love and history intertwine.

22 April 2023

Explore the romantic French port city of Marseille, where stunning coastal views and charming cultural experiences await. Stroll along the Vieux-Port and discover a range of exceptional seafood restaurants and atmospheric cafes. Fall in love over the vibrant street markets, historic museums, and winding cobbled streets of this idyllic destination.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arriving in the Port City

  • Stay at Hotel Le Corbusier, inspired by the famous architect's brutalist style.
  • Walk around the picturesque Vieux-Port, soak in the sea breeze and admire the fancy yachts.
  • Visit the iconic Notre Dame de la Garde basilica, offering stunning views of the city and the sea.
  • Taste the local specialties in the Panier district, such as bouillabaisse and pastis, at Chez Fonfon.
  • End the night with a romantic stroll on the beach at Plage des Catalans.
Day 2

Exploring Marseille's Multicultural Heritage

  • Have a leisurely breakfast at Le Petit Nice, the legendary seaside restaurant with 3 Michelin stars.
  • Take a boat tour of the Frioul archipelago, where you can swim in turquoise waters and learn about the Chateau d'If.
  • Wander through the colorful streets of Le Cours Julien, full of street art, cozy cafés and vintage shops.
  • Indulge in Moroccan cuisine at Le Souk, a cozy and exotic spot in the Noailles neighborhood.
  • Catch a performance or exhibit at La Friche Belle de Mai, a cultural center housed in a former tobacco factory.
Day 3

Escaping to the Calanques

  • Wake up early and take a bus to Cassis, a picturesque fishing village on the Mediterranean coast.
  • Hike or boat to the stunning Calanques National Park, a natural wonderland of rugged cliffs, crystal-clear coves and pine forests.
  • Have a picnic lunch with local specialties, such as tapenade and socca, while admiring the views.
  • Drive back to Marseille and relax at Les Bains du Marais, a luxurious spa with a panoramic terrace and Mediterranean-inspired treatments.
  • Enjoy a romantic dinner at Une Table au Sud, a Michelin-starred establishment overlooking the Vieux-Port, with a creative and refined cuisine based on fresh local seafood.

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.

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