Marseille Magic: The Ultimate 5-Day Family Adventure
A taste of French culture and family fun await in Marseille!
19 July 2023
Raymonde Gagnon
France Travel Writer
Marseille, France, offers a perfect destination for a family-friendly trip with its vibrant culture, magnificent architecture, and stunning coastal views. Spend a day exploring the Old Port, where you can take a boat ride to the nearby islands or simply enjoy the bustling atmosphere and delicious seafood. Delight the kids with a visit to the Parc Borély, a beautiful park with a lake, gardens, playgrounds, and even a mini-farm, ensuring endless fun and relaxation for the whole family.
Travel plan
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- Stay at the cozy Hotel Le Cesar, where every room is inspired by a famous French poet.
- Wander through the vibrant streets of Le Panier, the oldest neighborhood in Marseille, filled with colorful buildings and quaint boutiques.
- Savor the iconic bouillabaisse at Chez Fonfon, a hidden gem serving up the best traditional fish stew in town.
- Climb up the awe-inspiring Notre-Dame de la Garde for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its sparkling Mediterranean coastline.
- Indulge your sweet tooth at La Maison du Pastis, a heaven for licorice lovers where you can sample exotic flavors from all over France.
- Explore the magnificent Château d'If, the infamous island fortress from Alexandre Dumas' "The Count of Monte Cristo."
- Venture into the mysterious underground world of the Marseille Catacombs, where you'll find ancient burial chambers and a hauntingly beautiful ossuary.
- Discover the fascinating history of Marseille at the Musée d'Histoire de Marseille, housed in an impressive 17th-century building.
- Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Vieux Port, bustling with fishmongers, street performers, and charming cafes.
- Dine at Le Grain de Sel, a charming family-run restaurant known for its delicious Provençal cuisine and warm atmosphere.
- Relax under the Mediterranean sun at Plage du Prado, a golden sandy beach perfect for building sandcastles and taking refreshing dips in the azure waters.
- Embark on a kayaking adventure to explore the stunning Calanques, a series of dramatic limestone cliffs and hidden coves.
- Visit the iconic MuCEM, a modern museum dedicated to Mediterranean culture, housed in an architectural masterpiece designed by Rudy Ricciotti.
- Enjoy a seafood feast at Le Miramar, a traditional brasserie overlooking the Old Port, where you can savor fresh oysters and succulent mussels.
- End the day with a moonlit stroll along the Corniche Kennedy, admiring the shimmering lights of the city and the gentle lapping of the waves.
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Marché de la Charité, a bustling market where you can sample an array of cheeses, olives, and Provencal delicacies.
- Visit the stunning Palais Longchamp, an architectural masterpiece surrounded by gardens, and home to the Museum of Fine Arts and Natural History Museum.
- Relish a delightful Provençal lunch at Chez Michel, where traditional dishes burst with flavor and local ingredients take center stage.
- Wander through the delightful Parc Borely, a serene green oasis with beautifully manicured gardens and a charming lake.
- Treat your taste buds to heavenly pastries at Pâtisserie Chocolaterie Fabien Berteau, where decadent macarons and delicate tarts await.
- Explore the enchanting Le Corbusier's Unité d'Habitation, a groundbreaking architectural masterpiece that offers a glimpse into the future.
- Dive into art at the contemporary art museum, Musée Regards de Provence, where you can admire works by renowned local artists.
- Experience the lively ambiance of the bustling Cours Julien, filled with street art, quirky boutiques, and trendy restaurants.
- Dine at Le Petit Nice Passedat, a Michelin-starred restaurant perched on the rocky shoreline, offering innovative Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist.
- Bid adieu to Marseille with a sunset cruise along the glittering Mediterranean Sea, as the city's iconic landmarks slowly fade into the distance.
Length of stay
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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.