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Marseille in 5: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Experience the French Riviera's melting pot in the vibrant port city of Marseille.

22 April 2023

As a tourist, exploring Marseille in France would mean being able to experience a diverse and metropolitan city with deep cultural roots. By visiting the Old Port and wandering through the narrow streets of Le Panier, one can immerse themselves in the city's rich history and heritage. At the same time, with a variety of interesting museums and galleries, not to mention top-quality restaurants showcasing traditional Provençal cuisine, Marseille offers the perfect city break for many travellers.

Travel plan

• Check into Hotel La Résidence du Vieux-Port, offering picturesque views of the Old Port.
• Take a stroll along the port and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
• Visit the iconic Notre-Dame de la Garde, a hilltop basilica offering panoramic views of the city.
• Embrace local culture at Le Panier, the historic quarter of Marseille lined with colorful houses and charming alleys.
• Head to Le Bouchon Provençal for traditional Provençal dishes, like bouillabaisse and ratatouille.

• Spend the day at Calanques National Park, a stunning coastal area with dramatic limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
• Swim, hike or simply relax in a secluded bay at Calanque de Sormiou.
• Indulge in the bohemian atmosphere of Cassis, a quaint fishing village with charming streets and a picturesque harbor.
• Taste the exceptional wines of Cassis, known for its crisp, white wines.
• End the day with seafood specialities at Chez Nino, a family-run restaurant in the heart of Cassis.

• Explore the vibrant Vieux-Port market, a foodie's paradise with fresh produce, seafood and local delicacies.
• Discover the history of Marseille at the MuCEM, Museum for European and Mediterranean Civilizations.
• Wander through the Le Corbusier's iconic Unité d'Habitation, a modernist housing complex.
• Visit the contemporary art museum, MAC, showcasing cutting-edge exhibitions and installations.
• Savor traditional Algerian cuisine at Chez Fifi, a hidden gem located in the multicultural Noailles district.

• Enjoy a morning at Marseille's charming Vallon des Auffes, a quaint fishing port dotted with colorful boats and seafood restaurants.
• Take a boat to the nearby islands of Frioul, a paradise for hikers, beach-goers and snorkelers.
• Visit La Cité Radieuse, a utopian housing complex designed by the renowned architect, Le Corbusier.
• Savor the unique flavors of Marseille's street food, like panisse and socca, at La Boîte à Sardine.
• Enjoy summertime cocktails and live music at Le Molotov, a hipster bar in the trendy Cours Julien district.

• Spend the morning at Parc Longchamp, a beautiful park offering stunning gardens, a zoo and two museums.
• Visit the Basilique Saint-Victor, a 5th century basilica with impressive Romanesque architecture.
• Head to Les Terrasses du Port, a shopping center with panoramic views of the harbor.
• Savor the freshest seafood at Chez Etienne, a family-run restaurant located in the picturesque village of Goudes.
• Bid farewell to Marseille with a glass of pastis and a view of the sunset at Le Bar de la Marine.