Marseille Magic: A Family-Friendly Day Trip Delight
Discover family fun and Mediterranean charm on a trip to Marseille, France!
19 July 2023
Raymonde Gagnon
France Travel Writer
Marseille, located on the beautiful Mediterranean coast of France, offers a fantastic family-friendly trip with its vibrant atmosphere and numerous attractions. Explore the Old Port area and enjoy boat rides, street performers, and mouthwatering seafood. Visit the impressive Marseille Cathedral and indulge in the unique blend of cultures, delicious cuisine, and sandy beaches, making it a perfect destination for an unforgettable family vacation.
Day trip plan
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- Start your day with a delectable croissant at the charming Le Petit Café, a local bakery where the buttery treats promise to whisk you straight to pastry paradise.
- Dive into history at the mesmerizing Notre-Dame de la Garde, a basilica perched atop a hill offering panoramic views of the city below. Don't forget your camera!
- Wander through the bustling Vieux Port, where sailboats mingle with fishermen, and soak up the lively atmosphere as street performers and vendors create a symphony of color and sound.
- Let your taste buds lead the way to Le Four des Navettes, the oldest bakery in Marseille, where traditional navettes await – shaped like boats, these sweet biscuits are a true local delicacy.
- Recharge with a picnic at the Parc Longchamp, a beautiful green haven featuring elegant fountains and stunning statues, perfect for an afternoon under the Mediterranean sun.
- End your day with a seafood feast at Chez FonFon, a hidden gem tucked away in the Vallon des Auffes neighborhood. Savor the catch of the day by the waterfront, and toast to an unforgettable day in Marseille.
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.