Best 20 things to do in Marseille, France

Welcome to Marseille, the city that oozes charm, sunshine, and a laissez-faire attitude! Brace yourself for a whirlwind adventure that will leave you wanting more. Dive headfirst into the vibrant Old Port, stroll along the picturesque Calanques, and make sure to sample the bouillabaisse – just don't ask what it’s made of! With a harmonious mix of rich history, lively markets, and a dollop of chaos, Marseille is a playground for the adventurous at heart.

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1. Prado Beach

4.1 (8786)

Prado Beach, 13008 Marseille, France

Welcome to Prado Beach, where the sun-soaked sand meets the sparkling Mediterranean like a perfect marriage, except the sand steals half your stuff when you're not looking. Enjoy the picturesque views of yachts and sailboats gliding by, while trying not to get distracted by seagulls who have perfected the art of dive-bombing unsuspecting tourists for their baguette sandwiches. Don't forget to take a dip in the azure-blue waters, where you can simultaneously admire the stunning beauty of marine life and wrestle seaweed for an award-winning aquatic experience.

www.marseille.fr

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2. Palais du Pharo

4.6 (2773)

58 Bd Charles Livon, 13007 Marseille, France

Nestled on a pristine hilltop overlooking Marseille's dazzling shoreline, the Palais du Pharo awaits visitors like an enthusiastic French bulldog, begging to be explored. With its elegant architecture and a cheeky combination of neo-Byzantine and neo-Napoleonic styles, it serves as a delightful playground for history buffs and selfie enthusiasts alike. Ascend its grand staircase and it'll be love at first sight, as you find yourself surrounded by sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea, almost fooling you into thinking you're in paradise instead of just a terribly charming palace.

palaisdupharo.marseille.fr

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3. Velodrome Stadium

4.6 (30407)

3 Bd Michelet, 13008 Marseille, France

Welcome to Velodrome Stadium in Marseille, where football fanatics gather to witness heart-stopping action while simultaneously rubbing shoulders and accidentally elbowing fellow enthusiasts. With its vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of boisterous Italian operas, this stadium not only guarantees an unforgettable sporting experience but also provides an opportunity to improve your French vocabulary as you scream and gesticulate profusely. Worried about getting lost among the crowd? Fear not! Thanks to its colossal size, finding your seat here is like navigating through a maze of colorful jerseys and impassioned chants.

www.orangevelodrome.com

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4. Frioul Islands

4.7 (441)

Frioul archipelago, 13007 Marseille, France

Welcome to the Frioul Islands in Marseille, where seagulls reign as the undisputed masters of chaos! This archipelago offers a refreshing escape from the bustling city, with crystal-clear blue waters perfect for an impromptu marine biology lesson - just make sure to hold onto your sandwich tightly, as seagulls around here have a reputation for ninja-like sandwich snatching skills. Take a leisurely stroll along the quirky coastline dotted with colorful cabins, but keep an eye out for mischievous seagull accomplices who may attempt to partake in some light "borrowing" of your belongings.

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5. Longchamp Palace

4.3 (1296)

22 Bd Longchamp, 13001 Marseille, France

Welcome to the majestic Longchamp Palace in Marseille, where flamboyance meets elegance in the most peculiar way! This architectural masterpiece will make you question if you stumbled upon a secret time machine transporting you to the land of opulence and quirkiness. From the whimsical fountains that seem to have a personal vendetta against gravity, to the grand colonnade that could easily moonlight as the world's longest limbo stick, prepare to be bewitched by the enchantment and charm of Longchamp Palace.

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6. Granet Museum

4.4 (3058)

Pl. Saint-Jean de Malte, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France

Welcome to the Granet Museum in Marseille, where art history flows like fine wine and the masterpieces are tastier than the local bouillabaisse! Housed in a breathtaking 17th century chapel, this museum lets you marvel at an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts that will make your cultured heart skip a beat - or maybe it's the irresistible odor of fresh croissants wafting in from the nearby boulangerie. So put on your beret, pretentiously adjust your monocle, and prepare to indulge in some serious art appreciation, French style!

www.museegranet-aixenprovence.fr

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7. Notre-Dame de la Garde

4.7 (33587)

Rue Fort du Sanctuaire, 13006 Marseille, France

Perched atop the hills of Marseille like an overenthusiastic seagull, Notre-Dame de la Garde stands tall and proud, offering a panoramic view that would make even the snobbiest of viewpoints blush. With its impressive Byzantine-style architecture, this little gem manages to look like a melting pot of a cathedral and a gingerbread house. Known affectionately as "La Bonne Mère," this sassy statue-wearing church has become a symbol of the city, reminding everyone that if all else fails, at least we have a fabulous garde to look after us.

www.notredamedelagarde.com

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8. Sainte-Marie-Majeure de Marseille Church

4.6 (11836)

Pl. de la Major, 13002 Marseille, France

Welcome to Sainte-Marie-Majeure de Marseille Church, or as the locals affectionately call it, "The Must-See Spot for All the Saints Seekers!" Prepare to be dazzled by this architectural masterpiece that rivals even the finest waffle houses in town. With its stunning façade, you'll feel like you're entering a holy wonderland where saints and sinners unite to admire the ultimate sneak peek into heaven's hottest hangout spot. Just remember, no selfie sticks allowed, as they can easily be mistaken for misplaced shepherd's staffs!

marseille.catholique.fr

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9. Jardin des Vestiges

4.4 (842)

2 Rue Henri Barbusse, 13001 Marseille, France

Welcome to the Jardin des Vestiges in Marseille – a place where history meets mystery and crumbling ruins are an Instagrammer's worst nightmare! As you wander through this park, you’ll feel like you've stepped into a time machine, except this one has a slightly malfunctioning clock. Marvel at the mosaic-covered remains of ancient Roman walls, guaranteed to leave you puzzled about why they didn't invest in some good-quality glue back then. And don't forget to take a selfie with the ruins, just in case you need a reminder of what happens when buildings forget to renew their structural insurance!

www.marseille.fr

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10. Château d'If

Welcome to Château d'If, the infamous fortress situated on a tiny island in Marseille! This might be the only place where you catch two boats with one stone - a literal stone prison, that is. Take the ferry over and prepare yourself for a historical experience that will make you question your life choices, while providing stunning panoramic views as a sweet consolation prize. Don't forget to bring snacks – there's not a lot of food here, unless you fancy dining à la Dumas, locked away for years.

11. Vallon des Auffes

Rue du Vallon des Auffes, 13007 Marseille, France

Hidden away in the charming city of Marseille, lies the Vallon des Auffes - a picturesque fishing village that will awaken your inner sailor. Dip your toes in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, while secretly wishing you were as skilled at swimming as the local fisherman. Don't be surprised if you end up befriending a friendly seagull who's convinced that you've brought him a five-star meal - just make sure to hold onto your croissant tightly!

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12. Vieux Port

Old Port, Marseille, France

Welcome to Vieux Port in Marseille, the waterfront that holds the keys to unlocking the quirky charm of this French coastal city. As you stroll along its picturesque promenade, be prepared to embrace the delightful chaos that emanates from the jumble of fishing boats, souvenir shops, and street performers. Don't miss the chance to savor some Bouillabaisse, the local fish stew whose aroma wafts through the air like a tantalizing invitation to indulge in a messy, yet delicious, experience.

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13. Calanques National Park

4.7 (19851)

France

Welcome to Calanques National Park in Marseille, where turquoise waters and dramatic limestone cliffs come together to create the ultimate paradise for adventurers and selfie enthusiasts alike. As you embark on your expedition, be prepared to teeter on the edge of exhilaration and possibly fall into the sea – but don't worry, it's all part of the experience! Explore hidden coves, bask in the sun like a lizard on the rocks, and channel your inner Jacques Cousteau as you dive into crystal-clear waters filled with fish that are probably judging your swimming skills.

www.calanques-parcnational.fr

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14. La Major Cathedral

4.6 (11836)

Pl. de la Major, 13002 Marseille, France

Welcome to La Major Cathedral, where the grandeur of a wedding cake and the extravagance of a medieval fortress collide! With its impressive Byzantine-Romanesque architecture, this colossal masterpiece shines like the centerpiece on a table of architectural mishaps. Wander inside to marvel at the impressive organ, because let's face it, you can only stare at so many stained glass windows before you start questioning if you've accidentally entered a kaleidoscope convention.

marseille.catholique.fr

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15. The Old Charity

4.4 (3661)

2 Rue de la Charité, 13002 Marseille, France

Welcome to the Old Charity in Marseille, a remarkable architectural gem that will make you appreciate the ingenuity of humans and perhaps leave you questioning your own ability to build a perfectly rectangular structure. This former hospice is a testament to symmetry, or at least the valiant effort to achieve it, with its courtyard resembling a slightly wonky Rubik's Cube. Don't let the wonkiness fool you though, because once inside, you'll be greeted by a library that could easily double as a maze for book-loving hamsters.

vieille-charite-marseille.com

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16. Le Panier

Le Panier, 13002 Marseille, France

Welcome to Le Panier, the charming and slightly quirky heart of Marseille! This vibrant neighborhood is like a well-aged cheese, with its narrow streets that twist around like the twists of a French braid. As you wander through Le Panier, you'll find yourself lost in a maze of colorful buildings, where every corner seems to hold a surprise - whether it's a hidden café, an artist's studio, or a cat who thinks it deserves your undivided attention (probably because it does).

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17. MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations)

4.4 (18556)

1 Esp. J4, 13002 Marseille, France

Step into the whimsical world of MuCEM, where European and Mediterranean civilizations clash in the most harmonious way possible. This museum, perched beautifully on the coast of Marseille, is the perfect spot to embark on a cultural journey that feels like a delightful rollercoaster ride. With exhibits that'll make you go "ooh la la," and "ahoy matey," MuCEM is a must-visit for those seeking a uniquely entertaining and educational experience.

mucem.org

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18. Saint Victor Abbey

4.6 (2892)

Pl. Saint-Victor, 13007 Marseille, France

Welcome to Saint Victor Abbey in Marseille, where history and holiness blend together like a fine wine and a divine cheese platter! Behold the abbey's mesmerizing architecture, reminiscent of a medieval castle that decided to become a monk instead of slaying dragons. Inside, explore the ancient crypt where you can feel like Indiana Jones, but with less booby traps and more contemplation.

www.saint-victor.net

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19. Basilique de Saint-Victor

4.6 (2892)

Pl. Saint-Victor, 13007 Marseille, France

Welcome to the Basilique de Saint-Victor, a marvelous place where history and mystery collide! This enchanting basilica in Marseille will transport you to another era, making you wonder if you've accidentally stumbled into a medieval time portal. From its stoic stone exterior to the haunting echoes within, the basilica promises an experience that will leave you questioning whether the resident ghosts are more welcoming than the hotel concierge!

www.saint-victor.net

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20. Corniche Kennedy

Cor Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Marseille, France

Welcome to Corniche Kennedy, where the waves wave back at you and the seagulls are casually overdressed. This picturesque stretch of coastline in Marseille is a favorite haunt for sun-soaked locals and stranded jellyfish looking for a tan. So grab your sunscreen and witness the glorious collision of azure waters, majestic cliffs, and more Speedo sightings than a Miss Universe pageant.

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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.

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