The second largest city in France in the southern part of the country on the Mediterranean Sea coast. East of the city through to Cassis are the Calanques, the beautiful rugged coastal area with high cliffs and small fjord type sea inlets. Marseille is one of the most visited cities in France with its beautiful beaches, the history and culture, the beautiful and picturesque old town and port, the interesting museums, and the magnificent architecture.
The numerous museums and art galleries, cinemas and theaters, restaurants and cafes, bars, and night clubs, makes Marseille a great place to visit and a great hub and starting point for an enjoyable travel and vacation in both Provence’s small towns and villages and the beautiful French Riviera beach resorts.
While in the city TheTjoy.com recommends visiting the city’s attractions including;
- The beautiful 6th century BC Old Port, the heart and soul of Marseille’s old town, offering easy access to the city’s main attractions.
- The fish market where you will enjoy the Bouillabaisse fish and seafood stew, the iconic Marseille dish, in one of its numerous restaurants.
- in Le Panier, Marseille’s picturesque old town, stroll the narrow-cobbled alleys with the ochre walls, and enjoy this trendy and vibrant district. Enjoy the small boutiques, local craft shops, art galleries, street Graffiti art, and small cafes overlooking the beautiful Mediterranean sea.
- Visit Notre-Dame de la Garde, the 19th century basilica, the city’s highly popular icon, the Neo Byzantine Cathedral de la Major with its magnificent exterior and the highly decorated interior, and the Abbey of Saint-Victor and its magnificent early Christian artifacts and sarcophagi in the ancient crypts.
- For window shopping and people watching stroll the major avenue of La Canebiere with its numerous restaurants and high-end shops and the beautiful La Plaine with its trendy boutiques, bars, and local market.
- Families with children should stroll Cours Julien, filled with small unique shops, colorful street graffiti, restaurants, theaters, and multiple playgrounds.
- To explore the city’s beautiful museums, start with the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations, its breathtaking architecture, interesting Mediterranean Gallery, and the 17th century Fort Saint-Jean part of the museum.
- Visit The Palais Longchamp, home to the Water Castle (the Chateau d’eau), the Museum of Fine Arts (Musee des beaux-arts), and the Museum of Natural History (Musee d’histoire naturelle de Marseille).
- Stroll the magnificent Longchamp Park, and visit the Chateau Borely, an 18th century neo-classical palace in Parc Borely, home to the Museum of Decorative Arts, Earthenware, and Fashion.
- For families, enjoy the theme and adventure parks for children in the region.
- For a relaxed day in the sun or for swimming, spend time in one of Marseille beaches, head to the Blue Coast, the Calanques National Park, or to Cassis.
Catalans Beach
Palais Longchamp
Chateau d'If
To enjoy the city’s beautiful surroundings, take a boat tour from the Old Port to the must visit and overwhelming Calanques National Park or consider hiking in the area and enjoying the beautiful beaches in the sea inlets.
Take a boat tour to the Frioul archipelago off the city coast to the famous Chateau d’If island and consider strolling the La Corniche picturesque Mediterranean coastal road to the magnificent fishing village of Vallon des Auffes.
For more on Marseille travel information consult with the Marseille Tourist Office (L’Office de Tourisme) at 11 La Canebiere.
Spend 2-3 days in Marseille and consider making the city the base of your Provence visit by driving or taking day trips.
- Travel 27 km Southeast to Cassis and the Calanques
- Traveling north visit the lovely town of Aix-en-Provence 33 km north of Marseille, and 75 km north to the beautiful Luberon Region and the magnificent Roussillon and Gordes villages with the famous Lavender fields.
- Further away visit the major towns of Provence; Arles, Nimes and Avignon and their nearby villages and attractions.
To reach Marseille fly into its airport from any major city in Europe, arrive via a cruise ship to its port, or drive to the city from Paris or any other location in France. The city has a hot summer Mediterranean weather with mild winters and moderate rainfall volume.
