WELCOME TO MARSEILLE
Marseille is a city with a rich history and is believed to be one of the oldest cities in Europe. Today, Marseille is the second largest city in France in terms of population and enjoys a fascinating melting pot of different cultures.
There is a very authentic feel to Marseille. Discover the colourful markets that will make you feel like you're somewhere in Africa, or the Calanques - France's very own fjords! Take a trip to Le Panier - the oldest area of Marseille. Here you'll find something that looks like a village of the Provence in the city centre. You'll also find lots of quaint shops selling handmade goods and crafts, as well as some fantastic restaurants.
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Marseille, France’s second-largest city, is a bustling port city located on the Mediterranean coast. Known for its vibrant cultural diversity and rich history, it serves as a major hub for commerce, trade, and tourism. Founded by Greek sailors around 600 BC, Marseille is one of Europe's oldest cities, blending ancient heritage with modern urban life.
The cityscape of Marseille is marked by the iconic Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, perched atop a hill offering panoramic views of the city and the sea. The Old Port (Vieux-Port) is the heart of Marseille, surrounded by lively markets, seafood restaurants, and historic landmarks. Nearby, the Le Panier district, with its narrow, winding streets, showcases the city’s past with its charming old buildings and artisan shops.
Marseille is renowned for its multicultural atmosphere, a melting pot of Mediterranean and African influences. This diversity is reflected in its cuisine, famous for dishes such as bouillabaisse, a traditional Provençal fish stew, and a variety of street foods influenced by North African flavors.
Weather in The Mediterranean
Things to do in Marseille
Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
Visit this 19th-century neo-Byzantine church atop La Garde. Climb for breathtaking views of Marseille’s maritime communities…
Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, known locally as la Bonne Mère (French for ‘the Good Mother’), is a Catholic basilica in Marseille, Southern France. It stands atop La Garde, the highest natural point in Marseille, offering breathtaking views of the city and the Mediterranean. The basilica was built on the foundations of an ancient fort and consecrated in 1864. Its architecture combines a Romanesque-style lower church carved from the rock with an upper Neo-Byzantine church adorned with mosaics. The 41 m bell tower supports a monumental statue of the Madonna and Child.
MuCEM
Dive into ancient Mediterranean civilization at the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations.…
MuCEM
The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations (MuCEM), inaugurated in 2013 during Marseille’s tenure as the European Capital of Culture, is a national museum located in Marseille, France. Designed by French architect Rudy Ricciotti, it stands at the mouth of the Old Port, facing the sea. The MuCEM focuses on comparing and analyzing the cultures of the Mediterranean, with Europe and other continents bordering the Mediterranean playing a significant role. Its exhibitions cover anthropology, archaeology, history, art history, and contemporary art. The museum aims to explore historical and social continuities within this rich basin of civilization, as well as the ongoing tensions that shape it. Since its opening, the MuCEM has attracted millions of visitors, positioning it as a major cultural attraction in Marseille and the Aix-Marseille-Provence metropolitan area.
Les Calanques
Walk on the wild side amidst these stunning limestone cliffs and creeks.…
Les Calanques
Les Calanques, nestled between Marseille and Cassis, are a natural wonder of limestone cliffs that spill into turquoise coves. These breathtaking fjord-like formations offer pebble and fine sandy beaches, making them a postcard-perfect jewel. Whether you explore by hiking or enjoy the water, the Calanques are a must-see when visiting Marseille. The Calanques National Park, stretching over 20 km, protects this biodiverse paradise, where crystal-clear waters reveal an underwater garden teeming with life.
Château d’If
Sail to this historic island fortress, famous from “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas.…
Château d’If
Château d’If, built during the Renaissance under King François I, stands on an island in the Frioul Archipelago off Marseille. This impregnable fortress served as a formidable prison until the late 19th century. It gained fame through Alexandre Dumas’s novel “The Count of Monte Cristo.” Today, it’s one of Marseille’s most visited tourist monuments, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into its intriguing history
Restaurants in Marseille
La Délicatesse Restaurant
La Délicatesse is a highly-rated restaurant located at 7 Boulevard de la Liberation, Marseille. This restaurant is known for its bistronomic style, which combines bistro and gastronomic cuisines. The restaurant is situated in the 1st arrondissement of Marseille, near the Palais Longchamp and Saint-Vincent de Paul church. It’s a great place for a lunch or dinner, whether you’re with friends or family. At La Délicatesse, you can enjoy fresh and homemade products. The chef carefully selects the ingredients and prepares the dishes with "délicatesse". The menu features a variety of regional dishes, including both fish and meat options, to satisfy all taste buds.
Le Hippie Chic Café
Le Hippie Chic Café is a unique dining destination located at 2 Quai de la Joliette, Marseille. Nestled in the vibrant district of La Joliette in Marseille, just a stone’s throw from Le Panier, this restaurant offers a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. The café is known for its homemade dishes that are both original and flavorful. By combining local ingredients with their culinary expertise, they offer their customers a menu that includes vegetarian options. The qualified chef and her team are eager to welcome you.
L’Instant
L’Instant Libanais is a charming restaurant located at 187 boulevard Baille, Marseille. This restaurant is known for its authentic Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant is situated in the 5th arrondissement of Marseille, a vibrant district known for its diverse food scene. It’s a great place for a lunch or dinner, whether you’re with friends or family. At L’Instant Libanais, you can enjoy a variety of Lebanese dishes, all prepared with fresh ingredients. The menu features a range of options, including vegetarian dishes. The chef and the team are passionate about their craft and are eager to welcome you.
Ayanami
Ayanami is a top-rated Japanese restaurant located at 511 avenue Jean Monnet, Vitrolles. This restaurant is known for its authentic Japanese and Sushi cuisine. The restaurant is situated in the vibrant city of Vitrolles, just a short drive from Marseille. It’s a great place for a lunch or dinner, whether you’re with friends, family, or on a romantic date. At Ayanami, you can enjoy a variety of Japanese dishes, all prepared with fresh ingredients. The menu features a range of options, including sushi and other traditional Japanese dishes. The chef and the team are passionate about their craft and are eager to welcome you
Marseille Nightlife
Blues in Marseille
Blues in Marseille is a popular live music bar located in Marseille. This venue is known for its vibrant atmosphere and dedication to the blues genre. The bar is situated in the heart of Marseille, making it a great spot for locals and tourists alike. It’s a perfect place to unwind after a long day, enjoy some live music, and immerse yourself in the local culture. At Blues in Marseille, you can expect to hear a variety of blues styles, from traditional to contemporary. The bar features local and touring musicians, offering a unique opportunity to discover new artists and enjoy live performances
Les Berthom
Les Berthom is a popular pub and bar located at 31 cours Honore D Estienne D Orves, Marseille. This venue is known for its excellent selection of beers and its vibrant atmosphere. The bar is situated in the heart of Marseille, just a few seconds from the old Port. It’s a perfect place to unwind after a long day, enjoy some drinks, and immerse yourself in the local culture. At Les Berthom, you can expect to try tasty sausages, perfectly cooked biscuits, and good cheese. The bar features a variety of drinks, including delicious draft beer, Belgian beer, and craft beer.
Events in Marseille
Sporting 4 Change
Sporting 4 Change is an annual event held in Marseille that celebrates the end of the sports year for the AJCM (AJC Marseille Sport et Culture). The event is located at 90 BD Boisson, Marseille. The event highlights the various activities and actions of the AJCM in a competitive, health, and discovery context. It is organized by the AJCM team and nearly 70 volunteers. Sporting 4 Change aims to promote the values of sport and culture as a vector of social cohesion through mixed practice, allowing the inclusion of disability.
Les Bosses de Provence
Les Bosses de Provence is a highly anticipated cyclosportive event held in Marseille. The event is organized by the Vélo Club La Pomme Marseille, and supported by the Département des Bouches-du-Rhône. The event is known for its challenging routes that take cyclists through the beautiful landscapes of Marseille’s hinterland. The race starts at the foot of La Gineste and the main route includes the climb of l’Espigoulier, with a foray into the Sainte-Baume massif, before the finish punctuated by the côte des Bastides and the Gineste.