Visit Marseille
Marseille hits you with salt air and sun-warmed stone the moment you arrive. The Old Port stretches wide, filled with fishing boats, ferries, and pleasure yachts. Cafés and seafood restaurants line the water. Locals sip pastis while fishermen mend their nets. The harbour feels alive without rushing.
Le Panier rises steeply from the port. Narrow streets twist between colourful houses and small plazas. Hidden staircases lead to historic churches and viewpoints. Street art covers walls beside centuries-old buildings. Markets overflow with olives, spices, herbs and handmade soaps. Every corner tells a story.
Drive along the Corniche and the Mediterranean opens up. Cyclists and joggers trace coastal paths. Waves crash against rocky cliffs. On clear days, the Calanques appear white limestone cliffs plunging into turquoise waters. Vineyards and olive groves dot the hillsides above the city.
Marseille is a city of contrasts. The lively port sits beside quiet neighbourhood cafés. Sunlight, sea breezes and the scent of herbs fill the air. For road trippers, Marseille is a city to walk, taste and experience fully before moving on.
Top sights to visit
- Vieux Port (Old Port) The historical and cultural heart of Marseille. Surrounded by 18th-century forts and limestone cliffs. It's a lively hub of activity. Pro tip: Visit in the morning to see the traditional fish market and then enjoy a Pastis or coffee at one of the quayside cafés.
- Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde Affectionately known as "La Bonne Mère," this Romano-Byzantine basilica sits atop the city's highest point. It is instantly recognizable by its large gilded statue of the Virgin Mary. The 360-degree views from the terrace are the most spectacular in the city, giving a panorama of the Old Port, the Calanques and the sea.
- MuCEM (Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean) This beautiful modern architectural masterpiece is located at the entrance of the Old Port. Its distinctive lace-like concrete exterior makes it a must-see, and the exhibitions explore the history and culture of the Mediterranean basin. Pro tip: Walk the panoramic footbridge that connects the MuCEM to the historic Fort Saint-Jean.
- Les Calanques National Park This is Marseille's natural crown jewel. A spectacular series of steep-walled coves and turquoise water between Marseille and Cassis. Hike to the famous Calanque de Sormiou or Calanque de Morgiou or take a boat tour from the Old Port to see several in one trip.
- Le Panier District Marseille's oldest neighborhood, located just north of the Old Port. It's full of steep narrow streets, colorful shuttered houses and local artisan shops. Giving you a taste of authentic sun-drenched Mediterranean life.
- Château d’If A fortress island made famous by Alexandre Dumas’ “The Count of Monte Cristo.” Visitors can take a short boat ride and explore the prison cells and historic walls. It’s a fascinating glimpse into Marseille’s maritime past.
- Cours Julien A bohemian neighborhood known for street art, cafés, and nightlife. It’s lively, creative, and full of independent shops and galleries. The area is a hub for local music and cultural events.
- Prado Beaches A collection of sandy beaches popular with locals for sunbathing, swimming and picnics. They’re perfect for a relaxing day by the Mediterranean. The promenade offers scenic views and bike paths along the coast.
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History of Marseille
Marseille is one of Europe’s oldest cities. It was founded around 600 BC by Greek settlers from Phocaea, who called it Massalia. The city quickly became a major trading hub, connecting the Mediterranean and inland Gaul. Streets in the old port still follow paths shaped by centuries of commerce and settlement.
During the Roman era, Marseille thrived as a centre of trade and culture. Temples, forums, and roads linked it to the rest of the empire. Even today, archaeological remains hint at this past beneath the modern streets.
In the Middle Ages, Marseille became part of the Kingdom of Provence. Its port grew in importance, handling goods from Italy, Spain, and North Africa. Fortifications like Château d’If were built to protect the city from pirates and invaders, standing today as symbols of Marseille’s strategic significance.
The 18th and 19th centuries brought expansion and immigration. The Canebière, the city’s main boulevard, became a centre of commerce and culture.
In the 20th century, Marseille modernized but faced challenges. Bombings during World War II damaged parts of the city, yet the port and neighbourhoods quickly rebuilt. Waves of migrants from North Africa and the Mediterranean added layers of culture, cuisine, and music that define the city today.
Modern Marseille is a mix of old and new. The Old Port and streets in Le Panier reveal centuries of history. Coastal cliffs and the Calanques show the city’s natural setting. For road trippers, Marseille is a place where Greek origins, Roman influence and Mediterranean energy come together in one unforgettable city.