Find out what to visit in Marseille: prepare your guided tour of the dynamic city of Provence
If you are planning a trip to Provence, Marseille is a must-see destination. Nestled between sea and mountains, this city offers a wealth of culture and history that will not fail to seduce you. Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff or just looking for discoveries, Marseille is full of treasures to explore.
Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing atmosphere of France’s oldest city and let yourself be charmed by its picturesque neighborhoods, emblematic monuments and breathtaking panoramas. From the majestic Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica to the legendary Old Port, via the lively alleys of the Panier district, every corner of Marseille reveals a unique facet of its history and culture.
But Marseille is not limited to its urban borders. Explore the natural treasures that surround the city, from the rugged cliffs of the Calanques to the golden beaches of the Corniche Kennedy. Let yourself be transported by the wild beauty of this unspoilt environment, where the sparkling sea mingles with the splendor of the Mediterranean landscapes.
Beyond Marseille, Provence also offers a multitude of experiences to experience. Explore the perched villages that dot the region, stroll through the lavender fields and savour Provençal cuisine in the quaint little bistros.
To make your trip even more exciting, contact one of Marseille’s tour guides.
The sights you must see in Marseille
Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica
Rue Fort du Sanctuaire, 13281 Marseille The Basilica, also known as the “Good Mother”, was built in 1853. It is located on a limestone hill at over 140 meters above sea level.- Bus : Take Bus Line 60 in the Old Port
The Canebière – Old Port
13001 Marseille This port has been since Antiquity one of the first trading center of the Mediterranean. Today it is a center of pleasure and the place essential of the popular gatherings of the city.- Metro : Line M1 (Vieux-Port-Hôtel de Ville, Réformés-Canebière) Line M2 (Noailles)
- Tram : Line T2 (Canebière Garibaldi, Canebière Capucins) Line T3 (Cours Saint Louis)
The Panier District – Old Marseille
13002 Marseille The “Panier” is the oldest district of Marseille but also the most typical. Through its narrow streets you have the impression of walking in a small village of Provence.- Metro : Lige M1 (Colbert-Hôtel de Région)
- Tram : Line T2 (Sadi Carnot)
Vieille-Charité Centre
2 Rue de la Charité, 13002 Marseille Very old building that was built in 1640, the old charity was renovated in the XXth century to become a great multicultural center. There are museums, association centers, schools, cinemas and temporary exhibitions.- Metro : Line M2 (Joliette)
- Tram : Ligne T2 (Sadi Carnot)
Corniche Kennedy
13007 Marseille Along the sea from the beach of Catalans to the beaches of Prado. The Corniche Kennedy offers one of the most beautiful landscape on the Mediterranean.- Bus : Line 83 from the Old Port. Stop off at the Plage des Catalans and continue on foot with a walk along the coast
L’Estaque
13016 Marseille A picturesque neighborhood by the sea, the Estaque district is a haven of peace where many painters have lived since the 19th century.- Bus : Take Line 35 in the Old Port
Le Parc Borély
Allée Borely, 13008 Marseille On 18 hectares, Borély Park offers lots of activities and has a beautiful botanical garden in its center.- Bus : Lines 19 and 83 from Rond-Point du Prado, stop: Borély Park
The MuCEM
Prom. Robert Laffont, 13002 Marseille Musée des Civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations)- Metro : Vieux-Port stop or Joliette (about 10 minutes’ walk away)
- Bus : Lines 60, 82 and 82s (Littoral Major or Fort Saint-Jean stops) Line 49 (stop Église Saint-Laurent, Littoral Major or Fort Saint-Jean)
- Tram : T2 stop République, Dames or Joliette (about 10-15 minutes’ walk away)
Cours Julien – Artists’ Quarter
13006 Marseille It is one of the most lively neighborhood of the city Marseille but also one of the largest place dedicated to Street Art.- Metro : Line M2 Notre-Dame-du-Mont – Cours Julien
Friche Belle de Mai
41 Rue Jobin, 13003 Marseille Centre for culture and the arts with concert and exhibition venues and 60 artistic organisations.- Bus : Lines 49 and 52 (Belle de Mai La Friche)
- Tram : Ligne T2 (Longchamp)
Vallon des Auffes – An authentically charming port
13007 Marseille This charming little fishing port is a charming place with some of the best restaurants in the city.- Bus : Line 83 from the Old Port, stop: Vallon des Auffes.
Château d’If
From quay: Embarcadère Frioul If,, 1 Quai de la Fraternité, 13001 Marseille This fortress was built under the orders of François 1st and served as a prison for more than 400 years. It is located on one of the islands of the Friuli archipelago.- Getting there: Ferry boats. Departing from the Old Port
Frioul Islands
13007 Marseille the archipelago of Friuli is composed of 4 islands: Ratonneau, Pomègues, Tiboulen and If.There are beautiful walks along the many beaches, coves and creeks.- Getting there: : From the Old Port, take a ferry boat to Frioul Islands
Calanques National Park
Majestic cliffs, the Med stretching as far as the eye can see. The most beautiful covesCalanque de Callelongue
13008 Marseille Located just after the port of Pointe Rouge, the calanque of Callelongue is at the end of the 8th arrondissement of Marseille, at the beginning National Park.- Bus : Line 19 from Rond Point du Prado to Madrague de Montredon, then take Bus Line 20 to Callelongue
Mont Puget
Highest point of the calanques between Marseille to the north west and Cassis to the east Find your hiking itineraryCalanques – Marseille to Cassis
The Panier District
Corniche Kennedy
Cours Julien
