11 Best Things to Do in Marseille

Le Vieux Port is an old and immense harbor mostly used to shelter leisure boats and a few fishing boats. This is where most people start their first visit, casually strolling along dozens of cafes and restaurants, soaking in the atmosphere of Marseille.

This is where the ancient Greek settlement, Massalia, was founded, meaning this area has more than 2000 years of history. The Old Harbor is surrounded by historical buildings from 18th century and older. When you’re ready to go further afield, this is where you’ll catch a ferry to visit the famous Chateau d’If and to the Calanques.

As soon as you approach the center of Marseille, you will spot the basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, majestically perched at the top of the highest hill. Built between 1853 and 1864 in the Neo-Byzantine style, this immense church is dominated by an impressive, gilded Madonna, standing high at the top of the belfry.

While the architecture is awe-inspiring, it’s the fantastic panorama over the city from the church terrace that makes this a must-visit. The basilica is easy to reach using one of the many local buses.

Cathedral of Saint Mary Major, or Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure, is another important landmark in Marseille, and one of the largest cathedrals in France. It can welcome up to 3,000 people. Built in the Byzantine-Roman style with alternating green and white limestones, this Roman Catholic Cathedral resembles Florence’s Duomo.

It comprises 2 cathedrals, in reality, the “old” and the “new”. The “Old Major” part was originally built in the 4th century, making it a fascinating historical site, while the “New Major” was finished in 1893. Be sure to marvel at both parts while you’re there.

The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations, or MuCEM as it’s locally called, is a museum built partly in the 12th-century Fort Saint Jean, and partly in a modern complex with an intricate design. Here, visitors can learn about the history of Mediterranean civilizations, but also discover the rich past of Marseille through thousands of photos, postcards, films, and exhibits. 

One of the highlights is a 115m suspended bridge that connects the museum to the Fort Saint Jean. With spectacular views, this bridge is great for pictures of Marseille and its surroundings.

The Château d'If overlooks the fortified island of the same name, just over 2 miles southwest of the port of Marseille. This 16th-century fortress was converted into an Alcatraz-style prison in the 18th century. It became famous in the 19th century for being the main setting of Alexandre Dumas’s novel, The Count of Monte Cristo.

Getting there is a pleasant mini-adventure for the whole family. It’s a well-preserved historic castle from which you get beautiful views of Marseille. A restaurant with an outdoor terrace offers a delightful place for lunch.

Fort Saint-Jean is a historic fortification that dates to 1660 and connects to a historical district and the first French national museum outside of Paris. Here you can walk the parapets that overlook the city and ocean and explore the structure that protected the city from invasion during the Middle Ages. It later served as a military outpost and barracks up through the 20th century and played a critical role in World War II.

With easy access to the neighboring Le Panier historic district and the old harbor, it's an enchanting place to walk in the footsteps of history.

Marseille is an ideal destination for beachgoers looking for sun, sand, and sparkling waters. Calanque d'En Vau is not easy to reach. You'll need to hike 1-2 hours through jagged cliffs, but the unspoilt beach, crystal-clear water, and dramatic cliffside scenery make it all worthwhile. Be sure to wear hiking boots and bring all the food and beverages you need for the day.

Plage des Catalans is a much easier beach to reach. You can walk there from the Pharo neighborhood. Its location in the center of Marseille means it's close to amenities and is fantastic for people-watching and quick cool-offs in summer. Another slice of beach heaven is Sainte Croix Beach, west of Marseille. The idyllic setting with warming, calm turquoise waters makes it a pleasure for families with children.

Le Panier is a very attractive neighborhood of Marseille found in the north of the Old Port district. It has been inhabited for more than 2000 years. Once considered the poorest part of town, it has recently become trendy, with a lot of typical small shops and cafes.

Le Panier is a good place to wander around for a half a day and take photos of the small alleys and stone stairways lined by ocher stone houses. It’s a colorful, vibrant area, home to many artists. Street art even lines the walls.

Palais Longchamp is an impressive monument built in 1869, best known for its magnificent fountain, water features, and colonnades. The Palace is worth visiting on its own but is also a chance to explore 2 of the most important museums of Marseille: the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Museum of Natural History.

Behind the Palais, don’t miss the Parc Longchamp, a beautiful “Garden a la Française” that used to be a zoo. You can easily reach it by tramway or Metro.

This famous avenue is the wealthy shopping heart of Marseille. It’s sometimes compared to The Champs Elysees in Paris, where luxury brands alternate with cafes and restaurants.

This wide street starts from Le Vieux Port and stretches all the way to the Capucin neighborhood. La Canebiere is not as glamorous as it used to be but is still one of the most important streets of Marseille and was featured in the movie French Connection 2. Meander down the tree-lined streets and shop until your hands are full with bags before stopping for a delicious meal.

The Calanques are a set of scenic white limestone cliffs in the southern and eastern parts of Marseille, on the way to nearby Cassis town. The superb panoramic views, beaches, and clear blue water of the creeks hiding between high cliffs are worth a day trip.

The Calanques are accessible both by land and sea from the Old Harbor, and the best time to visit them is obviously summer. Kayaking and bicycle tours are easy to find if you prefer an active and eco-friendlier visit to this national park. The Corniche des Crêtes and Cap Canaille offer the most spectacular views.