Marseille, France: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2026

Marseille, located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of southern France-not in Germany-is a dynamic port city known for its mix of cultures, sea views, and Mediterranean energy. It offers a completely different vibe from inland Provençal towns, with its bustling harbor, urban sprawl, and access to the sea. The Vieux-Port (Old Port) is the heart of the city, lined with cafés, seafood restaurants, and ferries that take visitors to the nearby Frioul Islands or the Château d’If, made famous by The Count of Monte Cristo.

Visitors to Marseille are often struck by the contrast between its modern edge and its timeless coastal setting. The Calanques National Park, with its dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise coves, lies just beyond the city and offers outstanding hiking, swimming, and kayaking. Back in the centre, Marseille boasts vibrant markets like Noailles, a thriving arts scene in districts like Cours Julien, and beautiful architecture from the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, which provides panoramic views over the rooftops and sea.

The city is also a gateway to exploring other parts of southern France. From here, visitors can travel easily to places like Cassis, Aix-en-Provence, and the Luberon region. Marseille’s cultural diversity is reflected in its food-ranging from the traditional bouillabaisse to North African street food-and its atmosphere, which blends southern French charm with the grit of a working port. It’s an ideal destination for those looking for both energy and authenticity in a Mediterranean setting.

History of Marseille

Marseille in Antiquity and Greek Foundation

Marseille is one of the oldest cities in France, founded around 600 BCE by Greek settlers from Phocaea. They named it Massalia, and it quickly became a prosperous trading port. The city established commercial ties across the Mediterranean and developed into a vibrant hub of Greek culture. Its influence extended inland through trade routes and outposts. Despite remaining independent, Massalia eventually fell under the influence of the Roman Republic as alliances shifted in response to regional conflicts.

Marseille under Roman Rule

In 49 BCE, Marseille sided with Pompey during the Roman civil war and was subsequently captured by Julius Caesar. Though stripped of much of its territory and political power, it remained an important port under Roman control. The city adopted Roman architecture and infrastructure, including aqueducts, baths, and a forum. Christianity began to take root in the later stages of the Roman Empire, preparing the way for its religious significance in the coming centuries.

Marseille in the Early Middle Ages

Following the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, Marseille endured invasions by Visigoths, Franks, and Saracens. It remained a contested but resilient city throughout the Merovingian and Carolingian periods. Its location ensured continued maritime trade, and it became a centre for Christian missionary activity. The influence of local bishops helped maintain the city’s prominence during periods of instability.

Marseille in the High and Late Middle Ages

By the 10th and 11th centuries, Marseille began to regain autonomy under local counts and grew into a thriving commercial and naval city. It became part of the County of Provence and later the Angevin and then Capetian territories. The city played an important role in Mediterranean trade, especially with Italy, North Africa, and the Levant. Marseille’s port supported crusades and pilgrimages, and its merchant class grew powerful and wealthy.

Marseille from the Renaissance to the Revolution

During the Renaissance, Marseille continued to flourish economically, but it also faced outbreaks of plague and periods of unrest. In 1481, the city became part of the French crown lands. The 17th century brought both prosperity and strife—plague devastated the city in 1720, killing a large portion of its population. Despite these setbacks, Marseille remained a crucial port for colonial and Mediterranean commerce.

Marseille in the 19th and 20th Centuries

The Industrial Revolution brought rapid growth to Marseille in the 19th century. Its port expanded dramatically to accommodate trade with North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The city attracted waves of immigrants, particularly from Italy and the French colonies, transforming it into a multicultural metropolis. During World War II, Marseille was occupied by German forces and suffered bombings and destruction, particularly in the Old Port area.

Marseille in the Contemporary Era

In recent decades, Marseille has undergone significant urban renewal, especially in preparation for its role as European Capital of Culture in 2013. Projects revitalised the Old Port, built new cultural institutions like the MuCEM, and brought attention to Marseille’s unique identity. Today, the city balances its gritty authenticity with emerging creativity, continuing its historic role as a crossroads of cultures, commerce, and migration.

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Visiting Marseille for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Marseille on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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