Marseille: The Complete Guide

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.
Table of Contents
- History of Marseille
- Marseille in Antiquity and Greek Foundation
- Marseille under Roman Rule
- Marseille in the Early Middle Ages
- Marseille in the High and Late Middle Ages
- Marseille from the Renaissance to the Revolution
- Marseille in the 19th and 20th Centuries
- Marseille in the Contemporary Era
- 24 Best places to See in Marseille
- Musée d'Archéologie Méditerranéenne (MAM)
- La Vieille Charité
- Porte d'Aix
- Church of Notre-Dame-des-Accoules
- Cathédrale de la Major (Marseille Cathedral)
- Maison Diamantée (Diamond House)
- Église Saint-Cannat (Saint Cannat Church)
- Musée des Docks Romains
- Le Musée d'Histoire de Marseille (MHM)
- Hotel de Ville (City Hall), Marseille
- Jardin des Vestiges (Ruins Garden)
- Église of Saint-Ferréol les Augustins (Church of Saint Ferreol)
- Eglise Saint-Laurent (Saint-Laurent Church)
- Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations (MuCEM)
- Fort Saint-Jean
- Vieux Port (Old Port), Marseille
- Fort Saint-Nicolas
- Palais du Pharo (Pharo Palace)
- Abbaye Saint-Victor
- Musée des Beaux-Arts de Marseille
- Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle (MHM), Marseille
- Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
- Château d'If
- Parc Borély
- 11 Best Day Trips from Marseille
- Parc national des Calanques
- Aix en Provence
- Toulon
- Cavaillon
- Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
- Arles
- Avignon
- Nimes
- Uzes
- Bagnols-en-Foret
- Montpellier
- Where to Stay in Marseille
- Best Time to Visit Marseille
- How to get to Marseille
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.
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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24 Best places to See in Marseille
This complete guide to Marseille not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.
This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Marseille and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!
Musée d'Archéologie Méditerranéenne (MAM)

Location: Musée d’Archéologie Méditerranéenne, Rue de la Charité, Marseille, France | Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Musée d'Archéologie Méditerranéenne (MAM)
La Vieille Charité

Location: Centre de la Vieille Charité, Rue de la Charité, Marseille, France | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting La Vieille Charité
Porte d'Aix

Location: Porte d'Aix, Place Jules Guesde, Marseille, France | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0.5km
Visiting Porte d'Aix
Church of Notre-Dame-des-Accoules

Location: Église des Accoules, Place Daviel, Marseille, France | Distance: 0.5km
Visiting Church of Notre-Dame-des-Accoules
Cathédrale de la Major (Marseille Cathedral)

Location: Marseille Cathedral, Place de la Major, Marseille, France | Hours: Daily 7 am to 6 pm | Distance: 0.5km
Visiting Cathédrale de la Major (Marseille Cathedral)
Maison Diamantée (Diamond House)

Location: Maison Diamantée (La), Rue de la Prison, Marseille, France | Distance: 0.6km
Visiting Maison Diamantée (Diamond House)
Église Saint-Cannat (Saint Cannat Church)

Location: Église Saint-Cannat, Rue des Prêcheurs, Marseille, France | Distance: 0.6km
Visiting Église Saint-Cannat (Saint Cannat Church)
Musée des Docks Romains

Location: Musée des Docks romains de la Ville de Marseille, Place Vivaux, Marseille, France | Hours: Daily 09:00 - 18:00 Closed Mondays | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 0.6km
Visiting Musée des Docks Romains
Le Musée d'Histoire de Marseille (MHM)

Location: Musée d'histoire de la Ville de Marseille, Rue Henri Barbusse, Marseille, France | Hours: Daily 09:00 - 18:00 Closed Mondays | Price: Free | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Le Musée d'Histoire de Marseille (MHM)
Hotel de Ville (City Hall), Marseille

Location: Ville de Marseille, Place Villeneuve-Bargemon, Marseille, France | Hours: It can not be visited, except for official business. | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Hotel de Ville (City Hall), Marseille
Jardin des Vestiges (Ruins Garden)

Location: Jardin des Vestiges, Rue Henri Barbusse, Marseille, France | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Jardin des Vestiges (Ruins Garden)
Église of Saint-Ferréol les Augustins (Church of Saint Ferreol)

Location: Église Saint-Ferréol les Augustins, Quai des Belges, Marseille, France | Distance: 0.8km
Visiting Église of Saint-Ferréol les Augustins (Church of Saint Ferreol)
Eglise Saint-Laurent (Saint-Laurent Church)

Location: Eglise Saint Laurent, Esplanade de la Tourette, Marseille, France | Distance: 0.9km
Visiting Eglise Saint-Laurent (Saint-Laurent Church)
Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations (MuCEM)

Location: Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean, Esplanade J4, Marseille, France | Hours: Daily 10 a.m. — 6 p.m. Closed Tuesdays | Price: €11.00 | Website | Distance: 0.9km
Visiting Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations (MuCEM)
Fort Saint-Jean

Location: Fort Saint-Jean, Promenade Louis Brauquier, Marseille, France | Hours: Daily 10 a.m. — 6 p.m. Closed Tuesdays | Price: €11.00 | Website | Distance: 1.0km
Visiting Fort Saint-Jean
Vieux Port (Old Port), Marseille

Location: Vieux Port, Rue Breteuil, Marseille, France | Distance: 1.0km
Visiting Vieux Port (Old Port), Marseille
Fort Saint-Nicolas

Location: Fort Saint-Nicolas, Montée du Souvenir Français, Marseille, France | Hours: Approx: Winter: Saturday/Sunday Summer: Wednesday - Sunday 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. See their website. | Price: €12 Booking Required | Website | Distance: 1.3km
Visiting Fort Saint-Nicolas
Palais du Pharo (Pharo Palace)

Location: Palais du Pharo, Boulevard Charles Livon, Marseille, France | Hours: The Pharo garden is open all year round to the public from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. | Price: Free | Distance: 1.3km
Visiting Palais du Pharo (Pharo Palace)
Abbaye Saint-Victor

Location: Abbaye Saint-Victor, Place Saint-Victor, Marseille, France | Hours: Daily 09:00 - 18:00 | Price: €2 to visit crypts | Distance: 1.4km
Visiting Abbaye Saint-Victor
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Marseille

Location: Musée des Beaux Arts de Marseille, Palais Longchamp Aile gauche, Rue Edouard Stephan, Marseille, France | Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 2.0km
Visiting Musée des Beaux-Arts de Marseille
Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle (MHM), Marseille

Location: Muséum d'histoire naturelle de la Ville de Marseille, Palais Longchamp, Rue Espérandieu, Marseille, France | Hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Tuesdays | Price: Permanent collections: Free | Website | Distance: 2.1km
Visiting Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle (MHM), Marseille
Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

Location: Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, Rue Fort du Sanctuaire, Marseille, France | Hours: Daily 07:00 - 18:00 | Price: Free | Distance: 2.1km
Visiting Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
Château d'If

Location: Château d'If, Marseille, France | Hours: April 1 to September 30 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.October 1 to March 31 10 a.m. - 5.15 p.m. Closed on Mondays | Price: Adults €7 | Website | Distance: 4.3km
Visiting Château d'If
Parc Borély

Location: Parc Borély, Avenue du Parc Borély, Marseille, France | Distance: 4.8km
Visiting Parc Borély
Best Day Trips from Marseille
A day trip from Marseille offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Marseille provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.
Parc national des Calanques

Location: Parc national des Calanques, Marseille, France | Website | Distance: 11.2km
Visiting Parc national des Calanques
Aix en Provence

Visiting Aix en Provence
Toulon

Visiting Toulon
Cavaillon

Visiting Cavaillon
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Visiting Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Arles

Visiting Arles
Avignon

Visiting Avignon
Nimes

Visiting Nimes
Uzes

Visiting Uzes
Bagnols-en-Foret

Visiting Bagnols-en-Foret
Montpellier

Visiting Montpellier
Where to Stay in Marseille
For a luxurious stay, InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu stands out with its historic architecture and panoramic views of the Old Port. Another top-tier option is Le Petit Nice – Passedat, offering a serene seaside setting and a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant.
Boutique hotel enthusiasts might appreciate Hotel C2, a 19th-century mansion blending historic charm with modern design. For a more artistic vibe, Mama Shelter Marseille offers quirky interiors and a lively atmosphere.
Travelers on a budget can consider Hotel 96, a charming hotel set in a 19th-century house with modern amenities. Another affordable option is Hôtel Hermès, offering comfortable rooms and a rooftop terrace with views over the city.
Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Marseille. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.
Marseille Accommodation Map
Best Time to Visit Marseille
Marseille in Spring
Spring (March to May) is a great time to visit Marseille, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Temperatures gradually rise from around 15°C in March to 22°C in May, making it perfect for exploring the Vieux-Port, seaside promenades, and outdoor markets. The city begins to buzz with activity, and events such as the Fête du Panier and early music festivals offer cultural flavour. Wildflowers and fresh produce bring a burst of colour to the city’s parks and markets.
Marseille in Summer (Best)
Summer (June to August) is the best time to visit Marseille for beach weather, festivals, and a vibrant Mediterranean atmosphere. Daytime temperatures often range from 27°C to 33°C, with nearly constant sunshine. The city hosts the Festival de Marseille, a month-long celebration of dance, music, and theatre held in outdoor venues and historic spaces. It’s also the ideal season to swim in the Calanques, enjoy open-air cinema, and dine late at waterfront restaurants.
Marseille in Autumn
Autumn (September to November) brings milder weather and fewer tourists, with temperatures ranging from 25°C in early September to around 14°C by November. The sea remains warm enough for swimming well into October, and the city’s cultural life stays active. Events like the Fiesta des Suds, a popular world music festival, take place in October, drawing visitors and locals alike. The season offers a relaxed pace with great light for photography and comfortable conditions for hiking in the surrounding hills.
Marseille in Winter
Winter (December to February) is the quietest season in Marseille, with daytime temperatures typically between 10°C and 14°C. Though it’s not beach weather, the city remains lively with winter markets, festive lights, and the annual Fête de la Saint-Barbe. Restaurants and museums are less crowded, and visitors can enjoy a more local rhythm. Winter is also a good time to explore cultural sites, warm up with Provençal food, and enjoy views of the sea without the summer crowds.
Annual Weather Overview
- January 12°C 57°F
- February 12°C 58°F
- March 14°C 61°F
- April 16°C 65°F
- May 21°C 73°F
- June 26°C 82°F
- July 30°C 89°F
- August 28°C 87°F
- September 25°C 80°F
- October 21°C 73°F
- November 15°C 63°F
- December 12°C 57°F
How to get to Marseille
Getting to Marseille, a major city in southern France, is quite straightforward due to its well-connected transportation infrastructure. Here’s how you can reach Marseille by various modes of transport:
By Air: Marseille is served by Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), which is located about 25 kilometers (15 miles) northwest of the city center. It is the fifth busiest French airport by passenger traffic and offers numerous domestic and international flights. From the airport, you can reach the city center via shuttle buses, taxis, or rental cars. The shuttle bus service links the airport to Marseille Saint Charles Train Station every 15-20 minutes.
By Train: Marseille Saint Charles Train Station is the main railway hub in Marseille and is well-connected to many French cities and other European destinations. High-speed TGV trains can take you from Paris to Marseille in about 3 hours. There are also regular regional trains and services from other major cities like Lyon, Nice, and Toulouse.
By Bus: Various national and international bus services, such as FlixBus and Eurolines, connect Marseille with other French cities and neighboring countries. The main bus terminal is located near Saint Charles Train Station, making transfers between bus and train relatively seamless.
By Car: Marseille is easily accessible by road and is well-connected to the French motorway system. The A7 motorway links Marseille to Lyon and Paris, the A50 connects it to Toulon and Nice, and the A55 links to Montpellier and Spain. Driving to Marseille can be a good option if you plan to explore the Provence region at your own pace.
By Boat: Marseille has a large port that accommodates cruise ships and ferries. There are regular ferry services between Marseille and Corsica, Sardinia, and other Mediterranean destinations. The ferry terminal is close to the city center, making it convenient for travelers arriving by sea.
These various transport options make Marseille accessible for both domestic and international travelers, providing a range of choices depending on your starting point and preferences.