Marseille: The Complete Guide

Established around 600 BC as Massalia, it quickly became a pivotal port for the ancient Greeks, serving as a crucial trading hub between Mediterranean civilizations and those in Gaul and northwest Europe. Throughout the centuries, its strategic location near the Rhone River’s mouth cemented its status as one of France’s foremost ports, overshadowing its potential as a tourist destination compared to Mediterranean counterparts like Barcelona or Valencia.
Unlike typical seaside resorts, Marseille’s coast near the Old Port is rocky, with beaches like Plage du Prado situated further south. Despite this, Marseille’s rich history, cultural tapestry, and vibrant port life make it an ideal spot for short stays and day trips, especially when the rest of northern France is less favorable weather-wise.
History of Marseille
Marseille, France’s oldest city, has a rich and complex history that spans over 2,600 years. Founded around 600 BC by Greek settlers from Phocaea (now modern-day Turkey), it was originally known as Massalia. Its strategic location along the Mediterranean coast made it an important trading hub, connecting the Greek and later Roman worlds with Gaul (ancient France).
Ancient History Marseille quickly became a prosperous city due to its role in trade and commerce, especially in commodities like wine and olive oil. As a Greek city, it was unique in Gaul, serving as a cultural and economic bridge between the Mediterranean civilizations and the indigenous tribes of Western Europe. The city maintained its independence until 49 BC when it was captured by Caesar’s forces during the civil wars that marked the end of the Roman Republic.
Middle Ages After the fall of the Roman Empire, Marseille faced numerous invasions and periods of economic decline but managed to preserve its autonomy as a free city under the protection of the Holy Roman Empire and later the kings of France. During the Middle Ages, it became a significant port for trade with the Middle East and the rest of Europe.
Renaissance and Early Modern Period The Renaissance brought renewed prosperity, as Marseille expanded its trade networks to include new markets in the Levant and North Africa. However, this period was also marked by significant challenges, including the plague, which struck the city multiple times, most devastatingly in 1720, killing a large portion of its population.
19th Century The industrial revolution and the establishment of the French Empire under Napoleon revitalized Marseille’s economic significance. The construction of the Suez Canal in 1869 further boosted its status as a major port by shortening the sea route to Asia.
20th Century to Present In the 20th century, Marseille became a refuge for immigrants from former French colonies, especially during and after the Algerian War of Independence. This has made it one of the most ethnically diverse cities in France. The city has also faced challenges, including economic decline and social unrest, but has seen a revival in recent decades, particularly as a cultural and tourist center. Major projects like the renovation of the Old Port and the celebration of Marseille as the European Capital of Culture in 2013 have helped rejuvenate the city.
Marseille’s history is a testament to its resilience and its ability to adapt and thrive amidst changing economic and cultural landscapes. Its rich historical tapestry continues to make it a fascinating city to explore and study.
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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25 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
Parc national des Calanques

Location: Parc national des Calanques, Marseille, France | Website | Distance: 11.2km
Visiting Parc national des Calanques
Best Time to Visit Marseille
The best time to visit Marseille is typically from late spring to early autumn, roughly from May through October. During these months, the weather is usually warm and pleasant, which is ideal for exploring the city’s outdoor attractions and enjoying its Mediterranean coast.
Spring (May to June): This season offers comfortable temperatures, fewer tourists, and the beautiful blooming of local flora. It’s a great time to explore the city’s historic sites and outdoor markets without the peak summer crowds.
Summer (July to August): Although this is the peak tourist season, with higher temperatures and more crowded attractions, it is also when Marseille is most vibrant. The city hosts numerous festivals and events, such as the Festival de Marseille and Bastille Day celebrations. The warmer sea temperatures make it perfect for beach activities and water sports.
Autumn (September to October): The weather remains warm in the early part of autumn, and the tourist crowds start to thin out, making it another ideal time to visit. The sea is still warm enough for swimming, and the cultural calendar is still quite active.
While winters in Marseille are milder compared to much of Europe, the city can experience cooler temperatures and occasional rain, making it less ideal for those looking to enjoy its beaches and some outdoor activities. However, winter can still be a good time to visit for those interested in cultural experiences without the crowds, and often accommodation prices are lower during this season.
Average Temperatures in Marseille
- January 14°C 57°F 6
- February 14°C 58°F 7
- March 16°C 61°F 6
- April 18°C 65°F 7
- May 23°C 73°F 7
- June 28°C 82°F 4
- July 32°C 89°F 2
- August 30°C 87°F 4
- September 27°C 80°F 7
- October 23°C 73°F 11
- November 17°C 63°F 12
- December 14°C 57°F 7
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.