Things to do

The List Of 22 Incredible Things To Do In Marseille, France

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Marseille is a city with diverse character and rich history. It was established by the Greeks over 2,600 years ago making it the oldest city in France.

Today, the city provides tourist sites ranging from archeological to contemporary culture blended with street art. Tourist attractions also include a beautiful harbor, delicious foods, and the cultural diversity of the city's population.

Besides, this list explains some more things to do in Marseille:

1. Climb The Notre-Dame de la Garde

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It is one of the absolute Marseille things to see. This basilica is built on a hilltop and gives a magnificent vista of the city below from its balconies. From here you have the sea view of the Old Port and the Mediterranean Sea.

The visuals are great so it's worth the effort of climbing the steep slope. The views around it are stunning along with the homely feeling that comes with this beautiful area.

The best part is that you can pay by card for your candle to pray. Besides you can also learn about the culture, history, and architecture of Marseille and see symbolism from all over Europe.

2. Admire The Beauty of Palais Longchamp

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Beautiful palace with a small but very cozy park. It also has two nice free museums including a museum of arts and a museum of nature.

It's so well designed and clean with large fountains and attractive sculptures giving it the look of a palace. The areas surrounding the park are beautiful and it is okay for a stroll or even a picnic.

The place is very charismatic; it is perfect for hiding from the city's bustle at least for a few hours. Taking a day trip here is ideal for families, art lovers, or anyone looking to enjoy a beautiful, historic site in Marseille.

3. Catch A Game At Orange Vélodrome

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This stadium holds many thousands of people and is a great place to go watch a soccer match. The amount of noise the fans make with whistles and cheering in unison is fantastic.

It is an open-air stadium and is built to simulate the effect of a wave and the sound inside is awesome. Book tickets online or get one from the over-the-counter stores. Keep in mind that your bags will be searched and you are not allowed to take in water bottles or automatic battery-operated fans.

The design of the stadium is such that it allows you to see the sunsets through its oval-shaped roof. Despite being primarily a football venue, Orange Velodrome proves to be a fantastic setting for rugby too.

4. A Relaxing Stroll Through The Old Port of Marseille

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It is one of the nice attractions in Marseille France to take a very early morning stroll. The scents from the sea wafting in the air and seagulls flying about make it a sight to capture.

There are a lot of bars, restaurants, and cafes that line the entire two flanks of the port. You will have a memorable time during sundown at some bars that face the Notre Dame de la Garde. The crowd is mostly tourists, though some locals are around as well.

This location is a great place to have a relaxing walk while enjoying views over the harbor. You will also find a taxi stand with plenty of cars near the stands for the train and bus.

5. Hike or Take A Boat Tour of Parc National Des Calanques

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If you're in the area, then you will want to see the Calanques. It is a beautiful stretch of National Park between Marseille and Cassis.

You can either hike between the beaches on the trails or take a boat from Marseille and see everything while enjoying a cruise. It might take a full or half day but you can do a good trip in just 90 minutes.

If you decide to hike, you will reach rather moderately steep terrain that is rocky and irregular. Reliable shoes are essential and a solid hiking stick is a good idea. Check the weather in Marseille before you go, winds and rain affect the trails and they may be closed.

6. Wander Around The Streets of Le Panier

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You might get lost several times wandering up and down and all over this delightful district. This is a sort of bohemian area. It consists of lots of narrow winding streets full of colorful street art.

Le Panier is a charming and intriguing district to the West of the center that runs down a steep hill. There are several small shops selling art and a few equally small coffee shops and eateries.

The streets are filled with amazing graffiti and you can capture as many as you like. You might also want to take a look at the side streets with flower pots on window sills, and beautiful climbing stairways to upper levels.

7. Take A Ferry Ride With La Méridionale

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This is one of the best things to do in Marseille. This ferry offers a trip to Corsica and Morocco. You can travel to some great destinations like Corsica and go to Ajaccio and Porto Vecchio in Corsica, or go to Tangier in Morocco.

The flip side is that the ferries are comfortable with nice cabins as well as good food. It is a cozy and comfortable ride, and the views are lovely. The bar on the ferry is reasonably priced and showcases stunning views from the bar deck.

They also do activities for the children. Those are some of the reasons which make it such a good experience to travel and enjoy the sea. Once you have received the ticket, it's time to begin your journey!

8. Go To One of The City's Beach

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Marseille has many beautiful beaches. You can go to Plage des Catalans. It is near the city center it has fine sand and clear water too. You can swim, snorkel, play volleyball, or do anything you would love to do in the water here.

Or, you can visit Plages du Prado. This is a large beach that offers dozens of amenities. You can go boating sea kayaking or simply sunbath on the beach.

For those who prefer a calm and more secluded location, there is the Calanque Port Pin. A little out of the way, but the patio is quiet and very pretty. They do allow swimming and enjoying nature without large crowds.

9. Try Mediterranean Meals At Le Hippie Chic Café

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Lovely restaurant on the busy seafront of Marseille. The greeting is friendly, the employees are friendly, and the food and the wine are better.

It is a place where you can get great food and besides, a sophisticated relaxed feeling without any fuss. The interior is a merge between trendy and hippie styles.

Great, farm-fresh products are always turned into creative, delicious meals. At the end of the evening, you should also try their scrumptious desserts. And those who love cocktails will not be disappointed. Overall, Le Hippie Chic Cafe is a fantastic spot with a laid-back vibe and delicious food.

10. Take A Petit Train Tour

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The Petit Train du Panier takes visitors around the oldest district in Marseilles called Le Panier. You will be able to look at the Saint-Laurent esplanade, the Cathedral, Vieille Charite, and MuCEM.

The train also stops at Docks, Joliette, and the Halles de la Major area. This tour takes approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes with approximately 30 minutes spent in Le Panier.

This is a fun and convenient method to get to know the main attractions of the city. For families and anyone seeking to dive deeper into understanding the city and its history, this is among the best Marseille things to do.

11. Stop By The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations

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Even if you are not a fan of art or exhibitions it is still a place to go. The entrance to the building is free of charge; you just need to pass a security check.

You will be able to visit a fortress and the roof of the museum. It is best to be there around sunset and observe the sunset from the bridge between the museum building and the fortress.

Here you will also learn about the Mediterranean history. It has an old and a new building. The architecture is a blend of history as well as modernity. The gardens, walkways, and resting points are well-curated throughout both buildings.

12. A Half-Day Trip To Château d'If

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This was originally a fortress turned prison. The history of the place has been made romantic due to the well-known novel "Count of Monte Cristo" but in reality, there have been many terrific stories.

However, this contrast makes this place unique and interesting to visit. The only difficulty is how to get there. Make sure to check the ferry schedule in advance. Also, buy tickets to the castle online to avoid getting stuck in a queue in front of it.

You can spend around 1-2 hours here; bring some food and drinks to the island and have a small picnic with beautiful views. Some free armchairs are available with a sea view. The tower takes around 15 minutes to tour with good views and some billboards.

13. View Amazing Displays At The Old Charity Center

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A beautiful gallery space in the heart of Marseille. The central chapel has an interesting audiovisual display and many of the spaces around the edge of the courtyard have a wide variety of displays.

Just walking around the colonnades is delightful. The exhibition rooms (Mexico, Africa, Oceania, etc). are well-maintained and comfortably air-conditioned. This makes it a pleasant environment during the summer.

Moreover, the museum provides plenty of chairs throughout the space where visitors can sit and relax when needed. You can hang out downstairs to have a bite and coffee between different exhibitions located at every level.

14. Shop or Dine At La Canebière

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This is a famous shopping street that connects to the pier. It is fully available for pedestrians and would be a good trip for those planning to do some shopping or searching for somewhere to dine out.

The street is also well-known for its history. Several historically important incidents have taken place along this road over time. It is notorious (or infamous) for the 1934 assassination of the King of Yugoslavia.

The wide streets are lined with many cafes, restaurants, and others selling a range of goods. It is also a place where many people or groups gather for public meetings and other activities. Moreover, there is a weekly organic market and a street festival on the last Sunday of the month.

15. Explore The Attractions of Vallon des Auffes

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A picturesque traditional fishing haven located just a short bus ride from La Vieux Port. It might not be too special during the day, but when the sun sets, the combination of the bridge, the sun, the water, and the monument make it a stunning place.

Some people call this "The Little Venice." It is not like the original Venice but has got the feel of it. It looks stunning from above and is a good location to stroll around, with the sea smell and the serene air.

This neighborhood is also known for its colorful fishermen's cabins and traditional Marseille fishing boats called Pointus.

16. Delve Into History At The Fort Saint-Jean

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This place is rather vast and it will take you a vast amount of time to thoroughly check it out. It sits atop Marseille's ancient history on a hill just over the city's iconic Vieux-Port.

Battles and sieges were held for centuries on the territory of the fortress. In the present day, Fort Saint-Jean has become an Art Center and welcomes people with open arms.

In addition to the fortification, there are several gardens which are a nice contrast. There is also ample scenic location to have wonderful clicks here at the site. While here, you will have a feel of the old world.

17. Visit Abbaye Saint-Victor

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A very old church dating back to 410 AD. You get a full-on spooky feel in the crypt with its old stone floors and pagan markings.

There is an underground place that you can visit from the inside of the church (near the entrance), which is beautiful and atmospheric. In addition to that, many signs describe what you see.

Go there as soon as it opens at 9 am. You will have the pleasure of exploring it when it's empty. Use their audio guide to understand the place and its history better. Add this to your list of things to do at Marseille.

18. Adore The District's Vibrant Street Art Scene

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Marseille is a colorful and creative city and that can be noticed mainly in the graffiti all around the city. Take a walk over to Cours Julien, a neighborhood famous for its street art including painted murals and graffiti.

Here you can enjoy the sculptures created by well-known artists such as Monsieur Chat and Mahn Kloix. It is a live art zone in every building, door, and stair. The historic area of Le Panier is filled with beautiful artwork painting the small alley like a mural.

There are murals by artists like Nhobi whose characters complement the environment of this section. This is a must-visit area for anyone who wants to feel like they are in a city of art.

19. Make Your Own Marseilles Soap

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There exist such sessions in which you are tutored on how to make your soaps starting from scratch. La Savonnerie Marius Fabre and Savonnerie de la Licorne offer soap-making demonstrations.

These types of workshops are also entertaining and informative showing you the heritage behind Marseille soap and its uses. First, you get to know the ingredients of this soap and the procedure they follow to make it.

You then get a chance to make your soap with natural products such as oils, and oils extracted from plants. In the end, you can take them as a souvenir.

20. Enjoy Cocktails At L’Unic Bar

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A nice place to unwind in the very beautiful, troubled, and self-confident city of Marseille. The bar is located right in the prime spot in the busy port area.

It is not exactly minimalist with its noisy appearance and ambiance. L'Unic is a very good place for having coffee or cocktails at any time of the day. The bar staff are fun, and generous and speak several languages.

So, grab your friends and visit during the weekends for a rather busy and entertaining evening. It is a highly recommended place if you want to experience an authentic still in the 60's time capsule bar.

21. Book A Stay At Hôtel La Residence du Vieux Port

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The hotel is situated on the southern bank at the old port front and the view is magnificent, be it summer or winter. On the back side, there is Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica which is situated on a hill.

All the rooms in our hotel have been redecorated to a stylish fifties retro look but comfortable too. Over half of the guestrooms have a balcony that opens to Old Port or the Basilica view.

You only have to cross their attached restaurant Le Relais and you are assured of good quality food. Overall, the hotel features a very standard and high-quality service, that captures many guests.

22. Observe Community Events At Friche La Belle de Mai

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It is a large cultural center in an ex-tobacco warehouse. It is close to Saint-Charles station, and here you can watch concerts and plays and even visit art exhibitions.

This active area operates daily and organizes over 600 events for public visibility such as concerts, exhibitions, and festivals. Some of the fun things to do are playing a sport, yoga, dancing, and even rollerblading.

La Friche is unique because it contains art, culture, and people. It is a locality where artists dwell, and they use their skills to produce something new. Environmental projects are also executed in the center such as the micro-forest.