⚓ Marseille Travel Guide

🏛️ Must-see attractions in Marseille

1. Vieux-Port

   • Marseille's soul landmark, full of fishing boats and seafood restaurants.
   • Our recommendation: Come in the morning to experience the bustle of the fishing market, and in the evening for a drink by the harbor.

2. Basilica of Our Lady of the Garde

   • A landmark church located on a hill, with a golden statue of the Virgin Mary guarding the city.
   • From the top you can overlook the whole of Marseille and the Mediterranean Sea, which is the best panoramic view point.

3. Le Panier, the old town of Marseille

   • With colorful alleys, graffiti walls and hipster shops, it is the most artistic area in Marseille.

4. Château d'If

   • Located on a small coastal island, it is famous for "The Count of Monte Cristo".
   • You can take a boat from the Old Port to experience the scene from the novel.

5. Calanques National Park

   • A world-class natural wonder, the limestone fjords and turquoise waters are super dreamy.
   • Editor's note: In summer, you should book your boat tickets or hiking routes in advance.

6. Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations (MuCEM)

   • Modern buildings are connected to the ancient castle, exhibitions combine history and culture, and you can also enjoy the beautiful view of the port.

7. Palais Longchamp

   • A magnificent 19th-century building surrounded by art galleries and natural history museums.

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🍴 Must-try food in Marseille

Marseille's cuisine is mainly based on Mediterranean seafood. I've compiled a list of must-try dishes for you:

• Bouillabaisse

  • The most representative local seafood dish, made with a variety of fish, tomatoes and spices.

• Anchoïade

  • Mediterranean-style snacks, savory and appetizing.

• Tapenade

  • A spread made with black olives, anchovies, and garlic, it's delicious with bread or vegetables.

• Fresh seafood platter

  • Oysters, mussels, and lobsters are available everywhere in the port restaurants.

• Ratatouille

  • A classic southern French vegetable dish that is healthy and delicious.

• Navettes Marseille cookies

  • Traditional biscuits with orange blossom flavor and a crispy texture.

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🚇 Marseille Transportation Guide

City transportation

• Metro : 2 metro lines provide easy access to major areas.
• Tram & Bus : Suitable for supplementing movement within the city.
• Walking : The old town and the port area are great for exploring on foot.

External transportation

• Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)

  • It takes about 30 minutes to get to the city center by airport bus.

• Train (TGV)

  • Marseille to Paris takes about 3 hours and to Lyon about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
  • It is also easy to get to Nice, Avignon and Montpellier.

• Shipping

  • There are ferries from the port of Marseille to Corsica, Sardinia, and even North African cities.

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💡 A friendly reminder from the editor

• There are many versions of Bouillabaisse fish soup in local restaurants. If you want to eat the authentic one, you should choose a certified restaurant.
• Calanques National Park is packed with people in the summer, so it’s best to leave early in the morning or reserve a boat spot.
• The security situation in Marseille is more complicated than in Paris, so you need to be more careful especially in the area outside the port at night.
• Best travel season: The temperature is moderate in spring and autumn, and summer is hot but the best time to go swimming in the sea.