17 Top Things to Do
Marseille Overall Appeal ★★★★★
| Name | Appeal | Type | Visit | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Notre-Dame Basilica | ★★★★★ | Basilica + Panorama | Self | Free |
| 02 | Marseille Cathedral | ★★★★★ | Cathedral | Self | Free |
| 03 | Walking Tour | ★★★★★ | Walking Tour | Tour | Paid |
| 04 | E-Bike Tour | ★★★★★ | E-Bike Excursion | Tour | Paid |
| 05 | Food Tour | ★★★★★ | Food Tour | Tour | Paid |
| 06 | Pastry Class | ★★★★★ | Pastry Class | Class | Paid |
| 07 | Sidecar Tour | ★★★★★ | Sidecar Excursion | Tour | Paid |
| 08 | Le Panier District | ★★★★☆ | Walking Around | Self | Free |
| 09 | Old Port & Quays | ★★★☆☆ | Walking Around | Self | Free |
| 10 | Cours Julien Square | ★★★☆☆ | Walking Around | Self | Free |
| 11 | MUCEM Museum | ★★★☆☆ | Museum - Mediterranean | Self | Paid |
| 12 | Cosquer | ★★★☆☆ | Museum + Parietal Cave Art | Self | Paid |
| 13 | Pharo Garden | ★★★☆☆ | Park + Panorama | Self | Free |
| 14 | St. Jean Fort | ★★☆☆☆ | Fort + Panorama | Self | Free |
| 15 | St. Nicolas Fort | ★★☆☆☆ | Fort + Panorama | Either | Either |
| 16 | Vallon des Auffes Marina | ★★☆☆☆ | Walking Around | Self | Free |
| 17 | Corniche Kennedy | ★★☆☆☆ | Walking Around + Panorama | Self | Free |
01. Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica
Appeal ★★★★★
Type Basilica + Panorama
Visit Self
Cost Free
Perched atop the highest point in Marseille, Notre-Dame de la Garde, also called Bonne Mère, is a striking basilica from the 19th century that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. The basilica’s impressive Romano-Byzantine architecture, with its iconic golden statue of the Virgin Mary, makes it a symbol of Marseille.
Inside, the basilica boasts elaborate mosaics that depict scenes from the Bible and the life of the Virgin Mary. The interior is also adorned with marble and gold leaf, creating a striking contrast with the simplicity of the stone exterior.
In the basement of the basilica, there is a small museum dedicated to the history of the site even before the basilica was built, showcasing a collection of various artifacts. There may also be temporary exhibitions.
The museum is explored through a self-visit and requires an entrance fee.
02. Marseille Cathedral
Appeal ★★★★★
Type Cathedral
Visit Self
Cost Free
The Marseille Cathedral, also known as La Major or Sainte-Marie-Majeure, is located at the edge of the Old Port. With its striking Byzantine-Roman style, characterized by alternating white and green limestone, the cathedral stands as one of the largest cathedrals in France and a prominent symbol of Marseille’s religious heritage.
The cathedral’s history dates back to the 12th century, though the current structure was built in the 19th century. It was constructed on the site of the old cathedral, which was integrated into the new design, creating a unique blend of architectural styles.
Inside, the cathedral features a grandiose nave with richly decorated mosaics and an array of sculptures depicting religious figures.
03. Walking Tour
Appeal ★★★★★
Type Walking Tour
Visit Tour
Cost Paid
Discover the essence of Marseille on foot, guided through its historical streets and vibrant neighborhoods. From ancient landmarks to hidden gems, walking tours provide an immersive way to experience the city’s rich history and diverse culture.
04. E-Bike Tour
Appeal ★★★★★
Type E-Bike Excursion
Visit Tour
Cost Paid
Explore Marseille’s diverse landscapes effortlessly with an E-Bike Tour. These guided excursions allow you to cover more ground, from the coastal roads to the city’s hidden corners, with ease. Perfect for those seeking both adventure and comfort while sightseeing.
05. Food Tour
Appeal ★★★★★
Type Food Tour
Visit Tour
Cost Paid
Indulge in the flavors of Marseille with a guided Food Tour that takes you through its culinary hotspots. Experience the city’s vibrant food scene. A perfect experience for food enthusiasts eager to taste some essence of Provence region.
06. Pastry Class
Appeal ★★★★★
Type Pastry Class
Visit Class
Cost Paid
Learn some art of French pastry-making in a hands-on class led by local chef. From classic croissants to delicate tarts, you’ll master techniques and create delicious treats. This immersive experience is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth and a passion for baking.
07. Sidecar Tour
Appeal ★★★★★
Type Sidecar Excursion
Visit Tour
Cost Paid
Experience Marseille with a unique twist by embarking on a Sidecar Tour. This exciting ride takes you through the city’s most scenic routes, combining adventure with sightseeing. A thrilling way to explore, offering both comfort and an unbeatable sense of freedom.
08. Le Panier District
Appeal ★★★★☆
Type Walking Around
Visit Self
Cost Free
Le Panier is Marseille’s oldest neighborhood, characterized by its narrow, winding streets and colorful facades. The district is also famous for its street art, with murals and graffiti adorning many of the buildings, reflecting the neighborhood’s bohemian spirit.
As you explore, you’ll find charming squares, where locals gather, and artisan shops selling everything from handmade soaps to ceramics.
09. Old Port & Quays
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Walking Around
Visit Self
Cost Free
The Old Port of Marseille is the city’s historic heart, a bustling harbor surrounded by lively quays lined with cafes, restaurants, and markets. This vibrant area has been the focal point of Marseille’s maritime activities.
10. Cours Julien Square & Stairs
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Walking Around
Visit Self or Guided Tour
Cost Free or Paid
Known as Marseille’s bohemian quarter, Cours Julien is vibrant with street art, trendy bars, and eclectic shops. The square is a hub for creative types and offers a lively, youthful atmosphere. It’s ideal for a relaxed afternoon of people-watching and exploring local culture.
11. MUCEM Museum
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Mediterranean Museum
Visit Self
Cost Paid
The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations (MUCEM) is a modern architectural marvel located at the entrance of Marseille’s Old Port. This museum is dedicated to exploring the rich cultural heritage of the Mediterranean region, offering a wide range of exhibits that span history, art, and anthropology.
The MUCEM was inaugurated in 2013 as part of Marseille’s designation as the European Capital of Culture.
Notable features of the MUCEM include its latticework facade, which casts intricate shadows on the interior spaces, and the panoramic views from its rooftop terrace.
The adjoining Fort St. Jean, connected to the museum by a footbridge, adds a historical dimension to the visit, offering insights into Marseille’s military past.
12. Cosquer Museum
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Museum + Parietal Cave Art
Visit Self
Cost Paid
The Cosquer Museum is a fascinating cultural site that recreates the prehistoric Cosquer Cave, which lies submerged off the coast of Marseille. The museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore replicas of the cave’s ancient paintings and carvings, which date back over 27,000 years.
The original Cosquer Cave was discovered in 1985 and quickly became a site of immense archaeological importance. The cave’s artworks provide valuable insights into the lives of the people who inhabited the region during the Upper Paleolithic period. Due to rising sea levels, much of the cave is now underwater, making the museum an essential preservation effort to showcase this priceless heritage.
The museum also features exhibits related to prehistory.
13. Pharo Park
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Park + Panorama
Visit Self
Cost Free
The Pharo park, also called Emile Duclos park, is located on a promontory overlooking the Old Port and the Mediterranean Sea. This lush green space offers panoramic views of Marseille’s coastline, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking a tranquil escape.
The garden is named after the nearby Palais du Pharo, a grand palace built by Napoleon III in the 19th century as a gift for his wife. It’s closed to public.
14. St. Jean Fort
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Fort + Panorama
Visit Self
Cost Free
Fort Saint-Jean is a historic fortification constructed in the 17th at the entrance of Marseille’s Old Port, serving as a testament to the city’s military past. The fort’s imposing walls and strategic position made it a key defense point throughout Marseille’s history.
Notable elements of Fort Saint-Jean include its watchtowers, which offer panoramic views of the Old Port and the Mediterranean Sea.
It is now integrated into the MUCEM museum complex via a footbridge.
15. St. Nicolas Fort
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Fort + Panorama
Visit Self or Guided
Cost Free or Paid
Opposite St. Jean Fort, St. Nicolas Fort guards the Old Port and provides impressive views of the city. It has a more rugged feel compared to its counterpart and is less crowded. A quieter spot for those interested in Marseille’s maritime defense history.
The ramparts are freely accessible at no cost. The inner part of the castle can only be visited through a paid guided tour.
16. Vallon des Auffes Marina
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Walking Around
Visit Self
Cost Free
A picturesque, small fishing harbor nestled in a rocky cove, offering a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. It’s a charming spot to explore on foot, with colorful boats and quaint houses.
The marina is also famous for its arched bridge that spans the cove.
17. Corniche Kennedy
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Walking Around + Panorama
Visit Self
Cost Free
A scenic coastal road offering sweeping views of the Mediterranean and the Marseille coastline. Popular for walking or cycling, it’s a great way to enjoy the sea breeze and panoramic landscapes.
Constructed in the 19th century, it was later renamed in honor of President Kennedy following his assassination in 1963.
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