Marseille
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At a glance
- Country
- France
- Region
- Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
- Population
- 870,000
- Best time to go
- April to June, September to October
- Main airport
- Marseille Provence (MRS)
- Coordinates
- 43.30°N, 5.37°E
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Overview
Marseille is France's oldest city and its great Mediterranean port, founded by Greek sailors more than 2,600 years ago. It is noisy, sunny, multicultural and proudly itself, with a waterfront that has been transformed in recent decades.
Start at the Vieux-Port, climb to the gold-topped basilica on the hill, and get lost in the steep lanes of Le Panier. Then head for the calanques, where white limestone cliffs plunge into astonishingly clear water just beyond the city.
Things to see
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Photo: Earth777, CC BY-SA 4.0 Notre-Dame de la Garde
The hilltop basilica watches over the city, with ship models inside and the best view in Marseille outside.
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Photo: Ingo Mehling, CC BY-SA 3.0 Vieux-Port
The old harbour, lined with cafés and fishing boats, where a morning fish market sets up on the quay.
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Photo: Holger Uwe Schmitt, CC BY-SA 4.0 MuCEM
A museum of Mediterranean civilisations in a lace-like concrete cube, linked by footbridge to Fort Saint-Jean.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Another Believer, CC BY-SA 4.0 Le Panier
The oldest quarter, a maze of stepped lanes, washing lines and street art above the harbour.
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Photo: Marian78ro, CC BY-SA 4.0 Château d'If
The island fortress made famous by The Count of Monte Cristo, a short boat ride from the port.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: kallerna, CC BY-SA 4.0 Calanques National Park
Hike or take a boat to narrow coves of turquoise water between limestone cliffs.
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Photo: Slastic, CC BY 3.0 Eat bouillabaisse
The city's famous fish stew is served in two courses, broth first, with rouille and croutons.
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Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Arnaud 25 assumed (base, CC BY-SA 3.0 Vallon des Auffes
A tiny fishing harbour under a railway arch, lovely for a drink or dinner at sunset.
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Photo: kallerna, CC BY-SA 4.0 Frioul islands
Ferries from the Vieux-Port reach rocky islands with small beaches and coastal paths.
Where to stay
Vieux-Port
Central and atmospheric, near the restaurants, ferries and Métro.
Hotels in Vieux-PortLe Panier
Characterful old quarter with guesthouses and apartments, though hilly.
Hotels in Le PanierCours Julien
Creative area of bars, street art and small restaurants.
Hotels in Cours JulienEndoume
Quieter streets by the sea, close to the corniche and small coves.
Hotels in Endoume
Getting around
Two Métro lines, trams and buses cover the city, and a tiny ferry crosses the Vieux-Port. Walking is the best way to see the centre.
Shuttle buses from the airport reach Saint-Charles station in around 25 minutes. High-speed trains from Paris take a little over three hours.
When to go
Spring and early autumn are warm and sunny without the summer crowds. July and August are hot and busy, and the mistral wind can blow hard in any season.
Plan your trip to Marseille
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.