Welcome to our Marseille travel guide -- perfect for those making a quick stop in this beautiful city! Marseille, the dazzling jewel of the Mediterranean, is a city that beckons travelers with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning coastal landscapes. Even if you have just one day to spend in this enchanting French port city, you can make the most of your visit by experiencing its unique charm. This guide is perfect for those stopping in Marseille on a cruise. If you have more time to spend in Marseille, I will recommend a few other sites as well.
Morning: Exploring the City with the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus
Kickstart your Marseille adventure by grabbing a ticket for the hop-on-hop-off bus, a convenient way to explore the city's key attractions. With several routes covering Marseille's top sights, you can hop on and off as you please, allowing you to customize your itinerary.
Old Port (Vieux-Port): Start your day at the picturesque Old Port, the heart of the city. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade, watch the fishermen at work, and savor a coffee at one of the many cafes. Don't forget to check out the Fort Saint-Nicolas and Fort Saint-Jean, guarding the harbor's entrance.
Cathédrale de la Major: Hop back on the bus to visit the striking Cathédrale de la Major. This imposing cathedral's Byzantine-inspired architecture is a sight to behold, and it provides a glimpse into Marseille's rich religious history.
In Marseille was the first time that I ever used a hop-on-hop-off bus. The bus stops near all of the top tourist attractions, so it is very convenient. However, we found that in the afternoon the wait time in between buses was a bit longer than we had anticipated. Since we both love walking, we ended up skipping the bus in the afternoon and walking around the city.
Lunch: Savoring Marseille's Seafood Delights
Marseille is famous for its fresh seafood, and no visit is complete without indulging in some of its culinary treasures. Head to a local seafood restaurant along the Old Port or in the neighborhood of Le Panier and order some of these must-try dishes:
Bouillabaisse: A traditional fish stew made with a variety of local fish and flavored with herbs and spices.
Moules-frites: Steamed mussels served with a side of crispy French fries.
Fruits de mer: A platter of fresh seafood, including oysters, clams, and prawns, served with a side of aioli.
Afternoon: Ascending Notre Dame de la Garde
After a delicious seafood lunch, make your way to one of Marseille's most iconic landmarks, the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. The hop-on-hop-off bus can take you to the base of the hill. From there, you can take a short hike to the top of the basilica.
Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde: Perched atop a hill, this basilica offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, the harbor, and the surrounding coastal landscapes. The interior of the basilica is equally impressive, adorned with intricate mosaics and religious artifacts. Be sure to check opening times before your visit if you want to go inside. But even just visiting the exterior is well worth the trip!
Late Afternoon: Discovering the Abbey of Saint Victor
Your final stop for the day is the Abbey of Saint Victor, another significant religious and historical site in Marseille. The hop-on-hop-off bus will take you to this area conveniently. It is also a 15-20 minute downhill walk from the Basilica to the Abbey. We found the walk very pleasant.
Abbey of Saint Victor: This ancient abbey, founded in the 5th century, boasts remarkable architecture and a serene ambiance. Explore the cloisters and the crypt, and don't miss the opportunity to wander around the charming neighborhood surrounding the abbey. Entrance is free but there is an additional optional €2 charge per person to visit the crypt.
Extra Time
If you are spending more than a day in Marseille, there are so many more amazing things to do. I definitely recommend checking out the following:
Palais Longchamps: Palais Longchamps is a magnificent historical monument in Marseille. Built in the 19th century, it combines a grand palace with beautiful gardens and a pair of impressive fountains. The palace is home to the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Natural History, making it a cultural gem. The park surrounding the palace is a delightful spot for a leisurely stroll, and the architecture of the palace is a testament to Marseille's rich history.
Mucem (Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée): The Mucem is a cutting-edge museum located on the waterfront of Marseille. It is dedicated to the exploration of European and Mediterranean civilizations. The museum's striking modern design, featuring intricate latticework, creates a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow. Inside, you'll find a vast collection of exhibits that showcase the cultural and historical diversity of the region, making it a must-visit for history and culture enthusiasts.
Palais du Pharo: The Palais du Pharo, perched on a headland overlooking the Old Port, is a majestic palace and conference center. Originally built for Napoleon III, the palace offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the city of Marseille. Its grand architecture and lush gardens make it a popular venue for events and gatherings. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk around the gardens and take in the splendid vistas of the city and the sea from this vantage point.
Château d'If: Château d'If is an enchanting island fortress that is just a short boat ride from Marseille's Old Port. This historic structure gained worldwide fame as the setting for Alexandre Dumas' novel The Count of Monte Cristo. Built in the 16th century, the Château d'If served various purposes over the centuries, from a fortress to a prison. Its impressive stone walls and distinctive turrets create a picturesque silhouette against the azure backdrop of the sea. Visitors can explore the fortress, stroll along its ramparts, and delve into its history, which is marked by stories of political prisoners and daring escapes.
Conclusion: Cherishing Memories of Marseille
As the sun sets over Marseille, you'll leave with cherished memories of a day well spent. While a single day in this vibrant city is only a glimpse of its wonders, it's enough to fall in love with Marseille's Mediterranean magic.
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