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Planning a trip to Marseille, France? Bienvenue! You’re in the right place.
We’ve explored the best of Marseille, from its historic streets to its breathtaking coastline. Now, we’re here to deliver the insider scoop on how to make the most of your visit. In this blog, you’ll find everything you need to know about Marseille’s must-see attractions and experiences.
Whether you want to sample local flavors on a food tour, ride electric bikes through Calanques National Park, or wander through the charming Old City, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to start planning an unforgettable adventure in France’s vibrant port city. Let’s go!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Marseille was this top-rated food tour! With our guide, we visited local restaurants we never would have found on our own. The food was amazing and being in a small group made for a relaxed experience.
Things to do in Marseille, France
1. Experience the best of Marseille on a food tour
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 11:30 am
- Highlights: Discovering Marseille’s multicultural food scene, visiting beloved local restaurants and artisan food shops, delicious lunch, tasting local specialties, drinking rosé from a local vineyard
- Inclusions: English-speaking guide, lots of food samples amounting to a full meal, wine, water
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 400+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Hands down the best experience that we had in Marseille was this food tour!
We had so much fun exploring the city’s diverse culinary scene with our friendly guide, Yasmine. She took us off the tourist track to visit local hotspots, where we feasted on French and Mediterranean delights.
Our first dish of the day was roasted Camembert, which was melted to perfection and paired with fresh bread. Then, we had a selection of Marseille’s famous tapas at a cozy bar, from charcuterie to Provençal-style seafood. It was so yummy!
Next up, we headed to the Old Port where we tried panisse (crispy chickpea fries) and sardines. I don’t know about you, but I always find that seafood tastes better right by the water! Then, for dessert, we went to an artisan confectionery store to indulge in nougat and almond sweets. Finally, we stopped at a small café to try markout and loukoums, a Tunisian-inspired pastry infused with honey and spices.
Many of the dishes on the tour weren’t ones that we would have thought to try on our own, and that’s precisely what made it so special. We also loved hearing Yasmine’s stories about the city’s food and history. Basically, if you’re visiting Marseille, this food tour is a must!
Book our favorite Marseille tour here!
2. Ride electric bikes through Calanques National Park
- Duration: 3 – 4 hours
- Time: 10 am
- Highlights: Exploring Calanques National Park, enjoying ocean views from Calanque de Sormiou, visiting the fishing village at Calanque de Morgiou, Calanque de Callelongue, small group tour
- Inclusions: Use of e-bike, helmet, professional guide
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
If you’re in Marseilles, exploring Calanques National Park is a must. We couldn’t wait to see this stunning area for ourselves, so we booked this e-bike tour so that we could cover as much ground as possible.
And of course, we were swayed by all of the 5-star reviews, which you can read here!
From the moment we set off from Pointe Rouge Beach, we knew we were in for an adventure. Our guide, Vincent, was fantastic, and knew so much about the Calanques! The first stop was Calanque de Sormiou, where we paused for stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean waters. Then, we descended into a peaceful cove with a sandy beach where we stopped for a refreshing swim.
Next, we rode to Calanque de Morgiou, which hides a tiny fishing village between dramatic limestone cliffs. Vincent taught us that this is one of the only inhabited Calanques and we took a break here to soak in the beauty of it all. Our final stop was Calanque de Callelongue, where the road wound along the rugged coastline. This area had an almost otherworldly feel!
The electric bikes made the journey smooth, especially on the steeper inclines leading into the park. They also made it possible to cover a lot of ground without too much effort. If you’re looking for an adventurous yet accessible way to see the beauty of the Calanques, don’t hesitate to book this tour!
Check availability and book this tour here, with FREE cancellation!
3. Explore the Old City and learn about Marseille’s history
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10 am or 11 am
- Highlights: Old Port, Panier neighborhood, Centre de la Vieille Charité, Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde
- Inclusions: Local guide, small group tour
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 80+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Our guided tour through Marseille’s Old City was the best way to experience the city’s history and culture without getting lost in the crowds.
We started at the Old Port, where we took in the lively energy and checked out local street vendors while our guide, Sarit, painted a vivid picture of the port’s significance throughout history.
Next, we wandered into Le Panier, Marseille’s oldest neighborhood. Its narrow streets were lined with colorful houses, local boutiques, and incredible street art. We even stopped for a quick coffee at a charming café!
At Centre de la Vieille Charité, we admired the striking 17th-century architecture while Sarit explained its transformation from an old asylum to a cultural center. We then visited the stunning Cathédrale de la Major, where we took in its grand domes and intricate mosaics.
Finally, we reached Fort Saint-Jean, where we enjoyed stunning panoramic views of the sea and city. Then, we hopped on a bus to the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, which is the highest point in Marseille. The spectacular views were a perfect way to end the tour!
The pace of the tour was just right, and Sarit’s insights made the experience even better. If you’re new to Marseille, this is a fantastic introduction to its history and charm! And we’re not the only ones who loved it – check out the glowing reviews here!
Check availability and book this tour here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
4. Spend a day in the stunning and historic city of Provence
- Duration: 11.5 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Seeing the ancient and medieval architecture in Avignon, visiting the Popes’ Palace, Pont du Gard, sampling fine wines in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, visiting the village of Les Baux de Provence
- Inclusions: Air-conditioned transport, local guide, entrance to Pont du Gard
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Provence is one of the most beautiful regions of France, so we couldn’t pass up the chance to explore it on this full-day tour! Joining an organized tour made it so easy to tick off the most scenic highlights and our guide, Laurent, kept us engaged all day long with fascinating stories about the region’s history.
Our first stop was Avignon, a stunning city that’s steeped in medieval grandeur. We walked through the charming streets, admiring the Port Saint-Bénézet and the magnificent Notre Dame des Doms Cathedral. The highlight was definitely the Popes’ Palace, a majestic Gothic fortress that once housed the Papacy.
Next up, we continued to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where we visited a local winery to sample exquisite local wines. The experience felt intimate and authentic, and we loved tasting the rich reds and crisp whites.
We then took a short drive to Pont du Gard, a jaw-dropping Roman aqueduct that’s almost 2,000 years old. We got to walk across this marvel of ancient engineering before visiting Les Baux de Provence, a fairytale-esque village perched on a rocky hilltop. As we wandered through the stone alleyways and took in views of the Alpilles Mountains, we definitely began to fantasize about moving here!
This tour was the perfect way to experience the magic of Provence in a single day. If you’re short on time but want to see it all, this is the perfect activity for you.
Find out more about this tour and book your spot here!
5. Go hiking in Calanques National Park
- Duration: 5 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Hiking along the scenic coastline, expert navigation from a local guide, route suited to your group and the daily conditions, photo stops, swimming
- Inclusions: Guide, snacks
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 150+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
We love hiking, so there was no way that we were going to pass up the chance to hike through Calanques National Park! The park’s trails are known to be tricky to navigate without local knowledge, so we booked this guided tour which made it so much easier.
The views were unforgettable, and we didn’t have to worry about anything!
Starting from Luminy, our group caught the bus together to Calanques National Park. Our guide, Adrien, chose a route according to the conditions of the day and our group’s hiking ability. He paced it just right, too, and we made plenty of stops to rest and take in the scenery.
One of the highlights was reaching the Belvedere of the Calanques, where we enjoyed sweeping views of the jagged cliffs and deep blue water below. We then descended to the Calanque of Sugiton, where we found a hidden cove and went for a refreshing swim in the Mediterranean.
After our swim, we enjoyed a lovely picnic lunch on the beach together. We shared snacks among the group and Adrien made sure that everyone had time to relax and get their perfect photos.
The hike itself was moderate and Adrien was very supportive and encouraging, especially of the less experienced hikers in the group. This experience truly was a highlight of our time in Marseille. If you love nature and hiking, be sure to add this to your itinerary!
You can book this hiking tour here!
Where to Stay in Marseille, France
Now that your Marseille itinerary is set, it’s time to find the perfect place to stay! A good hotel can make all the difference in your trip, so to help you out, I’ve rounded up my top picks in great locations for every budget!
Luxury – $$$
For a luxurious stay in Marseille, InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu is hard to beat. Set in a stunning 18th-century building overlooking the Old Port, this 5-star hotel blends historic charm with modern elegance. Guests can relax at the on-site spa, take a dip in the indoor pool, or dine at one of the two gourmet restaurants. The spacious rooms feature stylish décor, and many offer breathtaking city or sea views. Plus, with its prime location, you’ll be just steps from Marseille’s top attractions!
Prices vary depending on the time of year but usually average between €300 – €400 per night. You can check prices and book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
For a comfortable and well-located stay in Marseille, New Hotel Le Quai Vieux Port is a fantastic choice. Situated right by the Old Port, this hotel puts you within walking distance of top attractions, restaurants, and waterfront views. Plus, the rooms are modern and cozy, offering free Wi-Fi and air conditioning to keep you comfortable!
Prices usually average around €150 per night and you can book your stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
For a budget-friendly stay in Marseille, The People-Marseille is a great option. This modern and stylish hostel is located near the Old Port, offering both private rooms and dorms. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, a shared kitchen, and a lively social atmosphere. There’s also an on-site bar and terrace, making it a great place to meet fellow travelers after a day of sightseeing!
Prices start as low as €80 per night for a private room with an en-suite and €25 for a dorm bed. You can reserve your room here on Booking.com!
For more options, see all of the hotels in Marseille here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
That’s all for our guide to Marseille! I hope this list of the best things to do here helped you pick out a few unforgettable experiences for your trip to this part of France. It’s SO beautiful that you’ll want to make the most of your time here!
If more European travels are in your future, have a look at our Europe section. Or I picked out a few blogs below that may come in handy.