Prefecture of Bouches-du-Rhône, Marseille is also France's second most populous city. It's a totally unique city, ideally situated on the shores of the blue waters of the Mediterranean, and home to a remarkable heritage. A stroll through the Cité Phocéenne means discovering neighborhoods with different atmospheres, visiting fascinating museums and sampling local specialties. Known for its Old Port, Marseille is full of little gems, from the Vallon des Auffes to the Cité Radieuse, via the Panier and the neighborhoods of the 8th arrondissement with their 100% Provencal atmosphere. Marseille is dynamic, vibrant on match nights, a great place to explore every nook and cranny, and lies at the gateway to a paradise on earth: the Calanques National Park. Here's a sample of what to see and do in Marseille over 2 days or a long weekend.
Day 1: Old Port, Panier, Mucem, Major Cathedral, beaches...
- Saturday morning
Arriving in Marseille, freshly installed, we head for the Vieux-Port to get into the mood. The masts of the boats, the view of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, the setting is perfect. Early in the morning, fishermen offer their fresh produce. For the rest of the day, stroll along, open your eyes wide and stop off at a terrace for a drink or a bite to eat. We then head for the Panier, the city's oldest district. We lose ourselves in a maze of colorful alleyways, enhanced here and there by works of street art. A lively place, with little stalls, art galleries and trendy boutiques. Just beyond, on the way to the sea, we stop in front of the majestic Byzantine-style Cathedral de la Major, clad in green and white strata. Inside, the building is adorned with mosaics, arcades and statues.
- Saturday afternoon
After retracing our steps for lunch in the Panier district, we take advantage of being in the area to visit the MUCEM, one of Marseille's must-sees. Don't forget to book your ticket here to avoid the wait at the entrance. Comprising a modern section designed by Rudy Ricciotti and the Saint-Jean military fort, this is the first major national museum dedicated to the civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean. A visit to the museum's collections, ephemeral exhibitions and a stroll with a view of the sea make it one of the highlights of a stay in the Cité Phocéenne. When the weather's nice - and Marseille is one of the top 5 cities in France to visit in summer- you should definitely take advantage of your stay in Marseille to cool off at the beach. There are the family-friendly Prado beaches, but also more intimate spots like the Petit Nice beach orAnse de Malmousque. If the weather doesn't cooperate, an alternative is to visit the Cité Radieuse. Here, you'll discover one of Le Corbusier's masterpieces, a block of flats that epitomizes modern architecture.
- Saturday evening
As the sun sets over the Mediterranean, it's time for a drink in one of Marseille's liveliest neighborhoods: the Cours Julien. The area boasts a high concentration of street art. There are also a large number of cafés and restaurants. Musicians often play to their hearts' content in the squares. And for soccer fans, another alternative on match nights is the Vélodrome. The atmosphere is always lively in this stadium with its unique architecture.
DAY 2: Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, Vallon des Auffes, Parc Borély, Parc National des Calanques...
- Sunday morning
The Sunday morning stroll takes you to the foot of the building that holds a special place in the hearts of Marseillais, the inevitable notre-Dame-de-la-Garde basilica. You can choose to climb it on foot or opt for a guided segway tour , which you can book right here. Visible from many parts of the city, the Good Mother watches over Marseille. Built in the Romanesque-Byzantine style, it's as fascinating to visit as its esplanade offers an incredible panorama of the city and the sea. We then head back down towards the Corniche Kennedy to stroll through the Vallon des Auffes, a small village lost in the heart of the city. With its small port, colorful houses and gourmet addresses, this is authentic Marseille. Visitors have two options: dine in one of the restaurants or take the bus, marvel at the seascape and picnic in Parc Borély. This green lung of Marseille is sublimely landscaped, and is home to the Château Borély, a heritage jewel housing the Musée des Arts décoratifs, de la Faïence et de la Mode. It's easy to organize a picnic in Marseille,one of France's sunniest cities.
- Sunday afternoons
Marseille offers privileged access to the Parc National des Calanques, one of France's most breathtaking natural environments. In the heart of a limestone landscape, inlets of turquoise sea water delight swimmers in summer and walkers and photographers in winter. A hike in the Calanques National Park takes up a good part of the afternoon. You can choose to visit them by boat (in which case, we recommend that you book book this tour calanques National Park by catamaran) or on foot. On foot, you'll need a little patience to reach Morgiou, Sormiou or Sugiton, which are among the 10 most beautiful calanques in Marseille. But it's well worth the effort! If it's not too late and your feet aren't too sore, you can round off the day with a visit to the Friche à la Belle de Mai. This 45,000m2 space is entirely dedicated to art in all its forms, culture and community initiatives. There's always an exhibition to see, people to talk to, or just a drink and a bite to eat.
Day 3: Centre de la Vieille Charité, Frioul Islands
- Monday morning
A long weekend is not too much to take advantage of Marseille and its riches. On Day3, museum fans can stroll to the Centre de la Vieille Charité, home to several of the city's cultural structures. Once there, take time to admire the pretty chapel with its ovoid dome and the four wings of buildings with three rows of arcades. Then it's time to wander through the aisles of the Musée d'Archéologie Méditerranéenne and the Musée des Arts africains, océaniens, amérindiens (MAAOA), before taking in the temporary exhibitions of the day. When noon arrives, head to the port for bouillabaisse or daube provençale, two of the most popular local dishes.
- Monday afternoon
As you stroll around Marseille, you'll notice a small archipelago just off the coast. The Frioul Islands are a must-see when visiting France's second-largest city. Shuttles leave from the Vieux-Port, and a few minutes later, you'll find yourself walking on barren land that gives you the feeling of being alone in the world. You'll also come across relics of the past, such as Fort de Brégantin, Fort de Pomègues and Hôpital Caroline. You can also eat at the Frioul marina on Ratonneau island, where you'll find restaurants and shops. Another option is to discover the long and tumultuous history of the Château d'If, once a prison.
Petit Futé tip: We recommend that youbuy the Marseille City Pass , valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours, which gives you unlimited access to public transport throughout the city. It also includes a boat trip to the islands of If or Frioul, and a ticket to the Château d'If!
Looking for a hen or stag party venue? With all these activities, it's safe to say that Marseille is one of the 13 best destinations in France for an EVJF. Not to mention one of the most accessible cities from Paris for a weekend in June.
Where to stay in Marseille?
Marseille is one of France's most popular tourist destinations, so there's no shortage of places to stay.
- La Résidence du Vieux-Port, the most central
This emblematic hotel with its arty, uncluttered design style offers air-conditioned rooms, suites and apartments with balconies and superb views of the Old Port. For those on a budget who still want to enjoy its ideal location, rooms without a view are also available. Click here to book a room in just a few clicks!
- Sofitel Marseille Vieux-Port, a luxurious setting
One of Marseille's finest hotels. Located on the Old Port, the Sofitel Marseille Vieux-Port features finely decorated rooms. With its spa, restaurant and stunning panoramic views over the city, your stay promises to be a memorable one. Book your room your room!
- Novotel Marseille Centre Prado Vélodrome, a great location
A simply decorated hotel. Excellent breakfasts. The Novotel Marseille Centre Prado Vélodrome is conveniently located. The Périer metro station provides quick access to various parts of the city. Buses take you quickly to the Prado beaches and the entrance to the Parc national des Calanques. Click here for for hotel availability!
What to do on a romantic weekend in Marseille?
Marseille is a destination that offers many options for a romantic weekend away. In the Panier district, the atmosphere is as romantic as you could wish, with plenty of stores to stop at for gifts. You can also stroll hand-in-hand through picturesque landscapes. In the Parc national des Calanques, on the Frioul islands, along the Corniche Kennedy or in the Parc Longchamp. Several restaurants offer dining with a view of the translucent waters of the Mediterranean in Marseille.
What to do on a family weekend in Marseille?
During a weekend in Marseille with children in summer, they're bound to want to spend some time at the beach. The Catalans, Prado and Pointe Rouge beaches are centrally located and don't require a long drive. In the heart of the Palais Longchamp, Marseille's Natural History Museum is a great place to visit with younger visitors. It's home to many naturalist and heritage curiosities. Another option is to take a ride on the Ferris wheel. It's located at Escale Borély. Or take a trip to the Friche La Belle de Mai, where artistic and cultural workshops are held for children.
What places can I visit for free on a weekend in Marseille?
In Marseille, the first Sunday of every month, thepermanent exhibition at MUCEM is free! The Musée des Dock romains, dedicated to ancient maritime trade, is free all year round. The Friche La Belle de Mai also has many free exhibitions. Nor do you have to pay to visit some of Marseille's most beautiful monuments, such as the Cathedral de la Major and the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde. And there's no need to miss out on the wonders of the coastline. A stroll along the coast reveals a wealth of wonders, from Malmousque to the calanques and the small, intimate beaches of the 8th arrondissement. There's no doubt that Marseille is one of the 15 cheapest weekend getaways in France.
