"And everywhere, she's popular, our Cane Cane Cane Canebière!". If Marseille is famous, it's partly for its famous avenue. It's a great place to stroll, even if you're not shopping, just for the pleasure of a free stroll. And there are plenty of free activities in Marseille! From the Old Port to the Calanques, via a visit to a soap factory, you can discover the city and its treasures from top to bottom, without spending a cent. Discover our top 15 free activities in Marseille.
1. Strolling around the Vieux-Port, one of Marseille's best free activities
The Vieux-Port is one of the must-sees during a weekend in Marseille. In the morning, at sunrise, it takes on a bucolic and authentic air. The rising sun reflects off the water and the boats, while the fish stalls set up in good spirits. It's a pleasant place to take a leisurely stroll, before the port swarms with locals and visitors throughout the day. This quiet, peaceful atmosphere is one of Marseille's free activities that will provide you with some of your fondest memories.
2. Admire the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde
Perched on a hill, the Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde seems to be inviting you to join it. Don't hesitate, it's one of Marseille's most beautiful free visits! With its magnificent dome, golden statue and superb checkerboard pattern, it's one of a kind. Nicknamed "La Bonne Mère" by Marseillais, she has been watching over the city and its sailors for a very long time. Although accessible by tourist train, this activity will cost you a few euros. On foot, it's 100% free!
3. Discover Marseille's Calanques for free
The Parc National des Calanques is a must-see in Marseille. Most of the time, they can be visited by boat, but it's also possible to enjoy their splendor free of charge, on foot. In all, some twenty kilometers of marked trails allow you to discover one of the most beautiful spots on the coast, without spending a thing and while preserving nature. Equipped with your best hiking boots, you're ready for an unforgettable free experience.
To see even more, discover Marseille's 10 most beautiful calanques, world-famous natural treasures .
4. Free activities in Marseille: the coastline and its treasures
The superb Mediterranean coastline is one of the must-sees in Marseille during your stay. A stroll along Marseille's coastline is first and foremost an opportunity to enjoy exceptional panoramic views of the sea and surrounding islands. From the Pointe Rouge to the Catalans, your getaway promises to be a beautiful one. It's along the Corniche Kennedy that you'll observe these marvels. Three kilometers long, it is said to have the longest bench in the world, running almost its entire length. As unusual as it gets... and free of charge, of course!
5. Be amazed at Docks Village, Marseille's free unusual site
Between palm trees and green walls stretches an astonishingly unusual shopping center, where it's a pleasure to stroll, even if you don't buy anything. The setting itself is simply breathtaking, offering an unusual stroll through Marseille. Its name, Docks Village, comes from its past as arehabilitated warehouse. The atmosphere is so atypical that it's well worth a visit during your tour of the city.
Go even further in originality with our top 13 unusual activities to do in Marseille, to visit while having fun!
6. Visit an authentic soap factory for free
When you think of Marseille, you think of bouillabaisse, the national anthem, the Canebière... and soap! Marseille soap is world-renowned for its many properties. Of course, there are plenty of soap stores in Marseille, but did you know that you can also visit soap factories? Even better! These tours are among the city's most typical free activities! Take your pick from the Savonnerie de la Licorne, du Fer à Cheval, du Midi or du Sérail soap factories- but be careful! Visits are generally by reservation only.
7. Free activities in Marseille's picturesque Estaque district
A stroll around l'Estaque is like immersing yourself in another world, somewhat removed from the hustle and bustle of Marseille. The district's history dates back to the XIIᵉ century, when it was home to the local fishermen. A simple stroll through the colorful alleyways is of course a must among the free activities in this Marseille neighborhood. A true inspiration for many artists, this atypical spot also boasts its Sentier des Peintres, which guides you on an authentic two-hour stroll. And who knows...? Perhaps you'll be lucky enough to pass through the area on the occasion of a nautical jousting match? A true institution in the South of France!
8. Immerse yourself in the colorful atmosphere of Cours Julien
A pleasant bohemian atmosphere reigns in the atypical Cours Julien district. Art galleries, designers, musicians: the atmosphere is decidedly festive in this corner of Marseille, once dedicated to the wholesale and retail fruit and vegetable market. Let your steps lead you to the neighborhood's street art. The tourist office offers guided tours on this theme, but you're on your own - it's free!
9. Relax in the Vallon des Auffes
While Marseille's Vieux-Port is the best-known, the Vallon des Auffes is a charming little port from days gone by. Light boats can be seen in front of colorful, typically Mediterranean facades. Located near the Plage des Catalans, this enclave of Marseille is considered a picturesque fishing village, nestled between two cliffs and facing the sea. Accessible free of charge, this place promises an authentic setting, far from the hustle and bustle of the city center.
Our smart tip : it's best to arrive early, so you can enjoy the peace and quiet, and climb the rocks to enjoy a nice, quiet spot.
10. Le Panier: a neighborhood of free activities in Marseille
From cobbled streets to colorful facades, Le Panier offers a typically Provencal atmosphere, in one of Marseille's most emblematic neighborhoods. Far from the concrete of some parts of the city, time seems to have stood still. Visit this authentic, timeless district and enjoy its superb buildings, such as the Vieille Charité on Place des Pistoles, free of charge. Looking for a free activity that's 100% local? Push open the doors of the Maison de la Boule, a house museum, or mini-museum, on the region's emblematic sport: pétanque.
11. Free activities in Marseille's Palais Longchamp Garden
Welcome to one of Marseille's best-known and best-loved gardens. The Jardin du Palais Longchamp is eight hectares of greenery, waterfalls, fountains and much more. All free of charge, of course! Numerous activities are offered for children and parents all year round. The palace, set in front of a majestic stretch of water, makes this one of the city's most beautiful gardens, and one of the best free activities in Marseille.
12. Discover Marseille by bike, free of charge
The best way to visit a city for free is on foot, or by bike if you own one. There's a whole itinerary on offer! For starters, Parc Borély is a great place to discover by bike. You'll enjoy both soft mobility and the beauty of the park. In town, you'll discover Marseille from Place de la Joliette to Place Estrangin, via the Old Port, the church of Saint-Ferréol les Augustins and the Canebière.
Good to know: there are many cycle paths in Marseille, so you can visit the city safely and free of charge.
13. Stroll through the Jardin de la Magalone
Parks have two advantages: they offer a haven of greenery in the middle of the city... and they're great free activities in Marseille! The Jardin de la Magalone boasts a historical highlight, a magnificently preserved period bastide. Abandoned for many years, it is gradually regaining its former glory. Marseillais themselves are rediscovering this garden, which hopes to regain the label of Remarkable Garden in 2025.
14. Abbaye Saint-Victor and its beautiful view, free activities in Marseille
With its large square towers, the abbey seems to stand like a castle. Yet this remarkable building is actually a religious edifice. TheAbbey Saint-Victor, which is free to visit, is one of the oldest remains in the city. What's more, as you climb to its summit, you'll enjoy a magnificent view of the port and its skyline. Get your cameras ready! Chapels, crypts, sarcophagi: the visit has 1001 surprises in store. So many free treasures to discover in a building that's over 1,500 years old, you can't refuse!
A little background information: in the XIVᵉ century, one of this abbey's abbots was appointed pope.
15. Enjoy the beach and its free activities in Marseille
Bordered by the Mediterranean, the Phocéenne city is just waiting to welcome you to its beautiful beaches. Unlike many parts of Italy, going to the beach is free here! Among Marseille's must-see beaches, we can recommend the following:
- La plage des Catalans: far from being the quietest due to its proximity to the city center, it has the advantage of being easily accessible.
- Plage du Prophète: a small beach protected from the wind, ideal for families enjoying the sea.
- Plage du Prado: or should we say LES plages du Prado, as there are three of them. Here you'll find water sports, children's games and a nearby skatepark.
- La plage de la Pointe-Rouge: as well-known as it is popular, this beach is close to numerous amenities, restaurants and beach volleyball courts.
Looking for a beach that's both heavenly and secluded? Head for the Calanque d'En-Vau, accessible on foot or by boat (on foot, if you want to stay 100% free). It takes a good two hours to get there, but the clear turquoise water, high cliffs and ambient calm are well worth it!
The proof is in the pudding: Marseille is full offree activities to suit all tastes! The city even organizes cultural events throughout the year, with free concerts, festivals and other open-air shows. Better still, during "L'été Marseillais", free performances are held on the Old Port. Of course, you can also visit many museums for free on the 1ᵉʳ Sunday of the month, like the Mucem. Finally, embark on the world's smallest cruise, linking the two shores of the port, for just €0.50. Keeping busy, having fun and visiting without breaking the bank is now possible thanks to our 15 free activities in Marseille!
Discover also the most popular things to do in Marseille:
