The second oldest city in France, Marseille is a must-see destination if you want to enjoy the French Mediterranean coast. Its different districts all have a unique charm and its cultural offer is varied and abundant. Museums, concerts, exhibitions, culinary workshops, there is something for all tastes and all ages. The city of Marseille also benefits from a prime location on the Mediterranean. There are beaches in the city centre and the direct proximity of the Calanques National Park offers walks in the heart of a striking natural environment. Whether you come to Marseille alone, as a couple, with your family, with friends or on business, there are a thousand and one things to discover in and around the city, and you will always leave with the desire to return.
Marseille, a multitude of things to see and do
The least we can say is that Marseille has a lot to offer. On the one hand because it is the second largest French metropolis, but also because it is located in the heart of an exceptional natural environment, on the edge of the Grande Bleue, and not far from a beautiful hinterland where you can go hiking, such as the Alpilles regional nature park. During a stay in the city as a couple or with friends, and after having put your bags in one of the cheap hotels in Marseille, you should head for its main monuments and museums. The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations (MUCEM) is a must-see in the city. Its architecture alone is worth a visit, and the place offers many interesting exhibitions, which help to better understand the settlement and movements of populations around the Mediterranean throughout history. From the other side of the Vieux-Port, you can always keep an eye on the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, perched on the highest hill in the city. If it is sublime from the inside, it also offers from its esplanade a beautiful panorama of Marseille and the sea. On another day, a hike in the Calanques National Park is another must. Simply because the routes among the rocks are sublime, and because the appearance as well as the bathing in the creeks such as Sormiou are unforgettable moments, with the feeling to be in paradise.
Marseille is also a city that is very suitable for a family stay. In summer, children will enjoy playing on the sand and swimming on the beaches. In the Belle de Mai district, you should also consider checking out the programme of the Friche la Belle de Mai, a cultural venue that offers a wide range of artistic events, including workshops for children, such as culinary workshops. Families also like to visit the Savonnerie de la Licorne to learn the secrets of Marseille soap making. You can then take advantage of this to go and eat an ice cream on the Vieux-Port, and stroll around while watching the boats.
If the trip to Marseille is for professional reasons, you should take advantage of your free time to discover the atmosphere of the different districts of Marseille. For example, the Cours Julien is like an open-air museum, with its countless frescoes on the walls of the buildings. The district is also the ideal place to taste the local gastronomy and have a drink in the evening. In the Panier, it is always pleasant to walk up and down the streets of this typical and bucolic neighbourhood. Flowers and plants adorn balconies and doorsteps, while art galleries and craft shops open their doors. And then, on a free afternoon, a trip to the Frioul Islands offers the opportunity to wander through wild landscapes and observe some of the most beautiful blue reflections of the Mediterranean.
Budget accommodation in Marseille
It is easy to find a reasonably priced hotel in Marseille. Several establishments offer comfortable, spacious, air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom. Breakfast is available in the morning. You can also count on the availability of an Internet connection to search for information or work. The budget hotels in Marseille are located in different areas, and it is up to each person to decide which sites of interest they wish to have nearby. Cheap hotels can be found in the port district, in the west of the city, but also in the Velodrome area and the Timone district.
To find cheap accommodation in Marseille, it is best to book in advance. Hotels are like trains or planes, the further in advance you book, the better the rates. Booking one month in advance is a good average. You should also choose the right time to book your room, i.e. avoid the weekend and especially Friday night, when there are many reservations
