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best places to visit in marseille

Last Updated At: 22-Dec-2023

10 Places to Visit in Marseille in 2024

Visualize yourself soaking up the refreshing sea breeze while exploring Marseille’s old streets; that will be enough to make you want to head out for this euphoric experience! Marseille is France's oldest and second-largest city on the Mediterranean coast in the country's southeastern part. Known for its vibrant, multicultural atmosphere and delectable food, among other things, today, it's a popular destination for tourists who come to enjoy its beautiful coastline, historic landmarks, and cultural attractions.

If you plan to visit this luxe, classical French city, check out this list of top ten places to visit in Marseille to ensure a pleasant and memorable trip!

List Of Top 10 Places To Visit In Marseille That Will Captivate Your Senses

France is a charming country with various exotic cities, and Marseilles is no exception. With its quaint character that exudes a vintage aura, Marseille tourist attractions will surely leave you enamoured of the city. Marseille has a busy port, and its Mediterranean location offers visitors a beautiful view of the blue sea waters. Here is a list of the best places to visit in Marseille that must find a way into your itinerary.

  • Notre-Dame de la Garde | A Mesmerizing Hilltop Church
  • Old Port (Vieux Port) of Marseille | The Picturesque Harbour
  • Le Panier | A Delight For The Wayfarers
  • MuCEM (Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée) | The Illustrious Mediterranean Museum
  • Calanques National Park | Nature’s Paradise
  • The Château d'If | A Delight For Literature Fanatics
  • The Marseille Cathedral | A Spectacular Work Of Art And Architecture
  • The Palais Longchamp | A Testament To Marseille’s Cultural Heritage
  • Parc Borély | For A Peaceful Day Amidst Nature
  • Noailles | For The Shopper Inside You

1. Notre-Dame de la Garde | A Mesmerizing Hilltop Church

This hilltop basilica is a unique emblem of Marseille, offering panoramic views of the city and the sea. Regular masses are held in this church as it is a popular pilgrimage site for Catholics. This church's intricate architecture and exquisite interior design make it a vision to behold! If you are an architecture or design enthusiast, this monument is definitely a must-visit! Religious or spiritually inclined tourists will also find themselves enthralled by the pious energy of this church. To top it off, you can indulge in clicking some selfies whilst you enjoy the glorious hilltop view.

  • Timings: 7 am – 8 pm
  • Entry Fee: No entry fee
  • Address: Rue Fort du Sanctuaire, 13281 Marseille
  • Major Attracting Features in Notre-Dame de la Garde: Explore the cathedral’s architectural styles, arches, mosaics, religious artefacts, stained glass windows, picturesque hilltop view, religious site

2. Old Port (Vieux Port) of Marseille | The Picturesque Harbour

One could consider the Old Port the cornerstone of Marseille - its historical and cultural heart. Today, the Vieux Port is a destination that would find one of the top positions in the list of Marseille tourist attractions. Lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops, this tourist spot provides sightseers a stimulating and bustling ambience. Visitors can relish a stroll along the harbour, enjoy a meal overlooking the water, or take a boat tour of the surrounding area. The restaurants' specialities are seafood delicacies like bouillabaisse (fish stew).

  • Timings: 24 hrs
  • Entry Fee: No entry fee
  • Address: Vieux-Port de Marseille, 13001 Marseille
  • Major Attracting Features in Vieux Port: Enjoy the scenic sea view, seafood delicacies (like bouillabaisse), Marseille History Museum, Marseille Opera House

3. Le Panier | A Delight For The Wayfarers

A historic neighbourhood located on a hill just north of the Vieux Port, Le Panier is one of the city's oldest and most picturesque areas. It is well known for its narrow streets, colourful buildings, vibrant murals, and refreshing atmosphere. It is a popular destination where you can explore its winding streets, quaint squares, and charming cafes and shops. The neighborhood's allure engages visitors with its striking artistic, old-fashioned character. The walkways host a bunch of artisan boutiques, art galleries, and outdoor cafes that will transport you straight into a romantic novel.

  • Timings: 24 hrs
  • Entry Fee: No entry fee
  • Address: Le Panier, 13002 Marseille
  • Major Attracting Features in Le Panier: artwork, graffitis, artistic streets, cafes, markets, bakeries, confectioneries

4. MuCEM (Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée) | The Illustrious Mediterranean Museum

Located on the waterfront near the Vieux Port, this modern museum is distinguished for its fascinating exhibits and beautiful architecture. One of the city's most popular cultural attractions, the museum showcases collections and artefacts covering a wide range of topics, including art, archaeology, anthropology, and the history of the Mediterranean world. Like most other Marseille tourist attractions, the museum also provides a scenic view of the sea and the city. Tourists with a penchant for history, art, and culture will especially find this tourist spot a delight!

  • Timings: 10 am – 6 pm
  • Entry Fee: €11
  • Address: 7 Promenade Robert Laffont (Esplanade du J4), Marseille
  • Major Attracting Features in MuCEM: Discover the European and Mediterranean culture, modern architecture, panoramic waterfront view, shows, concerts, documentaries, exhibitions

5. Calanques National Park | Nature’s Paradise

This natural park, located just 10 miles from Marseille, offers rocky cliffs, turquoise waters, and hidden beaches. It is the perfect place for fun activities like hiking, swimming, sunbathing, rock climbing, and boating. Known for its astounding natural beauty, the park features a series of narrow coves, or calanques, carved into the rocky limestone cliffs along the coast. These calanques are inhabited by a variety of endemic plant and animal species. Nature lovers are bound to be engrossed in the unique natural heritage of this park's rugged landscape.

  • Timings: 24 hrs
  • Entry Fee: No entry fee
  • Address: Bât A4, Parc Valad, Impasse Paradou, 13009 Marseille
  • Major Attracting Features in Calanques National Park: leisure and sports activities, a perfect destination for wildlife photography, family outing, picnic spots, refreshing natural landscapes

6. The Château d'If | A Delight For Literature Fanatics

The Château d'If is a fortress on a small island in the Bay of Marseille. Built in the 16th century as a defensive stronghold to protect Marseille from invaders, this tourist spot was later memorialized in the novel "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas. This fortress holds its enigma and is sure to entice literature lovers. Visitors can take a boat from Marseille to the island and explore the fortress, which also features exhibits on the history of the fortress and the famous novel set there.

  • Timings: 10 am – 6 pm
  • Entry Fee: €6
  • Address: Embarcadère Frioul If, 1 Quai de la Fraternité, 13001 Marseille
  • Major Attracting Features in The Château d'If: literature reference (novel), breathtaking terrace view, history of prisons, museum

7. The Marseille Cathedral | A Spectacular Work Of Art And Architecture

The Marseille Cathedral, also known as the Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure, is one of the largest cathedrals in France. Regarded as a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture, this cathedral will leave visitors spellbound with its exquisite design elements. The cathedral also features several important works of art, including a 17th-century painting of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and a statue of Saint Martha, the patron saint of Marseille. Art enthusiasts will have a gala time in this extraordinary artistic space.

  • Timings: 8.30 am – 6.30 pm
  • Entry Fee: No entry fee
  • Address: Place de la Major, 13002 Marseille
  • Major Attracting Features in The Marseille Cathedral: beautiful interiors, Byzantine and Romanesque architectural styles, domes, mosaics, statues, side chapels, religious relics

8. The Palais Longchamp | A Testament To Marseille’s Cultural Heritage

This historical monument in Marseille serves as a museum and cultural centre today. It features a grand central fountain and two wings that house the city's Museum of Fine Arts and the Natural History Museum. The fountain is surrounded by a grand staircase and a series of sculptures and bas-reliefs, making it an architectural wonder! Over the years, this Marseille tourist attraction has hosted many important cultural events like concerts, art exhibitions, and public ceremonies. Its impressive architecture, fine art collections, and magnificent gardens have earned this monument a spot in the list of the best places to visit in Marseille!

  • Timings: 8 am – 6 pm
  • Entry Fee: €8
  • Address: Boulevard Jardin Zoologique, 13004 Marseille
  • Major Attracting Features in The Palais Longchamp: beautiful sculptures, playgrounds for children, scenic places for family picnics, two-in-one museum, cultural events

9. Parc Borély | For A Peaceful Day Amidst Nature

Parc Borély is one of the city's most popular green spaces, with scenic gardens, ponds, and walking tracks. Visitors can explore the gardens and landscaped areas that inhabit a variety of plant species. The park also has several ponds and water features, including a large lake where visitors can rent paddle boats and enjoy a leisurely ride in the water. The park also features a botanical garden, a rose garden, and a children's playground; visitors can enjoy activities like a game of miniature golf and bicycle riding. It's the perfect tourist spot for a leisurely day in the outdoors.

  • Timings: 6 am – 9 pm
  • Entry Fee: No entry fee
  • Address: Avenue du Parc Borély, 13008 Marseille
  • Major Attracting Features in Parc Borély: outdoor activities, refreshing strolls, family outings, picnic spots, Lakeview and more.

10. Noailles | For The Shopper Inside You

Noailles is a vibrant neighbourhood known for its lively markets, colourful street art, and diverse cultural offerings. The bustling market is known for its fresh produce, seafood, spices, and other local specialities, which makes it a must-visit destination for foodies and visitors looking for an authentic Marseille experience. It hosts a variety of ethnic restaurants, bakeries, and shops, making it the perfect place to taste traditional Marseille cuisine. Of all Marseille places to visit, Noailles is definitely the apt destination to wander and explore, soak up the local culture, and get a taste of Marseille's unique character and charm!

  • Timings: 8 am – 7 pm
  • Entry Fee: No entry fee
  • Address: Noailles, 13001 Marseille
  • Major Attracting Features in Noailles: bustling markets, diverse local products, places that serve gastronomic delights, perfect for food lovers.

After viewing this extensive list of places to visit in Marseille, gear up to visit this exotic French city. Book your tickets now with Adotrip, your travel buddy and set your dream holiday in motion! Connect with travel mavens and enjoy the hottest deals, exciting tour packages, hassle-free hotel bookings, visa assistance, airport transfers, and every travel service imaginable! You can bank on us to organize an exclusive and memorable experience for you!

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Also Read - Top Places to Visit in France

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Places to Visit in Marseille

Q1. What are the must-visit tourist destinations in Marseille?
A
. The must-visit tourist destinations in Marseille are

  • Notre-Dame de la Garde
  • Vieux Port
  • Le Panier
  • Calanques National Park
  • MuCEM
  • The Marseille Cathedral
  • Palais Longchamp

Q2. Can you recommend any unique and off-beat places to visit in Marseille?
A. Some unique and off-beat places in Marseille that are worth a visit are:

  • La Friche Belle de Mai
  • Parc Borély
  • Cité Radieuse Le Corbusier
  • Cours Julien
  • Les Goudes

Q3. What are some top cultural attractions to see in Marseille?
A. Some of the top cultural attractions to see in Marseille are:

  • MuCEM
  • Marseille Cathedral
  • Vieux Port
  • Le Panier
  • Palais Longchamp
  • Château d'If

Q4. Share recommendations for parks and beaches in Marseille.
A. Marseilles has some of the most beautiful parks and beaches to offer. To mention a few:

  • Parks – Calanques National Park, Parc Borély, Jardin du Pharo, Parc Balnéaire du Prado, Parc Pastré
  • Beaches - Plage des Catalans, Ensuès-la-Redonne, Anse des Sablettes, Anse de Maldormé, Prado beach

Q5. What are the popular neighbourhoods to visit in Marseille?
A. Le Panier, Naoilles, La Canebière, and Cours Julien are some popular neighbourhoods in Marseille.

Q6. Can you suggest any historical places to visit in Marseille?

A. Marseille is well-known for its historical legacy. Some noteworthy historical places to visit in Marseille are

  • Notre-Dame de la Garde
  • Vieux Port
  • MuCEM
  • The Château d'If
  • The Palais Longchamp
  • The Marseille Cathedral

Q7. Are there any religious sites or churches worth visiting in Marseille?
A. Marseilles has some of the most spectacular churches that can pass off as architectural masterpieces. Some popular churches are

  • Notre-Dame de la Garde
  • The Marseille Cathedral
  • Abbaye Saint-Victor
  • Église des Réformés

Q8. What are some fun and exciting activities to do in Marseille?
A. Marseille is a vibrant and lively city with plenty of fun and exciting activities to do, such as kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, scuba diving, soap-making workshops, food and wine tasting, street art tours, and rock climbing.

Q9. What do you think about some recommendations for romantic places to visit in Marseille?
A. Marseille offers various romantic spots for couples:

  • Côte Bleue
  • Parc Borély
  • Le Panier
  • Corniche Kennedy
  • Anse des Sablettes
  • Anse de Maldormé
  • MuCEM
  • Dantès Skylounge on the roof of the Sofitel Hotel

Q10. How about some recommendations for boat tours in Marseille's coastal waters?
A. Marseille's coastal waters are beautiful, and many boat tours are available to explore them. Here are some recommendations for boat tours in Marseille:

  • Calanques Cruise
  • A sunset cruise departing from the port of Marseille
  • Old Schooner Sunset Sailing Cruise near Frioul Island
  • Day Boat Ride in the Calanques with Wine Tasting

Q11. What are the top nightlife spots to check out in Marseille?
A. Some nightlife spots to check out in Marseille are:

  • La Caravelle Bar & Restaurant
  • Back to BAC Cocktail Bar
  • The Rooftop Bar at La Friche
  • Cabaret Aléatoire
  • Bar de la Relève
  • Le Bazar Club

Q12. Can you recommend any shopping destinations in Marseille?
A. Marseille has a bunch of famous markets where you can shop for different local items:

  • Fish Market
  • Prado Market
  • Cours Julien Farmers’ Market
  • Noailles Market
  • Flea Market (Le Marché aux Puces)
  • Craft Market (Le Marché des Croisiéristes)

--- Published By  Adotrip

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