City Guide: Marseille

Marseille, located in southwestern France, is a port city on the Mediterranean coast that glitters like an untouched jewel. This port that goes back a long time, is the point where the biggest commercial activity of the Mediterranean is carried out today. Marseille, a source of inspiration for many artists and especially painters, is a city that is bedazzling from a cultural perspective at the same time.

The city, which is also the second largest city in the country, is a vibrant place to visit with the sun, the sea, its beaches, magnificent architecture, and dynamic life.

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• Tourist Attractions

  Marseille was founded approximately 2600 years ago by Greeks from Phocaea. For this reason; besides being the oldest settlement of the country, it is a place where different cultures and ethnic roots have blended. Acting as a door to the south of Europe on one side and North Africa on the other; the city has always been in motion throughout history.

  The port is one of the liveliest places today as well. Fishing boats and people selling the fresh products of the day are in the unchanging scenery of the port.
  The promenade known by the name of La Corniche provides the opportunity for a nice walk by the sea where you can come by unparalleled views. Château d'If and les Calanques are among places you can see on this romantic journey.

  Château d'If, which was also used as a prison, is a very famous and must-see structure. The chateau, constructed in 1527, was transformed into a prison in the 17th century. Another characteristic of the structure is that it is the source of inspiration for the novel of Alexandre Dumas called “The Count of Monte Cristo.”

  The region called Les Calanques has been identified with its geographical form. In this place, known by the name of calanque meaning cove,  you see the different colors of Marseille. Limestone formations and turquoise colored waters will appear before you in this cove.

  La Canebière Street divides Marseille in two, as it were. This region that starts from Vieux Port and expands on the east-west axis is important and crowded all day long; as it is the main shopping spot. Marseilles has approximately 15 centers and each one of them is full of unique opportunities for exploration.

  Another spot that is quite frequented by tourists is La Place Castellane. Cafes in this vicinity are not empty at any hour of the day. In this place with many sightseeing possibilities, you can find anything you look for to take photographs from sculptures to fountains. As one gets closer to the port region and the city's approximately 3 km long beach called Prado, Marseille's unique beauties become more concentrated.

  Vieux Port Fish Market is a place to see that is worth setting some time aside for. Although you become covered in a dense smell of the sea and fish, the lively and colorful atmosphere of the market does not let you go. This market can be visited even just to see how fruitful the Mediterranean Sea is in terms of seafood.

• Culture & Entertainment

  Museums, Public Squares, Historical Locations, Monuments
  A tower on a hill, that has virtually become the symbol of Marseille, marks another spot to visit. Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde (Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica) is a place you should visit to not only see the statue of the Virgin Mary; but also to see the view of the city from 154 meters.

  The 17th century in the history of France is a time period which has been subject to many novels and when beggars were treated mercilessly. For these people, many of whom were put into prisons, places such as almshouses and workshops were opened as well. One of such places, La Vielle Charité serves as a cultural center today. The Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology and the Museum of Art of Africa, Oceania, and Amerindia can be seen in this center.

  Jardin des Vestiges is an archaeological area that has been discovered by chance. Greek and Roman ruins that have been excavated in 1967, during a project for building a shopping center, can be seen here. Among items on display, a large section is made up of numerous ruins that have survived from the historical port to today.

  The oldest church of Marseille is called Abbaye Saint Victor. Rumor has it that it was built on the place where graves of the first martyrs of the city were located. It is truly a place worth seeing that has gothic features as a result of the renovations that were done afterwards, although it dates back as far as the 5th century.

  Le Musée d'Histoire de Marseille is the history museum of the city. The museum has its visitors go on a quite colorful and beautiful journey to the times when the city was founded.

  Musée des Docks Romains is another museum that should be seen. The Roman era dock found near where the museum was established, was one of the few commercial storehouses of the time that were known worldwide. The ruins of the dock were excavated after World War II. Large ceramic containers called dolia that were mostly used in agriculture in the Roman era should be seen. These containers were generally used to store wine and oil.

  La Cité Radieuse, the living space designed by the famous architect Charles-Édouard Jeanneret who is more widely known as Le Corbusier, is another place worth seeing. These apartments, also known by the name of Le Corbusier's Unité d’Habitation, were designed in 1946 and constructed in 1952. Let us add that every one of these apartments are different from the others.

  ENTERTAINMENT
  
  Parks, Games, Events, and Natural Areas
  The main spot of the city that is opted for the most to enjoy the sea is Prado Beach, located right at the end of  La Corniche. This beach, where a gentle breeze is almost never absent, is a place where windsurfing and similar sports are done. Additionally, visitors can take classes in the beach region and experience various water sports.

  Parc Borély is a beautiful natural area that starts right next to Prado Beach and expands on a 40 hectare area. Within the park; the sections called the English, French, and botanical gardens are worth seeing as much as the 18th century chateau.

  Olympique de Marseille sports club, the local name of which is L'OM, deserves a section of its own. Watching a match at Stade Vélodrome where this world famous football club plays can be a very nice activity.

  MARSEILLE IN ONE DAY
  Marseille is dearest to the country with its museums, art institutions, cultural richness, historical texture, nature, and beautiful architecture. To see this, a short tour around Abbaye Saint Victor or in the port region will suffice. The parks, green areas, and of course beaches in the city region add a magical atmosphere to the short tour you will embark upon.

  CITY TOURS AND TRANSPORTATION
  The most convenient way of roaming in Marseille is definitely using the subway system. The subway operates between the hours of 6.00-21.00. Buses were put as an extention to the system, which was set up in two floors.
  
  If you travel in groups and frequently, you can use the group cards called Carte Groupe for 4 to 12 people. This way, the price becomes more economical. The daily travel card called Carte Journée is another option for those traveling frequently. The minimum fare of taxis in Marseille is 5,50€ and there is an additional charge for all suitcases other than hand baggage.

  NEARBY LOCATIONS
  A little bit outside of Marseille, there are two places where you can see rural life; Allauch and Plan de Cuques. You can get to this region by going to La Rose with the number 1 line of the subway and then taking the number 142 and 144 buses. You can hike towards the hill in this region, which is used for picnics and similar activities, and watch the view of Marseille and the Mediterranean Sea.

• Food & Drink

  The cuisine of Marseille is like a reflection of the city's blended rich culture. There is an emphasis on seafood and especially fish. The fish stew called “bouillabaisse” is at the center of the cuisine of Marseille, as it were. This stew, in which there is saffron, fennel, and orange pieces in addition to various types of fish, is commonly consumed. It is served with “rouille”, a sauce unique to Provence that has garlic and olive oil in it. Let us add that olive oil, various herbs, and fresh vegetables and fruits are among what is consumed in abundance in Marseille.

• Shopping

  The main shopping locations in Marseille are concentrated in the southern parts of the city. There are many options to fit all different shopping styles, ranging from large stores that offer the luxury of Côte D’Azur to small boutiques. Centre Bourse is a monumental center where you can find many products in one place. La Canebière, located south of this center, is what Champs Elysées is to Paris, to Marseille. This region expands with the streets of Ferréol,  Rome, and Paradis.

  If you are after smaller stores, you should head to the Cours Julien region. Among what you can find while shopping in a more bohemian setting are antiques and even food. It should definitely be visited especially on weekends.

  Le Panier, one of the oldest neighborhoods of Marseille, is the exact right place to buy local products. If you would like to buy Provence jugs, lavender soaps and olive oil products; you should head to Rue des Petits Puits and Pistoles.

Ticket Sales Offices: Marseille

• Marseille: Airport Map Information

  Provence-Marignane Airport

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• Marseille: Airport Map Information