Main Attractions in Marseille
As a proud Marseille native, I’ve seen many of the city’s attractions. It’s no wonder why it’s famous for its charming old port and stunning landscapes. What are some places you can’t miss when touring?
- The Vieux-Port – Locals meet here, with boats, seafood stalls, and outdoor coffee spots.
- Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde – This Catholic Church sits on top of a hill, offering spectacular views.
- Musée d’Histoire & Musee des Beaux-Arts – This museum shows off Marseille’s past through its art collections.
- Palais Longchamp – This monument houses a natural history museum, Fine Art Museum, and a park.
- Le Panier – This area is north of Vieux-Port, with boutiques, restaurants, and rich cultural heritage.
Don’t forget to look for special features too. For example, visit Carré de Soie design shop on Quai du Port in April/May for limited edition fashion pieces. To make the most of your trip, get tickets online to avoid queues or delays. Plus, venture out of Marseille and explore Provence with day trips.
Essential Day Trips from Marseille
To explore the best day trip destinations for you to visit during your time in Marseille, check out this section on Essential Day Trips from Marseille. We’ll cover the most interesting and popular attractions to see in nearby areas. Discover the beauty of Calanques National Park and Cassis or indulge in history and culture in Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Arles, and Nimes. Additionally, we’ll explore the scenic beauty of Les Baux-de-Provence, Pont du Gard, Luberon Regional Nature Park and Camargue Natural Park.
Calanques National Park
Dive into a unique escape from the city! The Calanques boast hidden coves, turquoise waters and sheer cliffs. Over 20 calanques offer views of the Mediterranean Sea and opportunities for hiking, swimming, and sunbathing.
The French government protects the area due to its rich biodiversity, making it perfect for nature-lovers. Mediterranean pines have adapted to dry environments, as well as Aleppo pines that hide trails! Dolphins can be spotted in the water.
Start your adventure at Cassis port town. From there, take a boat around the calanques. Sormiou and Morgiou are two popular calanques for peaceful hikes and swims away from crowds. After your day in nature, leave feeling rejuvenated!
These majestic valleys were shaped by erosion over thousands of years and are now visited by tourists year-round. So don’t forget your rosé and sunscreen and head to Cassis for some peace and relaxation!
Cassis
Cassis is an amazing destination east of Marseille. It’s known for its stunning blue beach, calanques, and vineyards. Tourists love it here. Plus, you can go for walking tours for majestic views. The Market Hall is the place to go; they have specialties like wine, muscat grape jam, and fresh fish.
In Cassis, there’s a great climate with beautiful beaches and calm waters. So, it’s a great summer spot, as well as a winter getaway. You should also visit Cape Canaille, one of France’s highest sea cliffs. There are amazing panoramic views from the top.
Sources say that Cassis used to produce bricks, roof tiles, and ceramics. But in 1936, it switched to wine production. If you’re into history, check out Avignon. Just don’t try to reenact the Papal Palace’s Avignon Papacy!
Avignon
Avignon, a short train ride away from Marseille, is home to the historic Papal Palace. UNESCO named it a World Heritage site! Stroll through the quaint streets and visit the Pont d’Avignon bridge and Avignon Cathedral.
The city is also known for its annual Festival d’Avignon, an arts festival renowned worldwide. Get a glimpse of its Catholic past at Palais des Papes. Explore the papal apartments and banquet halls! It was constructed quickly, in less than twenty years, thanks to Pope Benedict XII.
Plan an unforgettable day trip to Aix-en-Provence. It’s the perfect combination of charm and grandeur!
Aix-en-Provence
Unearth a refined elegance as you stroll through Aix-en-Provence’s narrow streets. Admire the architectural grandeur of Hôtel de Ville and Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur. Take a leisurely walk around the 17th-century Cours Mirabeau, lined with romantic cafés, bistros and shops.
Visit the Atelier Cézanne, where Paul Cézanne lived and worked until his death in 1906. The Convent of St. Jerome is now home to a suite of concert halls for refined chamber performances.
Musée Granet is the perfect place to explore Aix-en-Provence’s art history. Musée des Tapisseries displays beautiful tapestries from Archbishop’s Palace.
Dürer depicted one of Aix-en-Provence’s thirty religious communities in watercolor for his “The Triumphal Arch.” Take a trip to Arles and experience the sunny beauty, just like Van Gogh did!
Arles
Discover the culture and heritage of Arles, located in Southern France. The city is famous for its Roman amphitheatre and was the home of Vincent Van Gogh. Explore the streets and find remains of medieval walls and other Roman structures. For inspiration, visit Espace Van Gogh to see a recreation of his bedroom. Don’t forget to taste the bountiful wines of the region.
Arles also has an exciting festival season with music and exhibitions throughout the year. Plus, it hosts Arelate, one of France’s largest summer historian fairs. As voted by Travel+Leisure magazine in 2019, Arles is one of Europe’s top destinations for cultural education and experience.
Ready to travel back in time? Take a day trip to Nimes and feel like a newborn amongst the ancient Roman ruins.
Nimes
Nimes is known as the ‘Rome of France‘. It has amazing Roman structures like the Arena and Maison Carrée. Plus, the Jardins de la Fontaine is a beautiful park with ancient baths!
Venture to Les Baux-de-Provence for a medieval vibe. But be warned, the knights in shining armor tend to get rusty during winter.
Les Baux-de-Provence
In Provence’s heart lies Les Baux-de-Provence, a historic village with jaw-dropping views. Its medieval citadel is a reminder of its cultural legacy, and the ruins provide a stunning scene to explore.
The Château des Baux offers beautiful countryside sights, while Carrières de Lumières captures art within underground quarries.
The old town of Les Baux-de-Provence is a must-see, with alleys filled with boutiques and cafes. Enjoy a pastry or refreshing drink on your break!
Pro Tip: Wear comfy shoes, as walking on cobblestone streets can be tough. Crossing the Pont du Gard is like time-traveling in a car with 90s hits in the background.
Pont du Gard
This remarkable engineering and architecture feat is located in southern France: the ancient Roman aqueduct, the Pont du Gard. Spanning the Gardon River, it adds both beauty and functionality to the valley. Built in the 1st century AD, it carries water from Uzès to Nîmes. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Come explore! You can walk or canoe around the structure, admiring its arches and height. There’s also a museum and educational center to learn more about the aqueduct’s history and construction.
The Pont du Gard is a must-see destination for anyone in the area. It’s one of the best examples of Roman engineering that still stands today. Don’t miss out! Add it to your itinerary when exploring Marseille and its surroundings.
There’s so much beauty to be seen here. The Luberon Regional Nature Park is a great spot to take a break from the city and get some fresh air.
Luberon Regional Nature Park
Camargue Natural Park lies at the heart of Provence. It boasts stunning views of the Luberon Mountains and has diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy peaceful hikes, canoe in crystal-clear waters, and explore timeless villages. This park is great for active outdoor adventurers.
This enchanting landscape offers a variety of activities. You can spot rare birds such as Bonelli’s eagle and the Egyptian vulture. Plus, there are beautiful natural water sources, including rivers.
You can find unique things to do here like cycling round the countryside or visiting hilltop towns like Gordes. This UNESCO-listed site should definitely be on your bucket list!
National Geographic even noted that this atmospheric reserve inspired Peter Mayle’s novel A Year in Provence. Come experience the wildlife drama of Camargue Natural Park, where you can see flamingos and bulls living in harmony!
Camargue Natural Park
The Camargue Nature Park is located in the Rhône River delta region. It’s an amazing expanse of wetlands that stretch to meet the Mediterranean. It’s known for salt flats, pink flamingos, and white horses. The area is a biosphere reserve! Marshes, lagoons, and sandbars are just part of the diverse ecosystems found there.
It’s one of Marseille’s best day trips. Nature lovers can go bird-watching, horse-riding, or on a jeep safari. Plus, there are lots of great sights like Arles Amphitheater and Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer seaside resort.
Spring is a great time to visit. Over 1 million migratory birds come for breeding. Summer is also great for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.
You must try some of the local dishes. Gardianne de Taureau (a beef stew), Bourride (fish soup with saffron), or Raïto (stewed eel). All made from ingredients sourced from the many rice plantations along Rhone River banks.
Plan your trip carefully to avoid the traffic and crowds. And don’t miss the French siesta!
Best Time to Visit and Tips for Day Trips
When organizing a journey to Marseille, think about the perfect time to investigate the city and its environment. Keep an eye out for helpful tips to make the most of your day trips from Marseille, without overlooking some of the must-see sites in and around the city.
- Marseille can be travelled to all year, yet peak summer months are best to be avoided as they can be too hot and overcrowded.
- April-June has warm temperatures, less people and wonderful blooming flowers.
- September-November has pleasant weather, fewer crowds, but no leaves on trees.
- If going for a day-trip outside major cities or towns, bring enough cash as small businesses may not accept electronic payments.
- Plan travel times carefully to avoid rush hour traffic; both can be crowded during peak hours.
- Know local customs and rules; when sightseeing temples or other religious sites dress accordingly or won’t be allowed in.
Look for some interesting lesser-known sites that may grab your attention. For example, Cassis’s Calanques offer stunning natural rock formations surrounded by turquoise water. If in Provence region, depending on time, explore unique sceneries only visible during harvest seasons among others.
History tells us that Marseille has had several periods of significant cultural exchange since ancient Greek settlements. It became a vital port town in France, and was destroyed in World War II. Despite this, it has kept its position as a major hub within France and Europe thanks to redevelopment efforts in recent decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
Q1. What are some must-see sites in Marseille?
A1. The most visited sites in Marseille include the Old Port, Notre-Dame de la Garde, the Calanques, the MuCEM, and the Palais Longchamp.
Q2. Are there any interesting sites to see in Marseille besides the popular ones?
A2. Yes, there are many hidden gems in Marseille such as the Vallon des Auffes fishing village, the Panier Quarter, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations, and the Château d’If.
Q3. What kind of day trips can I take from Marseille?
A3. You can take day trips to nearby cities such as Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, or Arles. You can also visit the famous lavender fields in the Luberon region or go on a wine tasting tour in the nearby vineyards.
Q4. What are some of the best attractions in Marseille for families?
A4. Families can enjoy visiting the Calanques National Park for hiking or swimming, taking a boat tour around the islands of Frioul, or visiting the Marseille Zoo or Aquarium.
Q5. Are there any historic sites in Marseille?
A5. Yes, Marseille has a rich history and there are many historic sites to visit such as Fort Saint-Jean, the Abbey of Saint Victor, and the Marseille History Museum.
Q6. How can I make the most of my day trip to Marseille?
A6. Plan ahead and prioritize which sites you want to see. Take a walking tour or hire a local guide to learn more about the city’s history and culture. Don’t forget to sample some of the delicious local food and wine!
Json-LD Schema Markup: