Jan
10
Marseilles Travel & Sightseeing Guide
Filed Under France
A trip to Marseilles
Not only is Marseilles an important port on the Mediterranean Sea, it is also an important air traffic hub for the whole region. This upbeat metropolitan city is working on more than 2,500 years of continuous history and boasts a number of impressive architectural forms dating back to a number of significant periods in history. If history’s not enough to hold you here, then consider days basking on the Côte d’Azure followed by late-night indulgence in the city’s energetic night scene.
Flights to Marseilles
The international airport at Marseille receives incoming flights from more than 80 destinations across the world. It is a modern facility fully capable of serving a high annual throughput of international guests. From the airport, you’ll find ample taxis and shuttles to carry you on to the city centre. Otherwise, a regular bus departs three times an hour for the downtown area. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Marseilles try Lastminute.com.
You’ll find the TGV high-speed train is an equally attractive way of travelling to Marseille. Regular direct and semi-direct routes are run to multiple French cities including Geneva, Milan and Paris (3 hours) along with a few lines that extend across the Spanish border. Regular trains service the entire Côte d’Azure area. Arriving by car is also a breeze on the A55, A50 or A7.
Marseilles
Sightseeing in Marseilles
The ethnic and cultural diversity of Marseille lends itself to a wide spectrum of museums and art exhibits that showcase this smorgasbord of influences. Musée de la Faience, Musée de Beaux Arts and Musée Cantini are just a few of the popular institutes.
The Vieux Port (Old Port) comprises the historic core of the city and while it doesn’t see much commercial use today, it’s still in service for small craft and pleasure boats. This is an intriguing place just to take a stroll and enjoy the sights, not the least of which is the Bas Fort St Nicholas which the Knights Templar erected in the 13th century. Also dating back to the 13th century is the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde, which looms over the Vieux Port.
There’s always the beach to fill in the extra moments. La Corniche and Plage du Prado are both well attended, but it’s not hard to find less populous beaches that are off the beaten path a little. Island hopping is also a great way to pass the day.
Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
Once your structured leisure time is out of the way, you will have time to fully sample the nightlife. Place Jean Jaures is a popular place to party, and no matter where you go you’ll probably be blessed with live music in almost every genre. Cours d’Estienne d’Orves specialises in jazz and reggae.
Upscale restaurants in the five-star hotels and around the Vieux Port offer outstanding views and equally astounding prices. Restaurants on the waterfront are the norm on the Corniche and Plage du Prado, the latter of which focuses more on fine dining. No matter where you’re eating, your culinary options will include local specialties, fresh seafood and international fare.
Fun by day - shopping and activities
Marseille maintains its excellent reputation with a formidable selection of shopping options. Place aux Huiles is a popular pedestrian mall with multiple boutique and gift shops. With very few exceptions, all of the best areas to shop can be reached on foot from the Vieux Port.
Daytrips
Located just over a mile from Marseille is a small rock island where the historic Château d’lf is situated. Now a tourist magnet with visitors to the area, the château was originally built as a fortress in the 16th century to protect Marseilles. Later it became a prison where many political prisoners were incarcerated, with many perishing in the chateau’s dungeons.
The 18th century Basilica of Notre Dame de la Grand is located approximately two miles from Marseilles’ Old Port and offers visitors views that reach to the city limits. This huge structure is one of Europe’s premiere examples of Roman-Byzantine architecture and a must-do daytrip for visitors to Marseille.
On the eastern edge of the city is the Parc Borély, a 100 acre park of scenic beauty which includes attractions such as the 18th century Château Borély, botanical gardens and a restaurant which is situated on a small island in the middle of the park’s lake and only reachable by romantic rowboat.
Must-see attractions
Probably the most visited street in Marseille, the historic La Canebiére dates back to the 11th century when the street was a base for rope making. Today the street is a tourist hotspot and home to many theatres, bars, cafés and hotels. Also of historic interest is the Roman Byzantine Cathédrale de la Major which dates back to the 12th century and boasts a capacity of 3,000.
Among Marseilles’ other must-see attractions is the Old Port, or Vieux Port. The Old Port harbour and marina are guarded by two historic fortresses, Fort St Nicolas and Fort St Jean, and are the location of some of the best restaurant the city has to offer. Also not to be missed at the Old Port is the Phare de Sainte Maria, a 17th century lighthouse which marks the entrance to the harbour.
Another hotspot with visitors to Marseille is the Abbey of Saint Victor. Situated on the southern bank of the Old Port, the abbey dates back to the 5th century and contains a number of ancient sarcophagi which visitors can view. Also situated close to the Old Port is the oldest district of Marseilles, Quartier du Panier. The Panier is characterised by colourful historic buildings and narrow, atmospheric winding streets.
Best time to go
Weather-wise, Marseilles is good to visit year round, with moderate temperatures that rarely drop below 5˚C during the winter and rise to highs of around 27˚C in the summertime.
July to September is the busier tourist period in Marseille, with the city receiving a two-fold increase in both domestic and international tourists. Spring and autumn are possibly the best times to visit the city and when the weather is at its most pleasant and visitor numbers at their lowest.
Rainy day suggestions
You could spend a rainy day in Marseilles filling up on some of the finest food in France, or you could visit one of the many excellent museums in the city. The Museum of Old Marseille (Musée du Vieux Marseille) occupies a 16th century building which houses exhibits from local life in Marseilles of old. The nearby Roman Docks Museum also makes for an interesting visit with its extensive displays of ancient maritime items.
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