The second largest city in France boasts a proud array of stunning sights, attractions and architecture, as well as a variety of communities and neighbourhoods for you to explore.
Soak up the vibrancy of the destination named Capital of Culture in 2013, and discover a wonderful selection of world-class museums, art and places to hang out. Marseille is a city making a name for itself as a culinary hotspot not to be missed – all while maintaining its historic soul and character.
If you’re travelling to this beautiful part of France, there are some attractions that simply can’t be missed. We’ve gathered our selection of the best things to do in Marseille to get you started.
Vieux-Port
‘The Old Port’ is the perfect place to start your Marseille adventure - it’s arguably the most famous attraction and the buzzing focal point of the city. This area became mainly pedestrianized in 2013, but you can leave your rental car at one of the lots surrounding the port and explore the beauty of this area on foot.
Take in iconic views, gaze out over the vast numbers of recreational boats, and admire the sight of the two extraordinary forts at the entrance of the port. Immerse yourself in the energy of the area and indulge in the port-side restaurants too – Quai des Belges even boasts a thriving fish market.
If you’re interested in literature, you can even retrace the steps of famous characters at the Vieux-Port. It has been used as a setting for classic novels such as The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, and On Her Majesty’s Secret Service in Ian Fleming’s James Bond series.
Chateau d’If
Your exploration of the Vieux-Port can be perfectly combined with a visit to an iconic former fortress and prison on the island of If – which you can reach by boat. Park up by Place aux Huiles and you’re a short three-minute walk away from the Quai de la Fraternité, where voyages depart for Chateau d’If.
Francis I of France had this fascinating castle built in the 16th century to protect and defend the coastline, and it then served as a prison from 1580 until 1871. So evocative is its location and structure, that it is here where Edmond Dantes, the fictional hero of The Count of Monte Cristo, was incarcerated in the novel.Parking your rental vehicle on Place Jules Verne will make for a leisurely stroll to the stunning, emblematic Fort Saint-Jean. It signals the entrance to the Vieux-Port, and if you’re searching for a perfect panoramic view and photograph of Marseille, then look no further.
The fort is connected via footbridge to the impressive world-class arts and culture venue MuCEM, which was launched in 2013. Experience a range of exhibitions here produced from a variety of mediums, along with fascinating religious artifacts.
Even if you don’t have the time to go in, the view of both buildings is a striking sight – and forms a perfect encapsulation of how Marseille effortlessly combines the best of old and new.
Le Panier
Keeping your rental vehicle parked at Place Jules Verne means you’re perfectly placed to experience the wonders of Le Panier.
This ancient Mediterranean neighbourhood climbs up the hill to the north of the port, and is where the Greeks first settled in 600 BC. The area is awash with beautifully coloured building facades – wander around and let yourself get lost in this atmospheric district.
La Canebière
You can park at Place aux Huiles or on ALL Léon Gambetta and explore La Canebière by foot.
This splendid avenue, just over a kilometre long, is symbolic of Marseille and once showcased the wealth of its renowned trading days. Although the street is now mainly home to stores and food outlets, the stretch is still grand and more than worth a visit.
Palais Longchamp
You’d be forgiven for thinking this was a palace, but despite the name, the Palais Longchamp is actually an awe-inspiring monument and civic park celebrating the water arriving from the Durance canal.
The region sees an average of just two days of rain a month during the summer, and therefore drought has always been a problem because of the fantastic weather. So this memorial is of great importance to the city.
Immerse yourself in culture and beauty at the Museum of Fine Arts, Natural History Museum and the former zoo – which is now a botanical garden – while you visit this extraordinary open space.
Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde
Although you can see this stunning neo-byzantine church from all over the city, it is an unmissable spot to visit in Marseille and another location which will offer gorgeous views. Parking can be found at a lot on the Boulevard de la Corderie, from which it is just a one-kilometre walk up the hill to the city’s most iconic landmark.
The Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde is at the highest point in the city and while it is simply astonishing from the outside, once inside the cathedral it’ll be impossible not to be awe-struck by the rich detail, so take your time to immerse yourself in the experience.
Stade Vélodrome
This impressive soccer stadium is located in the south of the city, around 3.5 kilometres from the centre, and with parking available on Rue Negresko.
Also known as the Orange Vélodrome, the sporting venue was originally built for the soccer World Cup in 1938 and once boasted a cycling and running track too.
It was refurbished for the Euro 1984 tournament, was later almost completely rebuilt for the 1998 World Cup, and was refurbished again for Euro 2016. This period of change saw the development of its famous round stands. Even if you don’t enter the stadium, it’s a sight to behold from the exterior.
The Stade Vélodrome is home to soccer club Olympique de Marseille, so if you’re into sports then catching a match or even taking a stadium tour could be for you. Alternatively, many music acts also perform concerts here.
Whether you’re following our recommendations or creating your own itinerary, car rental in Marseille is the perfect way to get around. With collection points around the city, including at the airport and train station, it couldn’t be easier to explore this beautiful and vibrant destination.