Weekend in Marseille — 10 Must-See Spots to Discover

Marseille is an amazing and vibrant city. It’s an ideal destination for a long weekend in the south of France, thanks to its proximity to the Calanques National Park or the Frioul Islands, allowing for a city break that combines culture and nature. You will find the list of the 10 must-see spots to discover in Marseille.

A few days before the beginning of summer, we went to spend a weekend in Marseille. It was the second time we visited the Phocaean city, and we had excellent memories of it. We had come for a weekend in December, and we had visited most of the city in the rain (bad luck when you know that Marseille is one of the sunniest cities in France)! Despite everything, we loved our stay, and we were eager to rediscover Marseille under the June sun. Even before starting to read this article, we can already tell you that Marseille is a city that is as much lived as it is visited, and that’s what makes it so charming! So, are you ready to be surprised by a Marseille city trip?

Stroll Along the Old Port of Marseille

There’s no better place than the Old Port to start a stay in Marseille! It’s the perfect starting point to see all the must-sees of Marseille, and there’s a really pleasant atmosphere, especially in the morning when the fish market is set up on the port. While strolling along the quays of the Old Port, you can also visit the Marseille Soap Museum located right next to the Licorne soap factory. You can personalize your own soap and buy some typical Marseille souvenirs (entrance to the museum costs €5.50 per person, including the soap-making).

Climb to the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde

The Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, nicknamed “La Bonne Mère,” is known for watching over and protecting sailors, fishermen, and all the people of Marseille from the top of its hill! It is visible from all corners of Marseille, and at the top, it offers a 360° view of the entire city. Climbing to the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde is therefore an essential step during a first stay in Marseille. You can get there on foot (about a 20-minute climb from the Old Port), by bus, or with the little tourist train (€8 per adult) by choosing the “Notre Dame de la Garde” circuit.

Discover the Exterior of the Mucem

The Mucem is a large museum absolutely not to be missed in Marseille. It is the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations, inaugurated in 2013 when Marseille was the European Capital of Culture. If it is so essential, it is not so much for its exhibitions but more for its absolutely sublime exteriors, which offer another vision of Marseille and beautiful viewpoints on the Mediterranean. You can access Fort Saint-Jean for free from Quai du Port and stroll along the ramparts. Also, take the Fort Saint-Jean – J4 footbridge, which allows you to access the roof of the Mucem. The architecture is superb, with quite exceptional light effects in good weather. You can then descend via the walkway that winds all around the Mucem and go for a walk on the Promenade Robert-Laffont.

La Major Cathedral

La Major Cathedral, called “La Major” by all the locals, is another iconic place in Marseille. It’s a unique site, as it’s the only cathedral built in France in the 19th century. At that time, Marseille was experiencing significant economic and demographic growth thanks to trade and its port.

The city then built numerous edifices, such as the Palais Longchamp, the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, and La Major Cathedral, which would all become emblematic landmarks of the Phocaean city. From the roof of the Mucem, the view of La Major is sublime!

Visit the Panier District

The Panier is the oldest district in Marseille. With its village-like atmosphere and colorful facades, it’s a picturesque and lively neighborhood that often becomes a favorite for first-time visitors to Marseille. To soak in the ambiance of the Panier, it’s best to wander around and get lost in its narrow streets. There are lovely designer boutiques, artisans (like La Maison de la Boule or Le Bazar de César where you can discover products 100% made in Marseille), artist workshops, and street art on every corner. It’s one of the most authentic places in Marseille!

Have a Drink on the Terrace at Cours Julien

Cours Julien is a vibrant neighborhood in Marseille. It is known as the artist and street art district. From the Old Port, you can access it via stairs completely covered in graffiti, which immediately sets the tone. You can sit on the terrace to have a drink on the large square near the Cours Julien Fountain, or wander through the nearby small streets like Rue Pastoret or Rue Bussy l’Indien. You’ll find thrift shops, lovely designer boutiques, and very cool concept stores. Guided tours on the theme of street art are organized by the Marseille tourist office if you want to learn more about the neighborhood.

See the Palais Longchamp

The Palais Longchamp is one of the most beautiful historical monuments in Marseille. It’s not the most well-known place in the Phocaean city, but it was one of our favorite visits during our stay! As surprising as it may seem, the Palais Longchamp is actually a water tower built starting in 1862 to bring water from the Durance River to downtown Marseille. Access to the garden is free, and you can walk under the arcades of the palace. The view of Marseille and the Bonne Mère is sublime! Each wing of the palace also houses a museum. The Natural History Museum is on the right, and the Fine Arts Museum is on the left. These are all good reasons to add the Palais Longchamp to the list of must-see places in Marseille!

Admire the Vallon des Auffes and Stroll Along the Corniche

The Vallon des Auffes is one of the most picturesque spots in Marseille. It is a tiny fishing port, nestled between cliffs and surrounded by charming colorful houses. Even though it is easily accessible from the city center, the Vallon des Auffes feels more like a fishing village where time has stood still. Enjoy a walk along the Corniche and stop by to savor a few moments of this timeless atmosphere!

Swim in the Calanques of Marseille

The Calanques National Park is a must-see during a long weekend in Marseille. It is located halfway between Marseille and Cassis and offers breathtaking landscapes. However, be aware that accessing the Calanques requires some effort! Before you set off, take the time to choose which Calanques you want to see and plan your itinerary. Some are more difficult to access than others and may require several hours of hiking to reach. Among the must-sees, the Calanque de Sugiton is considered one of the most beautiful (the national park has introduced a limited daily access to Sugiton during peak season, so check the conditions here). There is also the Calanque de Sormiou, which is easily accessible from Marseille, or the Calanque d’En-Vau, to name a few. From the Old Port of Marseille, it is also possible to take a boat trip to discover the Calanques from the sea!

Boat Trip from the Old Port of Marseille

Marseille is the perfect place to enjoy a boat trip on the Mediterranean. From the Old Port, you can embark on several trips, whether to the Frioul Islands or to discover the Calanques National Park; there is something for everyone! For our part, we were invited by the Marseille tourist office for an aperitif on the water with Les Bateaux Marseillais. We boarded a 100% electric Marseille boat for a 1.5-hour ride along the Marseille harbor. Leaving the Old Port is quite impressive, and the trip is enjoyable to get a different perspective on Marseille. If you love seafood, this trip will delight you! The aperitif is provided by La Bonne Mer fish shop, and you can taste fresh oysters and shrimp, as well as good local wines. It’s a great idea for celebrating a special occasion in Marseille!

A weekend in Marseille offers a delightful blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. From strolling along the charming Old Port to admiring the breathtaking views from Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, and from exploring the historic Panier district to venturing into the stunning Calanques, Marseille has something to enchant every visitor.

Whether you’re savoring fresh seafood on a boat trip from the Old Port or sipping a drink on the terrace at Cours Julien, the vibrant energy and unique atmosphere of Marseille will leave a lasting impression.

So, if you’re seeking a memorable getaway filled with Mediterranean charm, Marseille awaits with open arms, ready to captivate you with its allure and warmth.