Visiting Marseille: Places To See
Marseille, which was designated European Capital of Culture in 2013, is a destination that combines friendliness and relaxed living. We offer you an overview of the places not to be missed to discover this city full of contrasts.
Presentation
The capital of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region and the prefecture of the Bouches-du-Rhône department, Marseille is the leading port in France and the fourth largest port in Europe.
This city, known for its accent, its picturesque old port and its bouillabaisse, has many other surprises in store for visitors. It offers 111 neighborhoods to explore, numerous museums and a rich natural heritage of which the Calanques of Marseille are the jewel.
Founded around 600 BC by Greek sailors, the Phocaean city invites you to discover 26 centuries of history, only 3 hours by TGV from Paris.
A city of contrasts
A cosmopolitan city, Marseille is a destination full of contrasts where each district has its own particular atmosphere.
To discover all the richness of this city, don't hesitate to leave the city center to explore the Vieux-Port or the typical Panier district with its houses huddled together and its colorful facades.
Not far from there, the Euroméditerrannée district offers a radically different atmosphere with its towers and modern architectural projects.
To visit in Marseille
A visit to Marseille usually begins with Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, the church that is dedicated to the patron saint of sailors.
After admiring the panorama from Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde at 162 m above the sea, be sure to discover :
- the Old Port
- the Canebière lined with the imposing 19th century Bourse and numerous Haussmann buildings
- the Estaque
- the calanques (creeks) which extend over 20 km of coastline up to Cassis
- the islands of Frioul and the castle of If
- the Panier district and the Vieille-Charité (former 17th century hospice transformed into a large cultural center)
- the Velodrome Stadium
- the museums: the Mediterranean archaeology museum; the Cantini museum (modern and contemporary art collections); the Marseille history museum; the Marseille natural history museum; the Old Marseille museum; the earthenware museum; the fashion museum...
Also take advantage of your stay in the city to taste the gastronomic specialties such as the famous bouillabaisse but also the tapenade and the aïoli, without forgetting the panisse and the navette (cookie in the shape of a boat).
Practical information
For more information you can contact the tourist office or visit the website below.
Marseille Convention and Visitors Bureau
4, la Canebière
13001 Marseille
33 (0)4 91 13 89 00
33 (0)4 91 13 89 20
[email protected]
