Marseille, France-6-day-itinerary

August 8, 2024

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Marseille Provence Airport (MPA) and take the free shuttle bus to the city center.
9:00 AM: Visit the iconic Vieux-Port (Old Port), a historic harbor with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Take a stroll along the quays, admire the colorful boats, and grab a coffee at one of the many cafes.
11:30 AM: Head to the nearby Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, a beautiful church perched on a hill overlooking the city. Enjoy panoramic views of Marseille from its stunning location.
Lunch: Grab some fresh seafood at Le Comptoir du Marché, a popular spot for local cuisine in the heart of the old town.
Afternoon: Visit the Château d’If ( Castle of If ), a medieval fortress turned prison that inspired Alexandre Dumas’s novel “The Count of Monte Cristo”. Take a ferry to the island and explore its walls, towers, and museum. ( Tickets: 10€ )
Dinner: Enjoy traditional Provençal cuisine at Le Petit Nice, a Michelin-starred restaurant with breathtaking views of the sea.
Accommodation: Stay at Hotel la Résidence , a stylish hotel located in the heart of the city, within walking distance to many attractions.

9:00 AM: Visit the Musée d’Archéologie Méditerranéenne (Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology), which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from ancient civilizations.
11:30 AM: Explore the Place Castellane, a charming square surrounded by beautiful 18th-century buildings, including the stunning Palais de la Bourse.
Lunch: Try some delicious street food at La Maison de la Galette, a popular spot for traditional Provençal cuisine.
Afternoon: Visit the Château du Mas des Tourelles, a 17th-century castle turned cultural center, which hosts various exhibitions and concerts throughout the year. ( Tickets: 8€ )
Dinner: Enjoy some delicious Mediterranean cuisine at Le Cours Julien, a lively square filled with restaurants, bars, and shops.
Evening: Experience the vibrant nightlife of Marseille by visiting the Cours Julien area.

9:00 AM: Visit the beautiful Plage de la Garde (Garde Beach), a stunning urban beach with clear waters and plenty of amenities.
11:30 AM: Explore the nearby Parc Borély, a lovely park filled with gardens, walking trails, and a picturesque lake. Enjoy some peace and quiet amidst nature.
Lunch: Grab some fresh fish at Le Comptoir du Marché, a popular spot for seafood lovers.
Afternoon: Visit the Plage de la Pointe Rouge (Pointe Rouge Beach), a lively beach with plenty of bars, restaurants, and water sports. Relax on the sand or try your hand at kayaking or paddleboarding.
Dinner: Enjoy some delicious Italian cuisine at La Terrazza, a cozy restaurant located in the heart of the city.

9:00 AM: Visit the bustling Marché de Noailles (Noailles Market), a vibrant marketplace filled with fresh produce, flowers, and local specialties.
11:30 AM: Explore the nearby Bleu et Blanc, a charming square surrounded by beautiful 18th-century buildings, including the stunning Théâtre du Gymnase. Enjoy some shopping or grab a snack at one of the many cafes.
Lunch: Try some delicious street food at La Maison de la Galette, a popular spot for traditional Provençal cuisine.
Afternoon: Visit the Cours Julien, a lively square filled with restaurants, bars, and shops. Enjoy some shopping or grab a coffee at one of the many cafes.
Dinner: Enjoy some delicious seafood at Le Comptoir du Marché, a popular spot for fresh fish.

9:00 AM: Visit the stunning Château de la Buzine, a beautiful castle located in a tranquil setting, surrounded by gardens and walking trails. ( Tickets: 8€ )
11:30 AM: Explore the nearby Musée des Beaux-Arts (Museum of Fine Arts), which houses an impressive collection of art from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Lunch: Try some delicious street food at La Maison de la Galette, a popular spot for traditional Provençal cuisine.
Afternoon: Visit the Château du Mas des Tourelles, a 17th-century castle turned cultural center, which hosts various exhibitions and concerts throughout the year. ( Tickets: 8€ )
Dinner: Enjoy some delicious Mediterranean cuisine at Le Cours Julien, a lively square filled with restaurants, bars, and shops.

Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring any last-minute attractions.
11:00 AM: Head back to the airport for your departure flight.
Tips:
- Marseille has a well-developed public transportation system. Use buses, trams, and metro lines to get around.
- Don’t forget to try some local specialties like bouillabaisse (fish soup) and ratatouille (vegetable stew).
- Explore the city’s vibrant markets, such as the Marché de Noailles or the Cours Julien.
- Visit the nearby towns of Cassis and Aix-en-Provence for more cultural experiences.

Getting Around

Public Transportation: Use buses, trams, and metro lines to get around Marseille. (Tickets: 1€ )
Bike Rentals: Rent a bike and explore the city on two wheels.
Walking: Explore the city’s historic neighborhoods by foot.

Budget Breakdown

Tips and Essentials

Language: French is the primary language spoken in Marseille. English is widely spoken, but it’s still a good idea to learn some basic French phrases.
Currency: The Euro is the official currency.
Weather: Marseille has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers. Pack accordingly.
Safety: As with any major city, be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure.

Additional Tips

Don’t miss the stunning views from the top of La Garde church or the Vieux-Port.
Try some local specialties like bouillabaisse (fish soup) or ratatouille (vegetable stew).
Explore the city’s vibrant markets, such as the Marché de Noailles or the Cours Julien.
Visit the nearby towns of Cassis and Aix-en-Provence for more cultural experiences.