Best things to do in Marseille
About Marseille
Marseille, a port city in southern France, has been a crossroads of immigration and trade since its founding by the Greeks in 600 B.C.
At its heart is the Vieux-Port (Old Port), where fishmongers sell their catch along the boat-lined quay, making the markets one of the original events in the city. The city also contains the closest port to Africa, giving the country a cultural influence.
Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde is a Romanesque-Byzantine church you’ll want to visit. Other recommended modern landmarks include Le Corbusier’s influential Cité Radieuse complex and Zaha Hadid’s CMA CGM Tower.
The warm breezes blow from the Sahara, which will surely rejuvenate you, as you’ll be able to enjoy most things outdoors in Marseille. The most-visited places include the beaches outside of nearby Nice and Cannes. If you want to get away from the usual hustle and bustle of the city, move towards the southeast of the city, where you’ll find La Pointe Rouge beach, which is considered the largest sandy and most beautiful beach in the entire city. There is also Bain des Dames and Bonne Brise, two coves covered in cutesy pebbles, which makes it a special location.
What You Need to Know
Pastis
Bouillabaisse
Urban areas – 50 km/h
Rural roads – 90 km/h
Highway – 110 km/h
How to Get There
Coming to Marseille by plane:
Marseille Provence Airport – 27 km from the city center
Coming to Marseille by train:
Marseille-Saint-Charles Station – transfers from Paris, Lyon, or Lille
When is the Best Time to Visit
The best time of the year to plan a vacation to Marseille is from September to November. This is because most of the tourists have had their fair share of visitors during the peak season, which of May to August.
Following this, most are preparing to return, which means major attractions such as beaches would not be too crowded. The temperature varies between 16°C (60°F) and 25°C (77°F).