7 days in Marseille, France: What to see, eat and do. Full city guide
Marseille, located in the heart of Provence, France, is a Mediterranean treasure offering the best of coastal beauty, historic charm, and cultural diversity. With its vibrant Old Port, scenic Calanques, and enchanting alleyways of Le Panier, Marseille has plenty to offer every traveler. The city’s rich heritage is showcased through its museums, food markets, and outdoor cafes, while its contemporary street art scene keeps things fresh and modern.
Things to consider before arriving in Marseille
Marseille has a diverse cultural scene with a rich history to explore.
The port city offers stunning coastal views and unique natural landscapes like the Calanques.
Marseille can be crowded during the peak summer season, leading to longer lines at attractions.
Those who love old-world Mediterranean charm mixed with a modern vibe will fall in love with the city.
What to bring with you
Pack comfortable shoes for roaming around the city streets and climbing the occasional hill. Keep a light jacket handy for the cooler evenings, and don’t forget your swimsuit for a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean. Bring a power adapter for your electronic devices, as the outlets in France differ from those in many other countries.
Best time of the year to visit
The ideal time to visit Marseille is during spring (April to June) and fall (September to November), when the weather is pleasantly warm, and the crowds are fewer. Summer months can be quite hot and crowded, while winters are mild but wet.
How to get into the city
1. By Plane: Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) is the main airport serving the city, located about 27 km (17 miles) from downtown Marseille. You can take a shuttle bus, train, or taxi to reach the city center.
2. By Train: Marseille is well-connected to other major European cities by the high-speed TGV train network. The primary train station–Marseille Saint-Charles–is centrally located, making it easy to get to your accommodations.
3. By Car: If you’re up for a scenic drive, rent a car and drive the beautiful Provencal roads. Keep in mind, though, that finding parking in the city can be challenging, and traffic might be congested during peak hours.
7 day city guide trip to Marseille, France
Day 1: Arrive in Marseille and Explore the Old Port
Welcome to Marseille! Start your day by wandering around the picturesque Old Port (Vieux-Port), taking in the beautiful boats and fish markets, and stopping for lunch at a local seafood restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the historic Fort Saint-Jean and the nearby MuCEM museum. Wrap up your day by enjoying a drink at a trendy rooftop bar offering stunning views of the city.
Day 2: Visit the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde and the Calanques
Take a morning hike or bus ride up to the famous Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde for spectacular panoramic views of Marseille. In the afternoon, explore the stunning Calanques, a series of rocky cliffs and narrow inlets along the coast, via a boat tour or hiking excursion.
Day 3: Go Shopping and Sightseeing in Le Panier
Head to the charming neighborhood of Le Panier for a day of shopping and sightseeing. Stop for breakfast at a local bakery and then explore the narrow alleys filled with colorful houses, artisanal shops, and art galleries. In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology and enjoy a sunset cocktail at a trendy rooftop bar.
Day 4: Day Trip to Aix-en-Provence
Take a day trip to the beautiful city of Aix-en-Provence, just a short train ride from Marseille. Stroll through the picturesque streets and enjoy the local specialty, calissons, almond-shaped candies. Visit the Cézanne Workshop Museum, dedicated to the famous painter Paul Cézanne, and wrap up your day with a glass of rosé at a sunny terrace.
Day 5: Explore Château d’If and the Frioul Archipelago
Take a ferry to the nearby Frioul Archipelago, a group of four islands off the coast of Marseille. Visit the famous Château d’If, the historic fortress that inspired Alexandre Dumas’s novel The Count of Monte Cristo. Spend the afternoon hiking, sunbathing, or swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean.
Day 6: Visit the Museums and Gardens of Palais Longchamp
Visit the Palais Longchamp, a stunning monument in the heart of Marseille that houses two museums and beautiful gardens. Explore the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Natural History before strolling through the peaceful gardens and fountains. Wrap up your day by indulging in a delicious bouillabaisse, a traditional fish soup, at a local restaurant.
Day 7: Take a Day Trip to Cassis
Spend your last day in Marseille on a day trip to the charming seaside town of Cassis. Explore the picturesque port, sunbathe on the sandy beach, or hike to the nearby Cap Canaille, the highest sea cliff in France. Enjoy a lunch of fresh fish and seafood before returning to Marseille for your final evening.
How to Continue Your Travel After You Have Spent 7 Days in Marseille
If you’re looking to continue your travels after your time in Marseille, consider visiting two nearby cities:
Nice
Just a short train ride away, Nice is a beautiful coastal city known for its stunning architecture, vibrant markets, and world-renowned cuisine. Visit the Promenade des Anglais, explore the picturesque Old Town, and indulge in a niçoise salad.
Avignon
Located just an hour away by train, Avignon is a charming medieval city famous for its historic Palais des Papes, the largest gothic palace in the world. Stroll through the winding streets, stopping at local boutiques and bakeries, and enjoy a glass of Côtes du Rhône wine.
