Marseille: Between nature and culture on the shores of the French Mediterranean

Sightseeing

Marseille is first and foremost an atmosphere that you can experience by strolling through the streets, along the beaches or in the creeks, all of which won't cost you a penny. Of course, there are still a few monuments to visit, and for that we recommend the Marseille City Pass. Priced at €27 for 24 hours, €37 for 48 hours and €43 for 72 hours, it gives you free access to certain attractions (MUCEM, little train to Notre-Dame de la Garde, boat to the Frioul islands, etc.) as well as to the public transport network. It also entitles you to discounts in many shops and reduced rates for certain visits. You can get it from the Tourist Office, the Capitainerie des Docks, the Vieux-Port and Saint-Charles metro stations, or directly online!

Best time of year:

Marseille is the sunniest city in France, so it can be a good base for a winter weekend in the sun, but watch out for the Mistral wind, which can quickly drive you crazy and spoil your holiday! Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons, with temperatures that generally allow you to go swimming, but you can also visit the city or hike in the calanques without worrying about getting overheated. If you just want to enjoy the beaches and the nightlife, go during the summer season. As well as your swimming costume, remember to pack a windbreaker (and a little wool) in your suitcase, as the Mistral can sometimes kick in during the summer.

Safety :

Marseille has long had a bad reputation with the rest of France, with the mainstream media never missing an opportunity to share stories of settling of scores or drug trafficking taking place in Marseille's housing estates. And even if things aren't always rosy in Marseilles, the portrayal of crime exceeds reality. In fact, the crime rate is lower in Marseille than in cities such as Lille, Bordeaux, Lyon, Nice or even Toulouse. Avoid walking around the northern districts and, as in all big cities, don't show off your valuables, camera included. Keep your wits about you and you should be fine!

What to eat and what to bring back

Don't leave without trying the navettes, orange blossom biscuits in the shape of a boat. The patisseries are also full of various cakes from neighbouring towns, such as calissons (almond paste) from Aix-en-Provence. As well as the famous bouillabaisse (which we advise you not to eat just anywhere), Marseille is a pizza specialist!

Don't leave without a large (or small) slab of real Marseille soap and one (or more) bottles of pastis. You might also be tempted by an Olympique de Marseille shirt (or any other item bearing the effigy of the city's star team), unless you're a fan of the opposing team, of course!

What to see around Marseille

During the day, you can take a trip to the charming town ofAix-en-Provence, or head to the pretty village of Cassis (where you don't pronounce the final "s") for a trip by the sea. For a weekend, you can explore the Côte d'Azur as far as Cannes or Nice, or head inland to Provence, the land of lavender and olive trees, to visit the picturesque villages lulled by the song of the cicadas. Marseille isn't far from the Alps either, with the first ski resorts just over two hours away.