36 Hours in Marseille: Sun, Sea & History in France’s Coastal Gem
Old Port of Marseille
Marseille, the sun-soaked port city of Southern France, is where Mediterranean charm meets vibrant city life. With its bustling markets, historic forts, azure coastline, and mouthwatering seafood, 36 hours in Marseille is just enough to soak in its diverse offerings. This vibrant port city offers coastal vibes with big city appeal, making it a great place to explore or just enjoy the beautiful beaches while enjoying the sights and restaurants. We really enjoyed wandering the promenades and gazing out at the sparkling sea views. We hope you will enjoy getting swept up in Marseille as much as we did. This guide will take you through the best of Marseille, from ancient history to hidden gems, all while savoring the laid-back atmosphere of France’s oldest city.
What Makes Marseille So Special?
As France’s second-largest city and its oldest, Marseille is a melting pot of cultures, flavors, and history. Founded by the Greeks in 600 BC, it has long served as a bustling port, trading goods and stories across the Mediterranean. Today, its vibrant neighborhoods reflect its diverse roots, with bustling markets, winding alleys, and a strong sense of community. Its natural beauty, framed by the rugged Calanques and the shimmering blue of the Mediterranean, makes it a true gem of the French Riviera. Marseille blends big city with old world with beautiful turquoise waters.
Getting to Marseille:
If you are coming from the USA - there aren’t any direct flights, but you can connect through many European cities such as Paris, London, Frankfurt, etc.
Arrive via train from Avignon (1-hour journey) or by car along the scenic Mediterranean coast. We highly recommend renting a car!
You can also fly into the Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), which is a 25-minute drive or taxi (or about a 30-40 minute bus ride) to the city center.
A Brief History of Marseille
Founded: 600 BC by Greek sailors from Phocaea
Roman Era: Key trade port for the Roman Empire, known by the Romans as Massalia
Medieval Times: Major trading hub and gateway to Europe
Modern Era: France’s largest port, known for its cultural diversity
Notable Sites: Fort Saint-Jean, Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, and Le Panier (the oldest neighborhood)
Quick-Overview: 36-Hour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Exploring the Heart of Marseille
Morning: Wander through Le Panier, Marseille's oldest quarter
Visit La Vieille Charité, a stunning 17th-century almshouse (now a cultural center and museum)
Explore the narrow lanes with vibrant street art and artisan shops as you wander back towards the port
Lunch: Enjoy fresh seafood at Chez Roger along the Vieux Port
Afternoon: Discover Fort Saint-Jean and walk across the bridge to MUCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations). If you have time check out Cathédrale La Major as well, a striking Cathedral near the MUCEM.
Evening: Take the Notre-Dame de la Garde sunset hike for panoramic city views
Dinner: Savor a traditional bouillabaisse (fish soup) or other seafood dishes at Chez Fonfon
Day 2: Coastal Adventures & Hidden Gems
Morning: Boat trip to the Calanques National Park — swim, hike, and explore the stunning limestone cliffs. This was one of our favorite activities!
Lunch: Dine by the water at Chez Aldo for fresh fish and Mediterranean views
Alternatively: grab some fresh food at a local market and head down to the beach for a picnic. Many have grills available, which makes for a great lunch option!
Afternoon: Visit the Château d’If, the legendary fortress-prison from The Count of Monte Cristo
Alternatively: Head to Plage du Prado and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the beach
Evening: Stroll along the Corniche Kennedy, enjoying views of the Mediterranean
Dinner: Try Les Trois Forts in the port if you are looking for upscale cuisine with breathtaking views and Provençal cuisine or try La Terrasse des Embruns Restaurant Pizzeria for more laid back pizza and pasta with amazing views.
Top Things to Do in Marseille
Vieux Port: The heart of Marseille with lively markets and picturesque boats.
Notre-Dame de la Garde: Panoramic views of the city and coastline.
Le Panier: The oldest neighborhood in Marseille, full of charm and history.
Calanques National Park: Stunning limestone cliffs with turquoise waters.
Château d’If: Famous fortress-prison with a captivating history.
Fort Saint-Jean: A historical site with views of the harbor and the Mediterranean.
MUCEM: The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations for art and history lovers.
Corniche Kennedy: A scenic coastal road perfect for sunset walks.
Old Charity Center (La Vieille Charité): A former almshouse turned cultural center with stunning architecture.
Cathédrale La Major: An iconic neo-Byzantine cathedral offering beautiful views of the port.
Abbaye Saint-Victor: One of the oldest sites in Marseille, with crypts and medieval architecture.
Cathédrale La Major
Top Restaurants and Bars
Chez Fonfon – Iconic Marseille dining with harbor views
Chez Aldo – Hidden gem for fresh, local seafood
Les Trois Forts – Fine dining with stunning views of the Vieux Port
La Caravelle – Cozy bar with live jazz and panoramic views
La Terrasse des Embruns Restaurant Pizzeria – A relaxed spot offering delicious wood-fired pizzas and seafood with stunning seaside views.
Boujou Coffee – A hip café known for its specialty brews and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a morning pick-me-up or a mid-day break.
Where to Stay
InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu: Luxury stay with unbeatable city views
Mama Shelter Marseille: Trendy boutique hotel with a rooftop bar
Hôtel la Résidence du Vieux-Port: Overlooks the bustling port with stunning sunset views
Mercure Marseille Canebière Vieux-Port: Located on the iconic La Canebière avenue, this hotel blends historic charm with modern comfort. Its convenient location near the Vieux Port and Marseille Saint-Charles train station makes it perfect for exploring the city.
We also recommend checking out a local VRBO or AirBNB
View from our VRBO
Favorite Day Tours
Here are some top-rated day trips to book via Viator or GetYourGuide:
Calanques Boat Tour – Discover the cliffs and turquoise waters of the Calanques
Château d’If & Frioul Islands – Explore the prison fortress and beautiful island beaches
Day tour around Provence – Take a guided tour around the Provence region
Plage du Bestouan
Marseille’s Hidden Gems
Vallon des Auffes – A picturesque fishing port with colorful boats and seaside restaurants
Cours Julien – A vibrant artsy neighborhood filled with graffiti, cafés, and markets
Les Goudes – A charming, secluded fishing village perfect for a sunset walk and fresh seafood
Palais Longchamp – A stunning 19th-century palace with gardens and fountains
L'Estaque: A quaint seaside village known for its artistic history and stunning coastal views, perfect for a quiet escape.
Favorite Beaches in Marseille
Plage des Catalans – A lively beach close to the city center with volleyball courts and snack bars.
Plage du Prado – The largest beach area in Marseille, known for its spacious sandy shores, family-friendly vibe, skate park, and water sports. A perfect spot for picnics and long beach walks. Our VRBO was located right next to this beach. We really enjoyed lounging on this beach!
Plage du Prophète – A local favorite with shallow waters, ideal for swimming and picnicking.
Calanque de Sormiou – Turquoise waters surrounded by dramatic cliffs, best reached by hiking or boat.
Plage du Prado
Things to Know Before You Go
Language: French (English is commonly spoken in tourist areas)
Currency: Euro (€)
Best Time to Visit: May to September for warm weather and clear skies
Getting Around: Marseille’s metro and tram system are easy to navigate, Uber is also widely available in Marseille
Safety Tip: Stick to well-lit areas in the evenings, especially around the port
Sea Temperature: The Mediterranean waters around Marseille can be surprisingly chilly, even in summer. If you plan to swim, consider a light wetsuit or be prepared for a brisk dip!
Beach Picnicking & Grilling: Picnicking is popular at Marseille’s beaches, especially at Plage du Prado and Plage des Catalans. Grilling is only permitted in designated areas, and local rules require proper disposal of waste. Be mindful of fire safety, especially during the summer when restrictions are tighter due to fire risks.
We recommend getting a local SIM card or buying an eSIM such as through Airalo (use code MATTHE6398 to get $3 off)
36 Magical Hours in Marseille
Whether you’re wandering through ancient forts, diving into the turquoise waters of the Calanques, or picnicking by the sea, Marseille offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and Mediterranean charm. In just 36 hours, you’ll feel the pulse of its vibrant streets and the warmth of its coastal air—leaving you longing to return.
If you have some more time in the area, be sure to drive down the gorgeous French Rivera coastline to Nice!
View of Marseille at night