Melting pot Marseille

A few years ago, Marseille had a bit of a rough reputation. A lot has changed since then but Marseille will never be a polished, fancy like Saint Tropez or other cities along the Mediterranean coast. And that’s a good thing. Over the past few decades, the city has gone through a massive transformation, turning it into one of the most exciting destinations in southern France.

Marseille has always been a gateway to the world, a place where cultures meet, mix, and leave their mark. That makes it both raw and beautiful — full of contrasts, character, and energy.

Check out some of may travel tips for what to se and do in Marseille.

New Life at Le Vieux-Port

Marseille is France’s oldest city, founded by Greek sailors more than 2,600 years ago. Naturally, the harbor, le Vieux-Port has always been its beating heart. Today, this area has been completely transformed. Once plagued by traffic and neglect, it’s now a vibrant gathering spot filled with open-air cafés, fish stalls, and sailboats.

The iconic mirrored canopy, Ombrière, designed by architect Norman Foster, offers shade and reflects the life of the port below — a new landmark symbolizing Marseille’s rebirth.

Colourful Le Panier

Le Panier is the oldest part of Marseille and without a doubt, one of the most atmospheric. Its narrow, steep streets are lined with colorful houses, tiny cafés, art galleries, and local shops. The area has a rough past. It was once home to fishermen, immigrants, and factory workers living side by side but today it’s a creative melting pot. Everywhere you turn, you’ll find street art and graffiti bursting with life.

It’s easy to spend hours here, just wandering and discovering new murals or hidden alleys. There’s even a beautiful venue — a former monastery — that’s perfect for groups looking for a truly special setting for an event.

Just across the harbor from the Le Panier district, right by Le Vieux-Port, you’ll find one of Marseille’s liveliest outdoor areas. Here, restaurants and bars sit side by side, buzzing with life day and night. The square was once part of the old harbor where boats came to unload olive oil — which is why it’s now called Place aux Huiles, or “Oil Square.”

Notre-Dame de la Garde Watches Over the City

High above Marseille, on a hill overlooking both the city and the Mediterranean, stands the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde. It’s the city’s most famous landmark, affectionately called La Bonne Mère – “The Good Mother” – because she’s been watching over sailors and fishermen for generations.

Built in the 19th century in Neo-Byzantine style, the church is richly decorated with mosaics and gold. The view from up here is absolutely spectacular — this is one spot no visitor should miss.

You can get there by regular bus, or hop on the small tourist train or hop-on-hop-off bus. The ride itself, through narrow, winding streets, is quite the experience!

Utsikt over Marseille fra Notre Dame de la Garde

The Seaside and the Villages

Marseille is — or once was — made up of many small “villages” that have gradually merged into one big city. One of the most famous is Vallon des Auffes, located along the coastal road that stretches for miles out of the city.

Here, in a tiny cove packed with fishing boats and pastel-colored houses, locals and visitors gather at sunset for an apéritif before dinner. And dinner here often means just one thing: bouillabaisse, the tomato-based fish stew that originated in Marseille.

We tried it at Chez Fonfon, and both the restaurant and its setting in the little harbor were simply delightful.

Before dinner, we played a friendly game of pétanque — also known as boules — a typical southern French pastime. It’s perfect for a group of friends or colleagues looking for a relaxed team-building activity. Add some snacks, a French apéritif, and you’ve got the perfect mix of competition and camaraderie.

Other fun group activities include soap-making workshops. After all, Savon de Marseille is world-famous, and the scent of soap and lavender drifts out from almost every souvenir shop you pass.

Mucem and the Caves

In 2013, when Marseille was named European Capital of Culture, the city opened Mucem — the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations. The building itself is a masterpiece of modern architecture: a black cube wrapped in intricate latticework, connected to the old Fort Saint-Jean by footbridges over the sea.

Mucem offers a fascinating look at Mediterranean culture and history, and has become a symbol of the “new Marseille.” It’s also an excellent venue for conferences or elegant group dinners.

Next door, you’ll find something truly unique — the Cosquer Cave replica. The original underwater cave, discovered in the 1980s, contains prehistoric paintings but is now almost inaccessible. The replica lets visitors experience it in full detail, much like the Lascaux Caves in the Dordogne.

You can’t take photos inside — but that just adds to the magic. Knowing it’s a replica doesn’t spoil the experience one bit; it’s still absolutely fascinating.

Nature and the Sea

Just off the coast, a small group of islands can be reached by boat from Vieux-Port. The most famous is Île d’If, home to the fortress Château d’If, made legendary by The Count of Monte Cristo. Surrounding it are the Frioul Islands, with peaceful coves, walking trails, and small beaches — a quiet escape from the city bustle.

You can visit the prison itself or simply spend the day swimming and picnicking. Just check the weather before you go — even a bit of wind can cancel the boat trips.

Another must-see is the Calanques National Park, one of France’s most stunning natural areas. White limestone cliffs plunge into turquoise waters, hiding small, secluded beaches between them. You can explore the Calanques on foot, by boat, or even by kayak.

Montredon ved Marseille og Les Calanques

The seaside promenade runs for about 11 km, from central Marseille all the way to Montredon. It’s perfect for walking, running, or cycling, with beautiful views of coves, beaches, and grand old villas along the way.

Marseille also makes a great base for day trips inland or along the coast — to Aix-en-Provence or Cassis, for example.

Marseille – A City of Contrasts

Marseille isn’t a polished resort city. It’s real, raw, and alive — layered with history, culture, and soul. Here, you’ll find everything from the narrow alleys of Le Panier to the dramatic cliffs of the Calanques, from soap boutiques to cutting-edge museums. And of course, all of it comes with great French food, café culture, and a good dose of football passion.

It’s exactly these contrasts that make Marseille such a memorable destination.