Marseille
فنادق Marseille الشهيرة
Marseille دليل المدينة
Marseille, also known as Marseilles, is a historic city in southeastern France. Founded around 600 BC by Greek settlers from Phocaea, it is the oldest city in France and one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements. Marseille is the second-largest city in France and is a major seaport located on the Gulf of Lion, west of the French Riviera.
Marseille is a vibrant city with a diverse population and a rich cultural heritage. The population of Marseille is approximately 870,321 inhabitants in the city and 1.8 million in the metropolitan area. The city offers a mix of cultures making it a dynamic and evolving urban center. With a strategic location on the Mediterranean Sea, Marseille has been a key player in European trade and maritime activities for centuries.
Where To Stay In Marseille?
Here’s a quick table of which areas in Marseille are great for tourists:
District | Best For | Best Attractions | Average Trip Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Old Port (Vieux Port) | Historic Charm Nightlife | Cours Saleya Palais Lascaris Nice Cathedral | Mid-Range |
Le Panier | History Lovers Museums | Mucem Museum of Illusions Musée Regards de Provence | Mid-Range |
La Joliette | Budget Accommodations | Mucem Cathédrale Basilique Sainte-Marie-Majeure Les Terrasses du Port | Budget to Mid-Range |
Cinq Avenues | Central Location | Parc Longchamp Palais Longchamp Musée des Beaux-Arts | Mid-Range |
L'Estaque | Budget Accommodations | L'Estaque Beach Château de l'Estaque Musée de la Céramique | Budget to Mid-Range |
Corniche-Roucas-Blanc | Budget Accommodations | Corniche Kennedy Plage des Catalans Vallon des Auffes | Budget to Mid-Range |
La Canebière-Thiers | Families | Opéra de Marseille Vieux-Port Centre Bourse Shopping Mall | Mid-Range |
La Plage-Prado | Families | Prado Beach Parc Borély Musée d'Art Contemporain | Mid-Range |
Young | Vieux Port | Le Panier Mucem Fort Saint-Jean | Mid-Range |
Rive Neuve | Young | La Canebière Opéra de Marseille Quartier des Antiquaires | Mid-Range |
Le Carré d'Or | Luxury Hotels Architecture | Palais de la Bourse Place aux Huiles Eglise Saint Ferreol les Augustins | Luxury |
Best Hotels in Marseille
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Hotel | District | Affordability | Why To Stay There? |
---|---|---|---|
InterContinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu | Vieux Port | Luxury | Located in a historic building with stunning views of the Vieux Port and the city skyline Features luxurious amenities, including a rooftop terrace, spa, and gourmet dining options |
Le Petit Nice Passedat | Anse de Maldorme | Luxury | 5-star hotel with a 3-star Michelin restaurant featuring sea views, located 3 km from Marseille city center, offering a bar, terrace and outdoor seawater swimming pool. |
Hôtel Maison Montgrand Vieux Port | Vieux Port | Mid-Range | 4-star hotel with rooms featuring a view of the Old Port, located near the Canebière and the Vieux Port metro station. |
Mercure Marseille Center Vieux Port | Vieux Port | Mid-Range | Adjacent to the WTC convention center and a short walk from the Vieux Port, offering a convenient location for business and leisure travelers Provides modern accommodations and easy access to the city's attractions and dining options |
Escale Oceania Marseille Vieux Port | Vieux Port | Budget | Centrally located on the famous Canebière, close to the Old Port and St. Charles Train Station Offers clean and comfortable accommodations with a Mediterranean garden and shaded outdoor patio |
Toyoko INN Marseille Saint Charles | Near Saint-Charles Train Station | Budget | Situated just a 5-minute walk from Marseille Saint Charles Train Station, offering a convenient location for travelers Provides comfortable rooms and free WiFi, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious guests |
Are you looking for more? You can find all the hotels in Marseille hotels here!
Best Attractions In Marseille
There are so many attractions in Marseille you
- Notre-Deme de la Garde Basilica: this Romanesque-Byzantine basilica is etched on a hilltop and offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.
- Le Panier: it is a historic district known for its narrow streets, colorful houses, and artistic vibe
- Vieux- Port: the heart of Marseille, the old port is a bustling harbor with a long history.
- MuCem (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations): this modern museum explores the history and cultures of the Mediterranean Basin.
- Calanques National Park: located just outside of Marseille, it offers a stunning natural area with dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and hidden coves.
- Chateau d’if: this small 16th-century fortress is located on a small island off the coast of Marseille.
Where Is Marseille Located?
Marseille is located in the south of France in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea in the southeastern part of the country, quite close to the border with Italy.
Is Marseille Safe For Visitors?
Marseille is generally safe for tourists, with precautions recommended to ensure a secure visit. Tourists should be cautious of petty crimes and scams, especially in crowded areas.
Is Marseille Expensive To Visit?
Marseille can be considered moderately priced for visitors. On average, a one-week trip to Marseille for one person can cost around $1,126. Visitors can enjoy Marseille without breaking the bank by planning wisely and choosing accommodations, dining, and activities that align with their budget.
Currency Of Marseille, France
The currency used in Marseille is the Euro which is officially used most in Europe.
Language Spoken In Marseille
The official language of France is French, and Marseille is no exception to this. With over 120,000 immigrants from the Maghreb region calling Marseille home, the city reflects a multicultural environment where you can hear Arabic and other languages.
Time Zone In Marseille
The time zone in Marseille, France is Central European Time (CET), with an offset of GMT+1.
How Many Days Are Enough To Visit Marseille?
It is suggested that travelers spend at least 3 days in Marseille to fully explore the city and its attractions.
Best Time To Visit Marseille
The best time to travel to the city is from September to November, as this period offers pleasant weather. This period is after the peak season (May to August), resulting in fewer crowds and more affordable rates on flights and accommodations.
What To Pack For Visiting Marseille?
- Breathable fabrics like cotton, shorts, skirts, and dresses
- Comfortable shoes, sandals, and extra socks
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Phone bag
- Essential toiletries
- First aid kit
- Anti-theft backpack
- Chargers
- Waterproof bag/luggage cover
Best Marseille Foods
Some of the best dishes to try in Marseille include:
- Bouillabaisse: A traditional Marseille dish made with a variety of seafood in a saffron-infused broth, known as the MVP of Marseille cuisine.
- Panisse: A chickpea-based snack resembling French fries, often served with aioli for a flavorful experience.
- Pastis: An anise-flavored apéritif that is popular in the south of France, offering a unique taste to end a meal in Marseille.
- Tapenade: A purée made from capers, anchovies, black olives, garlic, and olive oil, enjoyed as an appetizer with croutons or crostini.
- Navette: A traditional biscuit from Marseille, typically flavored with orange blossom water and shaped like a boat, making it a delightful local treat.
Marseille Nightlife
Marseille has a vibrant and diverse nightlife, offering a range of options for locals and visitors to enjoy. Some popular areas for nightlife are Marseille include Place Thiars, Cours Honore-d’Estienne-d’Orves in the Vieux Port, and Cours Julien, a square lined with cafés and bars west of the port.
Marseille has a dynamic live music and club scene, with venues like Bar de la Relevé, Café de la Plage, and Carry Nation offering unique experiences.
For those who love clubs, Le Bazar, Le Trolleybus, and New Cancan are popular choices, each offering a different atmosphere and music selection.