Marseille France
Country: France · Region: Western Mediterranean · Currency: Euro
Marseille is France's second-largest city and largest Mediterranean port, with a rich multicultural history dating back to 600 BC. Cruise passengers will find dramatic coastal scenery, historic neighborhoods, and vibrant markets within easy reach of the Vieux Port.
Top sights
Vieux Port (Old Harbour), Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde, Le Panier (old town), Calanques, Mucem, Abbey of Saint Victor
Things to do
- Vieux Port
- The iconic old harbor where you can watch fishermen selling their stock by auction, offering a must-see Marseille experience.
- Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde
- A grand church overlooking the city with boat models hanging inside and one of the nicest views of Marseille from its location.
- Le Panier
- Marseille's historical old town center characterized by narrow and steep streets, easily accessed from the Vieux Port.
- Mucem
- The first French national museum outside of Paris featuring large permanent and temporary exhibitions with architecture mixing contemporary and historic elements.
Beaches
- Calanques
- A natural area of big cliffs falling into the sea accessible via boat tours and mini-cruises from the port.
- Parc Borély
- A large park containing Château Borély located 300 meters from the sea with restaurants and bars at Escale Borely for sunset views.
Where to eat
- Noailles market
- A colorful market filled with Arabic and Indo-Chinese shops offering an authentic multicultural food experience.
- Escale Borely
- A place with numerous restaurants and bars on the beach at Parc Borély offering sunset views.
Bars and nightlife
- Escale Borely
- Beach bars and restaurants at Parc Borély offering drinks and sunset views over the sea.
Forecast for Marseille
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Weather in Marseille by month
Averages from 2015 to 2024, not a forecast. Within about two weeks of a date, the live forecast above is the one to trust.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rainfall | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 52°F | 42°F | 1.6 in | 6 |
| February | 55°F | 43°F | 1.9 in | 7 |
| March | 58°F | 46°F | 1.8 in | 6 |
| April | 63°F | 50°F | 2.2 in | 7 |
| May | 69°F | 56°F | 1.9 in | 7 |
| June | 77°F | 65°F | 1.0 in | 5 |
| July | 83°F | 69°F | 0.2 in | 2 |
| August | 83°F | 68°F | 1.0 in | 3 |
| September | 76°F | 63°F | 2.2 in | 6 |
| October | 69°F | 57°F | 3.5 in | 9 |
| November | 60°F | 49°F | 3.3 in | 9 |
| December | 55°F | 44°F | 2.0 in | 7 |
Getting around
Use the metro, trams, or buses (RTM transit system with 10-journey tickets at €15) from the port, or take ferries across the Old Harbour or to nearby areas like L'Estaque and Les Goudes.
What to eat
Browse the Noailles quarter for Arabic and Indo-Chinese shops, or visit the Plaine market on Thursday and Saturday mornings near Place Jean Jaurès for local produce and deals.
Tips
Avoid driving in the city center due to chaotic traffic and one-way streets; stick to public transport and the excellent le vélo bike-hire scheme (€1 weekly subscription, first 30 minutes free per ride).
Best for
History, culture, Mediterranean views
More ports in Western Mediterranean
Ajaccio · Barcelona · Cadiz · Cagliari · Cannes · Cartagena (Spain) · Florence and Pisa (Livorno) · Genoa · Ibiza · La Spezia · Malaga · Messina · Monte Carlo · Naples · Palermo · Palma de Mallorca · Rome (Civitavecchia) · Salerno · Sorrento · Toulon · Valencia · Valletta · Villefranche