The main attraction of Marseille is its unique atmosphere, but make time to explore the more sedate pleasures of this fascinating part of the Provence coast and you’ll unlock a wealth of treasures.
Mix the old with the new
Marseille’s focal point has always been its Old Port (Vieux Port) and it remains the case today, even if the trading ships have been replaced with pleasure craft.
Discover this picturesque area with a serene breakfast time stroll as the fishermen land the day’s catch for the morning fish market on the Quai des Belges. The quayside is lined with bars and cafés, perfect for an espresso as you watch the locals coming and going.
On the north side of the port is Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée (MuCEM), opened to huge acclaim when the city was named European Capital of Culture.
Standing next to the 17th-century Fort Saint-Jean, MuCEM is a genuinely world-class museum which charts the history of European and Mediterranean society through the ages, right up to the modern day.
Overlooking Marseille from the south side of the old port is the beautiful Romano-Byzantine church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, the city’s most visited sight. It’s topped by a 10-metre gold leaf statue of Virgin and Child, visible from everywhere in the city.
Taste Marseille’s most famous dish
As in the rest of Provence, the food in Marseille will be a big part of your stay. The city’s signature dish is bouillabaisse, which is well worth sampling while you’re here. The stock is served first as a soup, followed by a five-fish stew.
A good place to try this classic is at Chez Madie Les Galinettes, situated at the Vieux Port. This friendly, bustling restaurant also serves up other local specialities, such as the delicious daube beef in wine.
Take to the sea
The town of Cassis is only a few kilometres east of Marseille, but couldn’t be more different. This quintessentially charming Provençal seaside town is a sheer delight to explore, but don’t miss the chance to try a boat trip to the famous Calanques, the limestone cliffs and creeks of dazzling aquamarine water that stretch for 30 kilometres to the west of Cassis.
This is one of the most dramatic coastlines on the French Mediterranean and among the best day trips in the area. Buy your tickets at one of the many booths on Quai Saint-Pierre.
Marvel at this Mediterranean beauty
Make time for a visit to the classy and cultivated university city of Aix-en-Provence, once home to the artist Paul Cézanne. The main strip, the Cours Mirabeau, is the most elegant thoroughfare in southern France.
To the north of here is Vieil Aix, the Old Town, while to the south sits the remarkable Mazarin quarter, a grid of handsome 17th- and 18th-century townhouses.
For such a small city, Aix has some great shops. The highest concentration of designer boutiques can be found on Rue Granet. Also here is the Musée Granet, with its impressive collection of 19th-century art including works by Van Gogh, Monet and, of course, Cézanne.
Extend your visit and stop here for lunch at Le Bistrot, a classic French restaurant on Rue Campra, where you can tuck into home-made terrine and tartare de charolais (steak tartare).
Car hire in Marseille gives you the freedom to make your way around the city at your own pace, as well as the opportunity to venture further afield to explore more of this beautiful region of France.
