Marseille in 4 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

Marseille is much more than France's second city. It is history, art and gastronomy. Four days in the city will allow you to take a leisurely stroll through the Old Port, lose yourself in unique neighbourhoods such as Le Panier or admire breathtaking landscapes such as the Calanques.

But you will also have time to visit its interesting museums, taste its delicious gastronomy and enjoy its lively nightlife. There are endless things to see and do in Marseille. Here is my suggestion so that you don't miss any of its attractions.

The first day in Marseille must be devoted to the Old Port and its surroundings. This is the real heart of the city.

A thousand-year-old heart, but in excellent health, as it is still a fundamental communications hub in the Mediterranean. The best way to discover it? With one of the tours of Marseille.

Fort Saint-Jean

This first day's tour starts at one end of the Old Port. The Fort Saint-Jean was the first guard and protector of the entrance to the city from the sea. A magnificent fort whose origins date back to the 12th century, although little remains of that period.

But if I recommend starting the visit at this fort it is not only because of its age, but also because it has been the protagonist and witness of great events. It was a defensive enclosure, a prison during the French Revolution and a powder magazine during the Second World War. To know its history is also to know the history of the city.

The Old Port

Before starting the tour of the Old Port of Marseille, a short stop to admire the Saint Laurent church. It dates from the same period as the Saint Jean fort and is the only medieval church still standing in the city.

From there, just walk along the avenue around the port. On one side you will see small fishing boats and sailing boats. On the other you will come across constructions such as the old Town Hall, a 17th century building. But what is really magical is the always lively atmosphere.

A little trick if you want to cross from one shore to the other: you don't have to go all the way round the port, there are small ferries that cross it every few minutes and which will save you a lot of walking. This is one of the shortest boat trips in Marseille, but also one of the most unique.

Le Canebière

Right in the middle of the port, Marseille's main artery is born. Le Canebière is an avenue lined with elegant buildings. It was built in the 17th century and you can admire some of the most beautiful buildings in Marseille, such as the Grand Théâtre, the Opera or the Hôtel Louvre et Paix. Take a look at the façade of the latter, it's truly spectacular.

By the way, if you're a fan of shopping, this is one of Marseille's shopping arteries. And if you're hungry at this point in the day, you'll find plenty of restaurants where you can try some typical delicacies.

The best way to enjoy traditional gastronomy is to go on one of the culinary tours of Marseille. But if you want to try it on your own, I recommend bouillabaisse, which is a fish soup; poupeton, a fish soufflé; or aioli, made with cod and vegetables.

Island and Château d'If

For the next visit, go back to the port and board a boat that will take you to the island of If. It's just outside the port and you're sure to have heard of it. Here stands a castle that was once a terrifying prison. If you have read The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, you can get an idea of what life was like for the prisoners there.

A curiosity: the lower class prisoners were kept in cells on the ground floor that had no light. But just a stone's throw away, prisoners of the nobility enjoyed cells with windows and fireplaces. Incidentally, if you look closely, inscriptions made by the prisoners are still preserved in some places.

National Theatre of Marseille and Saint-Victor Abbey

Back in the Old Port, there are still places to discover. Continuing along the avenue that surrounds it, you will pass the Soap Museum. It is housed in a historic soap factory. Inside you will learn how soap is made and see a unique collection of soaps.

A little further on you will see the building that used to house the wholesale fish market. Today, its iron and glass façade hides the National Theatre of Marseille, better known as La Criée (the auction).

You won't have to walk far to reach the Abbey of Saint-Victor. It is one of the oldest monuments in Marseille. It is unmistakable because of its thick walls and ramparts, which give it the appearance of a castle. It is said that the city's martyrs, including Saint Victor, are buried here.

Fort Saint Nicolas

The visit of this first day in Marseille ends on the opposite side of the port from where it began. Situated opposite the fort of Saint-Jean, it also had a defensive character, but against the Marseillais themselves in times of revolt. The views of the port from here are marvellous.

Afterwards, there is nothing like relaxing and dining in the port itself. There are a number of establishments here, such as Le Bouchon Provençal, where you can try traditional local food, or Une Table au Sud, with a more innovative menu. But if you prefer, there are also bistros and traditional taverns where you can dine in luxury.

On the second day of your visit to Marseille, the port remains the main attraction as there is still plenty to see in the surrounding area. However, the day will end a bit far away from it.

Museum of the Civilisations of Europe and the Mediterranean

Our recommendation for the start of the day is to return to the Fort Saint-Jean, but to visit the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations, the MuCEM. It is a really interesting educational space, making it one of the best things to do in Marseille with children.

The museum was built to mark the city's European Capital of Culture in 2013. It houses a fabulous archaeological collection and hosts interesting exhibitions, meetings and cultural events. It is therefore one of the best museums in Marseille. By the way, don't miss its terrace, the views of the city are spectacular.

Marseille Cathedral

Its fabulous silhouette stands out like a lighthouse in the lower part of Marseille. Known as La Major, it is unmistakable for its neo-Byzantine architecture, which has nothing to do with that of other French cathedrals. From the outside you will certainly be struck by its domes, as well as the Carrara marble and the green Florentine stone in horizontal stripes.

But my advice is that you should not just take that image for granted and go inside the church. The height of its central nave will take your breath away. And there are many treasures to discover. Take a look at the marble high altar and the mosaics, they are spectacular. Before leaving, a curiosity: it was Napoleon himself who laid the first stone of the cathedral.

Le Panier and the Vieille Charité

Just behind the cathedral and the port lies a labyrinth of narrow streets and stairways flanked by old Provençal-style buildings. This is Le Panier, the old fishermen's quarter, a space that was degraded a few years ago and is now one of the most picturesque and multicultural places in Marseille.

My advice is to walk through it at your own pace because you will be surprised. It's a lively neighbourhood with a hipster feel to it. Here you' ll discover an infinite number of artisan shops, art galleries, curious graffiti and countless bars and restaurants where you can recharge your batteries and sample cuisine not only from Marseille but from all over the world.

And inside you'll find one of Marseille's must-see monuments: the Vieille Charité. For centuries, this 16th century building offered help to the most needy. Today it is a multicultural space that houses two museums and which I recommend you visit if you have time.

Longchamp Palace and gardens

To end the day, I recommend you to go a little further away from the port. The Palais de Longchamp is a beautiful half-arched building with a baroque air. Its colonnade, the fountain that rises from it and its waterfall form one of the most beautiful images of Marseille.

The palace houses two museums: the Fine Arts Museum and the Natural History Museum. You can visit them, they are really interesting. Or you can stroll through the gardens behind the palace, which are a real oasis.

The Longchamp Palace has a curious history. The reason for its construction was to celebrate the end of the construction of the Durance canal, which brought drinking water to the heart of the city. Hence the magnificent fountain that decorates it.

On the third day in Marseille you can head a little further out of the centre to discover some truly fascinating sights, many of them overlooking the Mediterranean. To start the day, you can hop on one of Marseille' s tourist buses and arrive at the foot of what will be the starting point of your visit.

Notre-Dame de La Garde

If you want to enjoy the best view of Marseille, you must go up to the basilica of Notre-Dame de La Garde. From its esplanade you will see the city and the whole bay. It is not for nothing that it was built on the highest point in Marseille, almost 150 metres above sea level.

It is an elegant and slender basilica, with neo-Byzantine architecture, in the style of the city's cathedral. It was built in the 19th century, although its origins go back even further, as it stands on the site of a medieval chapel. And take a look at the bronze statue of the Virgin that crowns it, it is no less than nine metres high.

Now a word of advice: if you can, come back at sunset. You will be able to see two fantastic spectacles. On the one hand, one of the most beautiful sunsets over the Mediterranean. On the other, you will see how the white and green of the façade changes colour and how the sculpture of the Virgin shines like a lighthouse.

The Corniche

After seeing the panoramic view from the basilica, you have to go down to sea level. The Corniche is a beautiful scenic promenade that runs for five kilometres parallel to the coast. Think it will be strenuous? Don't worry, here is the longest bank in the world, at no less than three kilometres long.

The Corniche is worth a walk at any time of the year, but it's one of the best things to do in Marseille in summer. The reason? You can take the opportunity to take a dip in one of its beaches.

It is precisely on one of these beaches, Les Catalans, that you will find the Marseille Underwater Museum. If you like diving into the depths and are looking for things to do in August in Marseille, include it in your plans. The ten sculptures hidden five metres underwater are spectacular.

And a little tip: don't miss Vallon des Auffes. It is a small fishing port that still retains its traditional air, with small boats moored and fishermen's houses painted in bright colours. It is one of the most charming spots in Marseille.

Lighthouse Palace

To end the day, the best thing to do is to return to the heart of the city and admire the panoramic view from the Palais du Faro. You'll see the Old Port, the forts of Saint-Jean and Saint-Nicolas, the cathedral and the north coast of Marseille.

This is undoubtedly one of the best postcards you can take away with you from Marseille. And if you still have enough energy left, enjoy the night, the port is one of the liveliest places in the city. You'll find plenty of bars and nightclubs on Quai Rive Neuve and Place aux Huiles.

If you are staying in Marseille for four days, you can leave the last day for one of the excursions in Provence from Marseille. They are worth it because you will discover places full of charm.

The Calanques

The Calanques National Park is one of the most unique natural treasures in the south of France and is very close to Marseille. It is a 20-kilometre stretch of coastline where beautiful coves are hidden between huge rocky walls.

Some of the best cycling tours in Marseille take place here. But you can also explore it on foot or even from the sea, on a boat trip.

Cassis and Aix-en-Provence

You can visit them on the same day with a guided tour, but you can also visit them separately. The truth is that each of these places is special. Cassis for its seafaring flavour, its charming harbour and beaches where you can spend a few hours relaxing in the warmer months.

Cassis is a charming little town. You will fall in love with its squares, its palaces, its fountains and its markets. All the charm of Provence comes together here, because all around the city you will see lavender fields and vineyards.

By the way, this Aix-en-Provence, as well as being the historical capital of Provence, is also the city where Paul Cezànne was born. If you like art, you will discover his imprint in countless corners.

Avignon

The papal city is not far from Marseille. Here you can visit the largest Gothic palace in Europe, the unfinished bridge that inspired a famous nursery rhyme and other architectural treasures such as the cathedral and the ramparts.

The train connection between Marseille and Avignon is very good and you can visit the city on your own, but I recommend a guided tour. Why? Because not only will you discover this beautiful city, the tours usually include a stop in Chatenauneuf du Pape, where you can immerse yourself in the wine tradition of the area.

Luberon

The Luberon Natural Park is a natural area of great value. It is also home to some of the most beautiful villages in France. Villages perched on rocky promontories and offering spectacular views. A tour of these villages will give you a taste of the real Provençal essence.

Guided tours usually stop at three of these charming villages: Gordes, Loumarin and Roussillon. Here, wonderful markets await you, where you can buy some typical Provençal products to take home.

Other excursions from Marseille

The list of places to visit from Marseille is enormous. It all depends on your particular tastes. One of the best things to do in June in Marseille is to visit the lavender fields. They are in bloom until mid-July.

And if you like art and history, I recommend a visit to Arles, where you can admire a magnificent Roman amphitheatre. Vincent van Gogh lived in Arles and Saint-Remy and you can enjoy the landscapes and places that inspired him.