A 10-Day Itinerary in Marseille

  • Day 1: Explore Old Port
    20 minutes (7km) from Marseille Airport

    Start your day by exploring the Vieux-Port, the old port of Marseille, a picturesque spot lined with boats, cafes and restaurants. We recommend taking a walking tour to get to know the history and surroundings of this vibrant port, including the Fish Market, Fort Saint-Jean and the Pharo Palace.

  • Day 2: The Calanques National Park
    30 minutes (8km) from Marseille

    A full-day trip to the Calanques National Park, an area of exceptional natural beauty, is a must-do. We recommend visiting the rocky inlets by boat or on foot, swimming in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean and enjoying a relaxing picnic under the sun.

  • Day 3: Chateau d'If
    30 minutes (8km) from Calanques National Park

    The Chateau d'If is an impressive fortress located on the island of If, just 20 minutes by boat from the Old Port. We recommend visiting this location steeped in history, made famous by the novel "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas.

  • Day 4: MuCEM
    15 minutes (4km) from Chateau d'If

    The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations (MuCEM) is a cultural hub that offers extensive exhibits on the history of the Mediterranean basin. We recommend taking a guided tour in the afternoon, and then enjoying the sunset over the Old Port from the rooftop terrace

  • Day 5: Saint-Victor Abbey
    20 minutes (7km) from MuCEM

    The Saint-Victor Abbey is a historic gem that showcases the incredible architecture and art of medieval times. We recommend taking a guided tour to discover the history, legends and secrets of this iconic landmark.

  • Day 6: Notre-Dame de la Garde
    30 minutes (8km) from Saint-Victor Abbey

    A trip to Marseille would not be complete without visiting the iconic Notre-Dame de la Garde. We recommend taking a bus or walking to the top of the hill to witness breathtaking views of the city and the sea.

  • Day 7: Longchamp Palace
    15 minutes (4km) from Notre-Dame de la Garde

    The Palais Longchamp is a historic monument nestled in a lush park featuring beautiful gardens and fountains. We recommend visiting the art and natural history museums, then stopping to enjoy a picnic in the park.

  • Day 8: History of Marseille City Tour
    20 minutes (7km) from Palais Longchamp

    Explore the history of Marseille on a guided tour that takes you on a journey through the city’s past, including the Jewish district, the Cours Julien street art quarter and the historic Panier district.

  • Day 9: Luminy & Sugiton Beaches
    30 minutes (10km) from Old Port

    The Luminy campus is a beautiful area of Marseille that is worth a visit, with panoramic views of the sea and the hills. We recommend visiting the nearby Calanques de Sugiton beach to soak up the sun and enjoy the clear waters of the Mediterranean.

  • Day 10: Marseille Opera
    20 minutes (7km) from Sugiton Beaches

    End your trip by experiencing the magic of the opera in Marseille's historical opera house. We recommend taking a backstage tour before enjoying the show, then ending your day with a dinner in a nearby restaurant.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • The Fish Market (1 hour, £13)
  • Boat tour to the Calanques National Park (6 hours, £45)
  • Boat trip to Chateau d'If (3 hours, £25)
  • Guided tour of MuCEM (2 hours, £18)
  • Guided tour of Saint-Victor Abbey (1.5 hours, £12)
  • Bus ticket to Notre-Dame de la Garde (30 min, £2)
  • Art and Natural History Museums (3 hours, £15)
  • History of Marseille City Tour (2.5 hours, £20)
  • Beach visit (4 hours, free)
  • Opera House show (3 hours, £40)
  • Total Estimated Costs: £190

Transportation

To get around Marseille, we recommend using public transportation, such as buses and the metro, as it's affordable and convenient. There is also a bike-sharing service called Le Velo, and taxis are readily available. For getting to and from the airport, you can take a shuttle bus or a taxi, which costs around £25 and takes about 20 minutes.

Useful Tips

If you have more time in Marseille, we recommend visiting the island of Frioul, which is known for its stunning cliffs and crystal clear waters. If you have less time, we suggest skipping the Luminy campus and Sugiton Beach but still visiting the Old Port, Vieux Panier, and Notre-Dame de la Garde for a true Marseille experience.

Airports

Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) is located approximately 27 km northwest of the city. It is the fifth busiest airport in France and offers connections to various European cities, as well as flights to North Africa and the Middle East.

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