Discover Marseille through its different facets: its historic harbor, architecture and collections, as well as trails through the land areas of Parc national des Calanques. When choosing accommodation, it helps to first decide what kind of stay you want: do you want to focus on the city’s history, are you mainly interested in museums, or would you also like to make time for the coast? The sights offer different ways to shape your visit.
Harbor and city history
The Vieux-Port is considered the historic heart of Marseille and was founded by the Greeks more than 2,600 years ago. You can stroll along the quays or take a ride on the Ferry Boat. Boat operators also offer trips to the Calanques de Marseille from the Vieux-Port. This means that a stroll, a Ferry Boat ride and a trip on the water are all different options at the harbor.
Fort Saint-Jean brings together further chapters of the city’s history. Archaeological excavations there uncovered remains of Marseille’s first Greek settlement, dating from the 6th century BC. The fort was fully restored and has been incorporated into the Mucem since 2013. From its ramparts, you can look out towards the Vieux-Port, La Major Cathedral, the Mucem and across the Mediterranean. The fort is also home to the Jardin des migrations: a landscaped sensory promenade featuring plants from various Mediterranean regions.
Museums: the Mediterranean, art and natural history
The Mucem focuses its ethnographic collections on Europe and the Mediterranean region. It is spread across three locations: J4, Fort Saint-Jean and the conservation and resource center. Its focus on Europe and the Mediterranean offers a different perspective from the art and natural history collections at the Palais Longchamp.
The Musée des Beaux-Arts at the Palais Longchamp displays works from the 16th to the 19th century. Also at the Palais Longchamp, the Muséum d'histoire naturelle makes its natural history collections available to the public and the scientific community. These include zoology, osteology, prehistory and Provence. Visitors can choose between different types of collections: works of art spanning several centuries or natural history topics.
Calanques: trails and seasonal conditions
RTM buses provide access from Marseille to several entrances to Parc national des Calanques, including Sormiou and Sugiton. Check routes and stops before setting out. Trails in the land areas of the park let you explore these areas on foot. You should also check access conditions and fire restrictions before setting off.
Swimming is possible at Sormiou Beach. The beach is supervised only in summer and has a lifeguard station; check access conditions before visiting as well. This seasonal restriction is important to keep in mind when planning: a beach visit and a walk on the park’s trails are different activities, each subject to the relevant current conditions.
Discover more destinations: 13th arrondissement, Bouc-Bel-Air, Carnoux, Orgon, Aurons, Gardanne, Mallemort, Aigues-Mortes.
For the broader travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.
