HOW TO SPEND ONE DAY IN MARSEILLE: A GUIDE FOR CRUISERS

If your cruise is stopping in the south of France, this blog post will tell you everything you need to know about how to spend one day in Marseille, from how to get there to what to do once you arrive.

Marseille is one of the most popular cruise ports in France and welcomes countless visitors each year. This was our first time visiting, and we planned our day in great detail. Keep reading to find out how you can make the most of your day in Marseille!

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HOW TO REACH MARSEILLE FROM THE PORT

Marseille’s cruise port isn’t within walking distance of the city center, at least from the cruise terminal for the large cruise ships. But it’s not too far and is quite easy to reach. We arrived with MSC, and their terminal is a bit farther from the main part of the port. However, that wasn’t a problem at all. We had two options: the first was to buy a shuttle bus pass for 14 euros per person, which takes you directly to Marseille Cathedral and brings you back to the port later.

The second option, and the one we chose, was to take a 15-minute walk to the port entrance, where a free city shuttle bus departs. It drops you off right next to the shopping center Les Terrasses du Port, and from there, you can easily continue on foot into the city. You can also take a taxi if you prefer, but honestly, it’s not really necessary!

IS MARSEILLE WORTH VISITING?

Marseille is an interesting city, it’s quite different from most other stops on typical Mediterranean cruises. It’s full of history, culture, and seaside charm, so there’s definitely something worth seeing for everyone. The architecture is stunning, and the streets are lively and full of character.

I have to admit, I wasn’t overly impressed during our visit, but I know plenty of people who absolutely loved the city. I think the cold weather and heavy clouds really affected our experience, and I’m sure Marseille looks completely different and much more exciting during the summer. We only got about an hour of sunshine during our stay and that was definitely the best hour of the day!

WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN ONE DAY IN MARSEILLE

Book the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

When you only have a few hours in the city, it’s important to make the most of your time. We decided to book the Hop-On Hop-Off bus to save time walking between landmarks and to learn more about Marseille. Tickets cost 23 euros per person, and I’d say it’s worth it. The buses run frequently, and the audio guide is interesting and informative.

We did several laps around the city, so we definitely got our money’s worth! The first stop is at the Old Port, right after the Le Petit Train, which is another option for getting around. However, a one-way ticket on the train costs 10 euros, so the bus is better value if you plan to see multiple spots.

Visit the Notre-Dame de la Garde

Marseille has its own Notre-Dame! This iconic basilica is situated atop a hill, overlooking the entire city. You can see it from almost anywhere in Marseille, and to reach it, you can hike, drive, or take the bus or small tourist train. We got off our bus at a nearby stop and only had a few minutes of climbing to reach the church.

If you decide to climb all the way from the city itself, be prepared for a challenging hike. The basilica is currently under construction, so some areas are restricted, but the panoramic views of Marseille and the coastline are still absolutely breathtaking. After visiting the basilica, we made our way back down into the city to continue exploring!

Stroll through the Vallon des Auffes Port

Once we were back in the city, we took a stroll around the Vallon des Auffes Port. This charming and peaceful fishing harbor is located near Marseille’s coastline. It’s a small area where you can wander, enjoy the views of colorful boats gently bobbing in the calm water, and admire the traditional stone houses lining the quay. It’s an incredibly picturesque setting, and probably even more charming in the sun than in the weather we had. The port is perfect for a relaxing walk, photography, or enjoying fresh seafood at one of the seaside restaurants!

Enjoy the Catalans Beach

Catalans Beach is the most popular beach in Marseille, and it’s worth a visit no matter the season. Located close to the Old Port, it’s perfect for a quick swim, sunbathing, or a walk along the promenade. It wasn’t ideal for us since it was quite cold, but in the summer months, it’s a great spot to relax after a day of exploring, with plenty of cafés and snack bars nearby. The beach is lovely in the morning and stunning at sunset, but be prepared for crowds if you’re visiting during the summer evenings!

Walk around the Pharo Palace

Not far from the beach, you’ll find the Pharo Palace, a striking 19th-century building originally built for Napoleon III’s wife, Empress Eugénie. Today, it functions as a conference center, so the interior isn’t very exciting, but the gardens and views make it well worth a visit.

The palace gardens offer some of the best panoramic views of the Old Port, the Mediterranean Sea, and the city skyline, so it’s perfect for photos or a relaxing stroll. The gardens are open to public and feature terraces, fountains, and shaded paths, so it’s a great place to escape the crowds.

Walk through Old Port (Vieux-Port)

The old ports are often the most charming parts of any city, and Marseille is no exception. The Old Port, or Vieux-Port, is the lively heart of the city and an absolute must-see. It’s very easy to reach and located right in the center, so you really can’t miss it.

The harbor is lined with colorful fishing boats, yachts, cafés, and restaurants and it’s a perfect place to sit down for a meal, grab a coffee, or simply stroll along the quays. You’ll see fishermen selling their fresh catch in the mornings and ferries departing for different points around Marseille, including the Calanques National Park. The Old Port truly captures the energy, character, and charm that make Marseille so unique, and we really enjoyed it!

Explore Le Panier District

Le Panier is Marseille’s oldest neighborhood and one of its most charming areas, full of history and character. Visiting this lively district during our few sunny hours was truly one of the highlights of our trip. The narrow, winding streets there are lined with colorful houses, artisan shops, and amazing street art. Together, they all create a lively and authentic local atmosphere.

It’s a wonderful place to wander around, pick up some souvenirs, and sit down for a drink while enjoying the everyday life of Marseille. The neighborhood’s most famous landmark is La Vieille Charité, a stunning 17th-century building that now houses museums and exhibitions. It’s absolutely lovely and probably my favorite sight in the entire city!

Visit the Cathedral of Marseille (Cathédrale La Major)

Finally, on our way back to the port we visited the stunning Cathedral of Marseille, or Cathédrale La Major. This beautiful building is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a striking example of Byzantine-Roman style architecture. Its striped marble exterior is absolutely gorgeous, and the interior is filled with detailed mosaics and beautiful chapels. It’s located quite close to Le Panier and the Old Port, so it’s very easy to reach, and it’s definitely a must-visit for anyone who loves architecture, art, or cultural heritage. The entrance is free!

If you’ve got more time…

If you have more than one day in Marseille, or if you skipped some of the places I mentioned earlier, there are a couple more sights I’d really recommend checking out.

The first one is Palais Longchamp, a gorgeous 19th-century monument surrounded by gardens and fountains. It’s home to the Fine Arts Museum and the Natural History Museum, but even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth visiting just to admire the architecture and relax in the park. It’s a lovely spot for a peaceful walk or to take some beautiful photos.

The second one is Calanques National Park, located just outside Marseille. This area is absolutely stunning, filled with dramatic limestone cliffs, clear waters, and hiking trails that lead to hidden coves and beaches. You can visit by boat or hike through the park, and it’s one of the most beautiful natural spots in southern France. If you have more time in the city, this one is a must!

CONCLUSION: ONE DAY IN MARSEILLE

Marseille is quite an interesting city to visit, even if you only have one day. You can see so much just by walking around, from the lively Old Port and the colorful Le Panier district to the stunning Cathedral of Marseille. The mix of history, culture, and beautiful sea views makes it a really special place. I’d definitely come back during summer to experience it in nicer weather!