Marseille is known for offering numerous fun and engaging activities, being the multicultural hub of the country of France. From hiking in the Calanques National Park to exploring street art, there are all kinds of things for you to do here. So, you can spend your time experiencing a local fish market, admire Brutalist architecture, and do numerous interesting things in the city of Marseille.
- Buy Some Fresh Produce from the Markets
Le Vieux Port or the Old Port should be a part of the list of places you visit on a trip to Marseille. If you want to make the most of your visit, you need to get an early start to your day. Try to get to the port by 8 am because that is when the fishermen are bringing in their catch for the day to the fish market, on the Quai des Belges. Reaching there early allows you to have the opportunity of witnessing some of the most incredible catches. However, since the market stays open till 1 pm, you can go there later too.
You can also visit Noailles Market, also referred to as the Capucins Market, located in close proximity. This market is famously an explosion of lively aromas and colors, with stalls packed with spices, North African delicacies, and fruits. Be sure to take a selfie under the majestic steel mirror of Sir Norman Foster, as it provides the shade you require on the 300 sunny days that this city has each year. Next, you could walk along the harbor, eat some ice cream, or even indulge yourself in a crepe, while you watch the boats come and go.
- Discover the Surrounding Islands and Forts
The Count of Monte Cristo was written by Alexandre Dumas, a local novelist, with views of Château d’If in mind. This is the fortress where the hero in the novel, Edmond Dantes, plans his revenge after being unfairly imprisoned. In real life, people considered to be enemies of the state were imprisoned here, as the currents are strong enough to discourage escape. You can take a boat from the Vieux Port to here on all days, except for Monday, to take a twenty-minute ride to this stunning fortress.
If you want to continue your trip, you could continue on towards Frioul, a calm island nature reserve. It will take you an additional half an hour. There are numerous rocky bays on Frioul for you to explore, as well as numerous restaurants for you to have a peaceful lunch in. Just be sure to wear sturdy shoes.
- Make a Climb to the Top of the Basilique
The Basilica is one of the most well-known buildings in Marseille. It was completed in the year 1864 and sits at the top of the highest point in the city. Locally referred to as ‘La Bonne Mere’, the impressive statue of the Virgin Mary watches over the entire town from the top of the belltower. It especially keeps an eye on the sailors.
Those who have made the trip to the top of the hill say that it is definitely worthwhile to make the journey on foot. However, you can also get on the gentle train that leaves from Le Vieux Port. Enjoy the photo-worthy and panoramic views of the Mediterranean and Byzantine-Roman architecture.
- Hike the Calanques National Park
Between Cassis, the town located along the Cote d’Azur, and Marseilles, sits the most stunning national park in all of France. The word ‘Calanques’ has originated from the local Occitan language, which means inlet. Over millions of years, an inlet is what has formed amongst the limestone cliffs at the park. Cycling or hiking are two of the best ways to experience this national park as a whole, while only making stops for lunch at one of the several restaurants sitting in the bays. You could also opt for a picnic after taking a swim. On your way back to the city, you can head to Les Goudes, a small fishing enclave, popularly referred to as ‘the end of the world’.
- Admire Street Food and Urban Art in Cours Julien
Cours Julien is one of the most vibrant places where you can be when it comes to the nightlife of this city. There are diverse restaurants here, which allow you to get a taste of the plentiful food being sold here, ranging from Lebanese, Algerian, Indian, and Somalian. Grab a beer and sit down at a bistro to enjoy the street art, as well as independent craft shops. This allows you to support local fashion designers and artists.
- Explore the Palais Longchamp
Back in the 19th century, cholera had led to widespread deaths throughout the city of Marseille. At the time, the leaders of the city had come up with a plan to construct more than 85 kilometers of aqueducts to receive fresh water from the Durance River, located nearby.
This majestic place, Palace Longchamp, was initially built to celebrate the feat but is now also home to the Museum of Fine Arts and Natural History Museum. You can lounge here on the weekends, especially in the surrounding park as you listen to a summer concert. A faux zoo is also located here, which has plaster glass tigers and elephants, which was made to replace the actual one that was shut down back in the 1980s.
Marseille is a wonderful city with lively nightlife and amazing street art and food. There are numerous activities that you can take part in here, which is why you should try all the things mentioned above to get a good taste of this multicultural city. Be sure to take many pictures while you are visiting and enjoy the many views this place has to offer. So, what are you waiting for? You are wasting precious time by not booking your tickets to Marseille right away!
