What to see in Marseille in one day? What to not miss in Marseille ?
This week, we’re heading to the south of France to learn what to see in Marseille in one day! Is Marseille worth visiting ? The answer is definitely yes ! Here are the eight things to visit in Marseille if you come to explore the Phocaean city.
After rediscovering the nearby calanques of Cassis, I had wanted to return to Marseille for a long time, having only ever passed through briefly before. Bustling, bright, and sometimes disconcerting, Marseille is, I think, a city that you either love or hate. For my part, I really enjoyed wandering through its streets and discovering, with my eyes wide open, all the treasures it has to offer.
So, if you want to know what to see in Marseille in one day, here are the 8 essential stops on my Marseille’s day itinerary! I’ll present them in geographical order so you can easily follow my route if you ever visit Marseille.
WHAT TO SEE IN MARSEILLE IN ONE DAY : PRACTICAL TIPS TO VISIT
How to get to Marseille ?
By car: Marseille is located 3 hours from Lyon and 7 hours from Paris.
By train: Marseille is only 1 hour 40 minutes from Lyon and 3 hours from Paris. The train station is located in the city center, making it easy to explore many of Marseille’s neighborhoods, such as the Panier district, which is right next door.
By plane: the nearest airport is Marseille-Provence, 25 minutes from Marseille city center. It is served by all airlines, with daily connections to the largest French cities.
Where to stay in Marseille ?
Here are several accommodation suggestions depending on your budget and the area where you prefer to stay.
Find your hotel in Marseille !
3 recommended accomodations to visit Marseille in one day
LE LOFT DU PANIER
- In the heart of Panier
- Beautiful view
- From 130€
LA RÉSIDENCE DU VIEUX-PORT
- Breathtaking view
- In the center of town
- From 180€
LE CLOS DU JAS
- Quiet and green
- Beautiful B&B
- From 100€
How to get around in Marseille in one day ?
Visiting Marseille by car is not very practical, as it is very complicated in the city center! So if you don’t mind walking a bit, it’s easy to get around on foot, but it can be more complicated in a day!
I walked a lot and also used the bike-sharing service. The bikes work very well for covering slightly longer distances (especially to get to the Corniche or the Docks). You need to take out a $1 subscription, and the first 30 minutes of each trip are free. There are stations all over the city!
If you still want to rent a car to visit Marseille and its surroundings, don’t hesitate to compare prices on Discovercars!
Compare car rentals to find the best price!
How much time to visit Marseille ?
You can easily visit Marseille in one day with these eight must-see attractions, but allow yourself a weekend to really enjoy the city and, why not, take a boat trip.
#1 TO SEE IN MARSEILLE IN ONE DAY : “LE PANIER” DISTRICT
The first stop on my day in Marseille was the Panier district, a few minutes’ walk from the train station. This charming village with its Provençal colors was a real favorite! Away from the hustle and bustle of the city—which you can’t hear at all—Le Panier remains calm and enchanting, perched on a hill overlooking the sea. This is also where the Phocaean city originated!
It’s very pleasant to stroll through its pretty, tall and sometimes narrow streets, which are reminiscent of both Provençal and Italian influences. I particularly like the atmosphere of these southern towns (a bit like in Old Nice!). Their warm-colored facades, the laundry hanging from the windows, the Vespas parked in the corners…
Everywhere, Le Panier is dotted with pretty shops, and greenery is everywhere on the facades, as is street art, which adds color to the streets.
I think you have to get a little lost in its narrow streets to grasp the unique soul of Le Panier. It’s a neighborhood that’s a bit out of time, offering a thousand details to amaze those who take the time to observe it.
And don’t miss the center of the Vieille Charité, in the heart of Le Panier. Another building you wouldn’t expect to find here! This beautiful chapel, surrounded by three-story walkways, was once a hospice. Today, it houses associations and a cultural center.
#2 TO SEE IN MARSEILLE IN ONE DAY : TASTE LOCAL PRODUCTS
Now head to Marseille’s Old Port to visit the Soap Museum. Located in the former galley arsenal, it offers a very quick but interesting tour. It gives you a better understanding of the origins and manufacturing process of this symbol of Marseille.
For over 100 years, the expertise and machinery have remained unchanged! You can even take part in a soap-making workshop.
Another must-try Marseille specialty is pastis!
If you want to discover all the secrets of pastis and make your own in a distillery, I recommend booking a workshop! A delicious and enjoyable experience guaranteed!
Book your workshop to make your own pastis!
And if you dream of working with clay and want to take home some santons from Provence, don’t hesitate to book a workshop with a santon maker! You’ll discover all the secrets of how santons are made and make two of your own…
Book your workshop to make your own Provençal santons!
Practical information:
– Pastis-making workshop: 2.5 hours – $55 per person – link to book
– Santons-making workshop: 3 hours – $60 per person – link to book
– Marseille Soap Museum: open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (except Mondays in low season) – admission: $2 (free soap) + $3 for the workshop – website. Free tour of the Savonnerie de la Licorne soap factory: at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. except Sundays and public holidays – on the Cours Julien
#3 TO SEE IN MARSEILLE IN ONE DAY : THE OLD PORT
Another thing to see in Marseille in one day : the old port.
A central and legendary location in Marseille, the Old Port is above all a lively place. On the water, sailors and tourist boats bustle about, while on land, visitors admire the view of the countless boats. And in the distance, Notre Dame de la Garde watches tirelessly over Marseille.
Lulled by the clinking of masts, tourists stroll along the quays and sometimes linger at the fish market on the Place du Vieux Port.
Here you can enjoy the noisy atmosphere of fishermen attracting customers and the salty smell of freshly caught fish. Right next door, the beautiful Ombrière, a huge mirror suspended 6 meters above the ground, reflects the life of the Old Port.
#4 TO SEE IN MARSEILLE IN ONE DAY : THE VIEW FROM THE MUCEM
Now head to the other side of Marseille’s Old Port. Opposite the Major is the superb MUCEM building, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations, designed by architect Rudy Ricciotti. A mesmerizing lace of concrete delicately envelops the building, reminiscent of the famous mashrabiya screens of Arab countries.
– MUCEM: every day except Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (7:00 p.m. or 8:00 p.m. depending on the season—check the schedule here). Admission: $11 (reduced rate: $7.50). Access to the terraces is free.
You can also book your ticket for the MUCEM here.
Like me, you can access the terraces even without visiting the museum. They allow you to get up close to the concrete honeycombs and enjoy the beautiful view of the Frioul Islands and the Pharo Palace, located just opposite. I loved this poetic concrete cocoon, which both protects and connects with the elements. It’s not uncommon for the salty sea air to rush into the open spaces…
The footbridge on the top floor of the MUCEM then takes you to the nearby Fort Saint Jean. Built in the 17th century for military purposes, then converted into a prison during the Revolution, it still closes off the entrance to the Old Port today, jealously guarded by the majestic Fanal tower.
Fort Saint Jean is the ideal place to watch the ballet of boats entering and leaving the Old Port. Let’s go there together!
#5 TO SEE IN MARSEILLE IN ONE DAY : THE CATHEDRAL OF LA MAJOR
Let’s continue our stroll towards the huge port of Marseille. In front of us stands the Cathedral of La Major, a neo-Byzantine building that is astonishing to say the least!
This is one of the things I really liked about Marseille, and what makes it such an unusual city. It’s full of hidden gems that are completely different from what you usually see in France!
In front of La Major, you can’t help but dream of distant horizons on other shores of the Mediterranean. Built on the seafront, it is one of the must-see attractions in Marseille if you only have a day to visit. The interior is just as impressive and very colorful.
And if you have a little time and enjoy shopping, head to Dock Village, behind La Major. These old renovated maritime buildings are now home to a large number of shops. They are worth a visit for their architecture, both inside and out!
Practical information – Major Cathedral: every day 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (winter) or 6:30 p.m. (April to September)
#6 TO SEE IN MARSEILLE IN ONE DAY : COURS JULIEN (STREET-ART DISTRICT)
Now I suggest taking a detour to the Cours Julien district. (See “Getting around Marseille” in the Practical Tips section at the end of the article). This pleasant neighborhood is well worth a visit if you’re in Marseille, even if you’re just here for the day.
Cours Julien reveals another side of Marseille, with its large square and lively cafés and restaurants, yet far from the tourist hustle and bustle.
The many shop fronts on Cours Julien are decorated with street art, which gives them extra charm when they are lowered! Even the stairs connecting Cours Julien to the rest of Marseille are colorful.
This is also where you’ll find the Savonnerie de la Licorne, where you can watch the famous Marseille soap being made!
#7 TO SEE IN MARSEILLE IN ONE DAY : NOTRE DAME DE LA GARDE
After the Old Port, it’s now time to visit Marseille’s most famous and iconic monument: Notre Dame de la Garde. If there is only one thing to see in Marseille in one day, this is it !
Since 1864, it has watched over the people of Marseille, who affectionately call it “La Bonne Mère” (the good mother). At its summit, the golden statue of Mary gazes benevolently over the city at her feet…
The climb is steep, but well worth the effort! You can visit the crypt of this amazing basilica, then step inside the building. I must admit that I was captivated by the beauty of its nave, which for me makes it one of the most beautiful churches I have seen in France!
A world away from the much older cathedrals that can be admired in Paris, Rouen, Reims and Strasbourg, Notre Dame de la Garde lights up the city with its golden colors and Roman-Byzantine style.
Clad entirely in marble, the interior is grand and warm, and the ceiling is dotted with suspended boats and sailboats. These ex-votos were offered by sailors grateful for having survived storms and shipwrecks…
The terrace of Notre Dame de la Garde, perched 150 meters above sea level, overlooks the entire city of Marseille. It offers a beautiful panorama of the city’s various landmarks, including the Old Port, the Stade Vélodrome, the Frioul Islands, and even the hills of Marcel Pagnol!
Practical information – Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica: every day from 7:00 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. (winter) or 7:15 p.m. (April to September)
#8 TO SEE IN MARSEILLE IN ONE DAY : THE CORNICHE ROAD & VALLON DES AUFFES
Now head for the seaside, the last stop on our one-day tour of Marseille! I recommend cycling along the Corniche road. With its cycle path, it winds its way along the Mediterranean coast and offers beautiful views of the Frioul Islands and the Château d’If.
Below the road, tiny beaches and rocks provide the perfect spot for Marseille locals to sunbathe. A sprawling metropolis and peaceful seaside setting: Marseille offers it all!
You will also pass over a small viaduct overlooking the Vallon des Auffes. Don’t hesitate to get off on the way back to visit this charming neighborhood that stretches around the tiny port. It looks like a fishing village in the heart of the city!
This is also where you’ll find the cabanon de Fonfon, a mecca for Marseille bouillabaisse. If you want to try some, the Vallon des Auffes is the place to go!
(BONUS) TAKE THE BOAT TO THE FRIOUL ISLANDS OR MARSEILLE’S CALANQUES
It’s difficult to fit everything in if you only have one day to visit Marseille… But I really recommend exploring the surrounding area by boat if you have a weekend to spare!
From the Old Port, you can reach the Frioul Islands, which are ideal for walks and swimming. The four islands are accessible in about 20 minutes from Marseille.
Also worth discovering are the superb calanques of Marseille and the calanques of Cassis. Or even closer, the emerald coves nestled at the foot of the huge rocks that rise out of the waves. A paradise on earth that would be a shame to miss when visiting Marseille!
WHAT TO BRING BACK FROM MARSEILLE ?
Soaps, oils, navettes biscuits, pastis, or even boules de pétanque… There really are souvenirs from Marseille to suit all tastes!
Head to Navettes des Accoules (68 rue Caisserie, in Le Panier) to smell the delicious scent of orange blossom wafting from the shop. Here you’ll find authentic Marseille biscuits traditionally served on Candlemas Day. According to legend, the navette represents the boat that brought the Saintes Maries to the French coast…
And for all your other souvenirs, I recommend the charming 72% Pétanque shop (10 rue du Petit Puits) in Le Panier. It’s a real treasure trove for lovers of Marseille products.
You can also find soaps at the Savonnerie de la Licorne (Cours Julien) or at the soap museum shop (in the Old Port).
WHAT TO SEE AROUND MARSEILLE ?
Now that you know what to see in Marseille in one day, let’s have a look at Marseille region !
Both on land and at sea, the area around Marseille is full of gems that will undoubtedly make you want to spend a little more time in the region! Here are just a few…
– La Cité Radieuse (15 minutes by car from the city center): architecture enthusiasts won’t want to miss a visit to this famous building designed by Le Corbusier. Built after World War II, this visionary building comprises several hundred apartments and shops.
– Calanques de Cassis (35 minutes away): east of the Calanques de Marseille, the Calanques de Cassis are ideal for hiking or simply relaxing… Discover their beautiful beaches and turquoise coves in my dedicated article: The Best Hike in the Calanques de Cassis
– Aix-en-Provence (35 minutes away): this beautiful Provençal town is perfect for a leisurely stroll! With its Cours Mirabeau, fountains, warm colors, and beautiful mansions, you can easily spend the whole day here!
– La Sainte-Victoire (45 minutes away): just next to Aix-en-Provence, the magnificent Montagne Sainte Victoire is definitely worth a visit! Cézanne’s mountain can be explored in a day or half a day (allow about 2 hours to climb to the cross at the summit). It’s a very beautiful hike, which I highly recommend if you’re visiting Marseille!
– Lourmarin (1 hour away) and the beautiful villages of the Luberon: the Luberon is not far from Marseille… So I can only invite you to enjoy this magnificent region, especially through the most beautiful villages of the Vaucluse!
– Arles (1 hour away): gateway to the Camargue, Arles is a very pretty town that has preserved its superb Roman buildings and exudes the essence of Provence! Read my articles on Arles in a day and the Camargue in a weekend.
For more information, visit the website of Marseille Tourisme.
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