Marseille

Old Port, Marseille

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View of Marseille, France

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View of Marseille, France

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Parc National de Calanques

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Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations

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Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica

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Marseilles is an enticing port city known for its delectable seafood, breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, and diverse melting pot of cultures. Less travelled by tourists than its other Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur counterparts, including Cannes and Nice, this seaside city is a vibrant, artistic, and historically significant stop worth exploring!

Believed to have been established in the seventh century by the Phoenicians or Greeks, Marseille is now the second largest French city after Paris and was named the European Capital of Culture in 2013. Marseille is a city of and for immigrants, with a blend of cultures and religions from North Africa, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and more, reflected in the gastronomic and architectural diversity of Marseille itself. Visit the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations, constructed in an Arabic architectural style, for an immersive experience with exhibits showcasing the artifacts of Marseille’s extensive history. The city’s most frequented attraction, the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, is a stunning display of Roman and Byzantine design and provides spectacular views of the city below.

A trip to Marseille wouldn’t be complete without a stroll through Le Vieux Port and Le Panier, popular neighborhoods for tourism and lined with markets boasting fresh and authentic cuisine. Bouillabaisse, a delicious stew filled with local and fresh-caught seafood, is well-known as a Marseillaise specialty, but don’t pass up the chance to eat other scrumptious eats, including squid, sardines, and mussels, piping-hot pizzas, and a sip of anise-flavored Pastis. There’s a reason why the city was one of Anthony Bourdain’s favorite gastronomic destinations!

Be sure to take advantage of Marseille’s natural beauty. The variety of sandy and rocky beaches are perfect spots to revel in striking ocean scenes. Just south of Marseille, the Parc national des Calanques offers great hiking, biking, and boating excursions for any nature-lover.

With so much to see and do, Marseille, France, will delight and astonish you.

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Parc National de Calanques

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Parc national des Calanques

Journey south of Marseilles to find the breathtaking beauty of Calanques National Park. Its vivid turquoise waters, imposing limestone cliffs, and lush greenery are a sight to behold, and the park's natural biodiversity ensures that you will spot some impressive wildlife, including eagles, sea turtles, and dolphins. Go for a swim and scuba dive among the calanques, or take a hike through the park's forests.

Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica

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Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

The Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica is Marseille's most visited attraction, set atop a hill overlooking the sprawling city below. A golden sculpture of la bonne mère, the holy mother, stands atop this stunning basilica, whose architectural style is reminiscent of the Roman and Byzantine styles.

Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations

Photo Credit: djedj via Pixabay

MuCEM

The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations lies on the west end of Vieux Port (Old Port) in Marseilles. It stands out as one of the most architecturally striking and unique attractions in this French port city, and its many exhibits offer historic and cultural artifacts galore. Step inside to learn more about Marseille and its role in the historical development of the Mediterranean region.

Champ de visions

From 9/16/2023 - 9/16/2025

Art enthusiasts will appreciate Mathilde Rosier's striking outdoor installation, Champ de visions, where dozens of symbolic glass eyes echo seasonal agricultural rituals and invite exploration of the collection. Continuing indoors, these eyes converse with the Mucem collection, threading a narrative that forges a strategic bond between open-air and enclosed environments, intending to promote conservation.

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Delta Festival

From 8/27/2025 - 8/31/2025

Get ready for an electrifying experience at the Delta Festival, one of France's largest electronic music festivals, set against the stunning backdrop of Marseille's seaside. Over five days, dance to the beats of world-renowned DJs as the beach transforms into a pulsating dance floor. Join thousands of music lovers for an unforgettable journey through a dream world of diverse inspirations, promising an epic bash that will shake the shores of Marseille.

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So Good Maif Festival (Marseille)

From 9/11/2025 - 9/12/2025

The So Good MAIF Festival in Marseille blends music, comedy, and activism to spark ideas for a more inclusive, sustainable, and joyful society. With concerts, thought-provoking talks, and playful experiences, the festival encourages collaboration between the public and businesses. It's a vibrant celebration designed to inspire action and bring communities together through creativity and shared purpose.

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