Marseille 7 Day Itinerary

Marseille 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Old Town

• Morning: Arrive in Marseille and check-in at Hotel Le Ryad or similar
• Afternoon: Explore the historic Old Town (Vieux-Marseille), starting from the Old Port (Vieux-Port) and wandering through the narrow streets of Le Panier neighborhood
  • Visit the Cathedral La Major and the adjacent Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at Le Comptoir des Voyageurs and sample some local seafood specialties

Day 2: Island Hopping and Beach Time

• Morning: Take a ferry from the Old Port to Île de Frioul ( approx. 20 minutes)
  • Visit the island’s beaches, such as Plage des Catalans or Plage de la Pointe Rouge
• Afternoon: Head back to the mainland and relax on Plage des Catalans or explore the nearby Corniche Kennedy
• Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner at La Poissonnerie

Day 3: Cultural Experiences

• Morning: Visit the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology
  • Explore the Longchamp Palace and its gardens
• Afternoon: Attend a performance or take a guided tour at the Opéra de Marseille
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at Le Bistro du Paradis

Day 4: Outdoor Adventures

• Morning: Hike in the Calanques National Park (approx. 30 minutes from Marseille)
  • Take a boat tour to explore the calanques (inlets) and enjoy snorkeling or swimming
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Table du Marché

Day 5: Markets and Shopping

• Morning: Visit the bustling Noailles Market for a taste of North African cuisine and exotic goods
  • Explore the trendy boutiques and art galleries in the Cours Julien neighborhood
• Afternoon: Visit the historic La Vieille Charité complex, now home to various cultural institutions
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at Le Café des Épices

Day 6: Day Trip to Cassis

• Morning: Take a train or bus to the picturesque fishing village of Cassis (approx. 30 minutes from Marseille)
  • Explore the village, its beaches, and the famous Calanque de Port-Miou
• Evening: Return to Marseille and enjoy dinner at L’Olivier

Day 7: Departure

• Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local market
• Afternoon: Depart from Marseille Provence Airport or the Marseille Saint-Charles train station

Things to Know

• Marseille is a hilly city, so be prepared for some walking and climbing stairs.
• The city has a rich cultural diversity, with many North African and Mediterranean influences.
• Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas like markets and tourist hotspots.

Transportation

• Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) is connected to the city center by bus or taxi.
• The city has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains.
• You can also use taxis or ride-hailing services like Uber.

Tips

• Try some local specialties like bouillabaisse (fish stew), tapenade (olive spread), or navettes (small, sweet pastries).
• Be prepared for the Mistral wind, which can be strong in the summer months.
• Learn some basic French phrases to help you navigate and communicate with locals.

Accommodation

• Hotel Le Ryad: A charming hotel in the heart of the Old Town.
• Alternative options: Hotel La Residence du Vieux Port, Hotel Belle Vue

Eating Out

• Try some local seafood at Le Comptoir des Voyageurs or La Poissonnerie.
• Enjoy a traditional Provençal meal at Le Bistro du Paradis or L’Olivier.
• Don’t forget to try some fresh fruit and vegetables at the markets.