Founded by Greek sailors in 600 BCE, Marseille is France’s oldest city and a spirited port where sunlight rebounds off limestone forts and fishermen sell the morning’s catch in the Vieux-Port. The city’s blend of Mediterranean cultures flavors everything—from the anise snap of pastis to the saffron perfume of bouillabaisse.

Art and architecture meet the sea at landmark MUCEM and Fort Saint-Jean, while the basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde watches over terracotta rooftops and ferries slicing toward the Frioul Islands. Southwest, the Calanques carve dazzling coves into the coast, offering hikes, swims, and astonishing viewpoints.

Practical notes: Reserve bouillabaisse a day in advance at classic spots. In summer, Calanques access is restricted on high-fire-risk days; check conditions. Pickpockets target busy areas—keep valuables close. Public transit is straightforward, and tap water is safe.

Marseille

Marseille’s heart beats around the Vieux-Port, framed by cafes and bobbing masts. Drift uphill into Le Panier, a mesh of pastel shutters, ateliers, and street art. Later, head west for golden-hour magic at Vallon des Auffes, a tiny harbor framed by an arched bridge and cliffside restaurants.

Top sights include the footbridge between MUCEM and Fort Saint-Jean, the basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde (panoramas for days), and the shoreline sweep of the Corniche. Food lovers should dive into Noailles market for spices and sweets, then sip a glass of Bandol at sunset.

• Don’t-miss sights: Vieux-Port, Le Panier, MUCEM + Fort Saint-Jean, Notre-Dame de la Garde, Vallon des Auffes, Corniche Kennedy, Chateau d’If/Frioul Islands.
• Flavors to try: Bouillabaisse, panisse (chickpea fritters), navettes biscuits, aioli, Provençal rosé.
• Neighborhood vibes: Vieux-Port (central, lively), Le Panier (historic, artsy), 7th/8th arr. (sea views, Calanques access), Cours Julien (street art, indie food).

Where to stay:

• InterContinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu (Vieux-Port views, grand historic setting, spa).
• Novotel Marseille Vieux Port (pool, family-friendly, easy MUCEM access).
• Hotel 96 (green, quiet hideaway near the Calanques trailheads).
• Browse more stays on Hotels.com or apartment-style options on VRBO.

Getting to Marseille (MRS / Saint-Charles Station):

• Flights (Europe): London–Marseille ~2h, often $70–$180; Lisbon–Marseille ~2h10, $60–$150. Search options on Omio (flights).
• High-speed trains: Paris Gare de Lyon–Marseille Saint-Charles ~3h, typically €35–€120 if booked early; Barcelona–Marseille ~4h45–5h15, €39–€120. Check times and fares on Omio (trains).
• Buses (budget): Nice–Marseille ~2h30, €8–€20; Avignon–Marseille ~1h30, €7–€15. Compare on Omio (buses). Ferries connect Marseille with Corsica if you extend your trip (Omio ferries).

Day 1: Vieux-Port First Impressions and Le Panier

Morning: Travel day. Aim for an early arrival so you can check in and freshen up. If you’re in by late morning, grab a quick coffee at historic Torréfaction Noailles on La Canebière and a buttery croissant nearby to fuel the afternoon.

Afternoon: Start at the Vieux-Port fish market (daily, morning to early afternoon), then cross to MUCEM’s plaza and the photogenic footbridge linking Fort Saint-Jean. Join a guided stroll to get your bearings—narrow lanes hide centuries of stories.

Suggested tour: Guided Tour in Marseille: Vieux Port & Old City. Expect local history, Le Panier highlights, and harbor viewpoints.

Evening: Sunset apéritif at La Caravelle (jazz, postcard views over the port). For dinner, book bouillabaisse at Chez Fonfon in Vallon des Auffes (order ahead) or go classic at Le Rhul on the Corniche—both serve the real-deal, multi-course preparation. Finish with ice cream at La Maison de la Glace near Castellane.

Day 2: Basilica Views, Calanques Ride, and Golden-Hour City Spin

Morning: Head up to Notre-Dame de la Garde for 360-degree views—walk or ride the petit train for a scenic ascent. Breakfast after at DEEP Coffee Roasters (filter and espresso done right) with a pastry. Swing through Noailles market for sesame breads, olives, and spices; pop into L’Épicerie L’Idéal to pack a picnic.

Late morning to early afternoon: Explore the coast by e-bike—quiet roads, sea air, and limestone drama in the Calanques. This is an easy, guided ride with big payoffs.

Suggested activity: Sormiou Calanques National Park Electric Bike Tour from Marseille (approx. 3 hours). Includes scenic climbs to overlooks and time to admire the turquoise coves. Bring water and sun protection.

Afternoon: Lunch at La Boîte à Sardine (beloved fish bistro; chalkboard menu of whatever came in that morning). If you prefer casual, try Toinou for platters of oysters, whelks, and prawns, plus crisp white wines.

Golden hour: See Marseille from a different angle on a vintage sidecar—playful, photogenic, and surprisingly informative. Great for neighborhoods too spread out to walk.

Suggested activity: Marseille : 2-Hour Sidecar Sightseeing Tour. Zip through Le Panier, the Old Port, and seafront viewpoints.

Evening: Drift to Vallon des Auffes for aperitivo with sea spray. Dinner options: the Michelin-starred L’Epuisette for refined Mediterranean tasting menus or Chez Jeannot for wood-fired pizzas with waves lapping below. Nightcap at speakeasy Carry Nation (reserve ahead).

Day 3: Day Trip to Aix-en-Provence and Cassis

Use today to sample Provençal elegance and a seaside village in one sweep. In Aix-en-Provence, stroll Cours Mirabeau, leafy squares, fountains, and Cézanne’s inspirations. Cassis brings pastel quays, boat trips, and Calanques cliffs dropping into electric-blue water.

Suggested small-group tour: Small Group Marseille Shore Excursion: Aix-en-Provence & Cassis. Expect about 7–8 hours door-to-door with time to wander Aix’s markets and viewpoints above Cassis (Cap Canaille).

Food ideas en route: In Aix, grab a calisson from a traditional confiserie and a seat at Le Grillon for a quick salade niçoise. In Cassis, if free time allows, split a plate of grilled sardines or a pan bagnat by the harbor, then consider a short calanque boat cruise if your schedule permits.

Evening back in Marseille: Dinner in foodie Noailles or Cours Julien. Try La Mercerie (market-led French with Mediterranean twists), or Chez Étienne for socca-like chickpea panisses and a no-nonsense anchovy pizza. Wine bar La Relève pours excellent Provençal bottles.

Day 4: Markets, MUCEM Moments, and Departure

Morning: Taste Marseille’s heritage at Le Four des Navettes near Saint-Victor—these orange-blossom biscuits are the city’s oldest sweet. Coffee at DEEP Coffee Roasters or a classic café crème by the port. If you missed it earlier, browse a MUCEM gallery or the ramparts of Fort Saint-Jean for final photos.

Late morning to early afternoon: Quick lunch before you go: Toinou for shellfish, Le Petit Saint-Louis for steak-frites and a glass of Côte de Provence, or a falafel wrap in Noailles for a speedy, flavorful sendoff. Transfer to Saint-Charles Station or MRS airport.

Optional sports detour (time permitting): Stadium tours at the Orange Vélodrome offer OM history, locker rooms, and pitch views—great for football fans, usually 60–90 minutes. Book earlier slots to fit an afternoon departure.

More places to eat and drink (save this list):

• Seafood temples: Le Rhul (Corniche), Chez Fonfon (Vallon des Auffes), L’Epuisette (fine dining; reserve).
• Casual Marseille: La Boîte à Sardine (daily catch), Chez Étienne (pizzas, panisses), Toinou (shellfish bar).
• Markets and bites: Noailles market (spices, flatbreads), Les Halles de la Major (stalls galore), L’Épicerie L’Idéal (picnic gems).
• Cafés and sweets: Torréfaction Noailles (historic roaster), DEEP Coffee Roasters (specialty coffee), Le Four des Navettes (historic biscuits), La Maison de la Glace (classic ice cream).

Practical tips: For the Calanques, pack sturdy shoes, water, and sunscreen; summer restrictions may require shuttle boats or guided options. Reserve notable restaurants and tours several days in advance, particularly on weekends and during July–August.

Also consider these vetted tours if you want alternatives:

• Marseille Old Port And Panier District Walking Tour (another excellent guided intro).
• Marseille Private Tour (customizable 4-hour overview).

In four days, you’ll have climbed to the golden Madonna, traced fortifications to the sea, pedaled above the Calanques, and savored seafood in hidden harbors. Marseille rewards curiosity—let its markets, murals, and coves guide you back again.