Marseille
temperatur
18°
tid
19:55
Marseille
Marseille is the undiscovered jewel in the crown of France’s Mediterranean coastline. The rocky hills of Provence look down onto the ancient port and the thousands of boats docked in its clear blue waters. Countless artists have been seduced by the sunny climate and the hustle and bustle of the town. France’s second city has all you could ask for — beautiful beaches, ancient buildings, thriving arts, and a dynamic nightlife.Hitta resa
Château d'If was, historically, France’s very own Alcatraz, built in 1527 and used as a prison in the 17th century. This place was the inspiration for Alexandre Dumas's novel "The Count of Monte Cristo", and occupies an island of its own 1.5 km offshore.
The defining symbol of Marseille towers on a hilltop 154 metres above the city, with the gilded statue of the Virgin Mary stretching skywards. The views from up here are simply stunning. Take the shuttle for convenience or embark on a just-under-an-hour-long hike up from the old port.
There is a bustling fish market in the Vieux Port (old port) well worth exploring. The intense smell of fish and salty sea breeze contributes to making this experience engaging to the senses. Why not buy some fresh fish and try your hand at the local speciality fish stew (bouillabaisse)?
Abbaye Saint Victor is Marseille's oldest church. The abbey is built by the graves of Marseille’s first martyrs. Throughout history, the building was used as a church, prison, warehouse and barracks. Entry is free of charge, but a small fee is collected for seeing the crypt containing important historical artefacts and sarcophagi.
Musée d'Histoire de Marseille is an interesting and well-visited museum with historical and archaeological artefacts dating back to the city's founding times. You can find it ideally located next to the Old Port. An English audio guide is available to visitors.
Located at the end of the corniche are the Plages du Prado, Marseille’s stretches of sandy beaches. With a steady sea breeze, the beaches are excellent for kite-flying or a first windsurfing lesson. Prado encompasses several compact beaches with multiple shopping and dining opportunities in the vicinity.
Park Borély (Parc Borély) is a stunning development covering many hectares, situated not too far from the Prado beaches. Along with the 18th-century château, there are the superbly well-maintained English and French Botanical Gardens and a rowing lake.
Roman Docks Museum (Musée des Docks Romains) is situated on the site of a Roman docks warehouse discovered after World War II. Here you can find a range of impressive artefacts discovered during the reconstruction of the old harbour. One of its primary attractions are the "dolia" - large ceramic containers once used to store oils and wines.
Château d'If was, historically, France’s very own Alcatraz, built in 1527 and used as a prison in the 17th century. This place was the inspiration for Alexandre Dumas's novel "The Count of Monte Cristo", and occupies an island of its own 1.5 km offshore.
The defining symbol of Marseille towers on a hilltop 154 metres above the city, with the gilded statue of the Virgin Mary stretching skywards. The views from up here are simply stunning. Take the shuttle for convenience or embark on a just-under-an-hour-long hike up from the old port.
This restaurant is located in the heart of the Vieux Port (along with all the other upmarket local fish restaurants). Le Miramar has earned its spotless reputation due to serving excellent bouillabaisse. The restaurant's menu is, however, rather varied, and includes meat dishes, too.
L’Epuisette is located in the old port of Vallon des Auffes, which makes for a magical backdrop with great views of the sea and fishing boats close by. The cuisine served is gourmet Mediterranean, greatly appreciated by both locals and tourists alike.
This traditional Thai restaurant has an exquisite patio garden, a refreshing green retreat with wrought iron chairs. Here, flavourful Thai food comes served in an inspiring and fun environment. Food is reportedly authentic, cooked to order by trained chefs.
Nul Part Ailleurs serves lunch and dinner in the old port area. This means the restaurant's location is favourable for sight-seers: it is located in close proximity to many of the city's attractions. The menu holds dishes of Provençal cuisine, grilled meat, pasta and pizza.
Le Petit Nice is a lovely family-run seaside inn that seems almost to be trapped in time, keeping its nostalgic charm from days gone by. The hotel’s restaurant has been awarded 3 Michelin stars, thanks to head chef Gerald Passedat’s exquisite sense for flavour and presentation, consistently offering unforgettable gastronomic experiences.
Make sure you book a table at this restaurant in advance, and ask for the corner table to get the best views of the Old Port. Gourmet restaurant Les Trois Forts is located at the top floor of the hotel Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port, and offers a feast for all senses.
Being in Marseille, you might experience seafood burnout. If you do, try and give La Côte de Boeuf a shot. This place serves gigantic steaks grilled to perfection, and the wine list is just as impressive to match. Staff speak English, and will be glad to accommodate your requests.
This restaurant is beautifully located on a cliff overlooking the sea, and offers diners the possibility of enjoying their meal outside on the terrace. The best time to go is in the evening, so you get to experience the stunning sunset while you dine.
This restaurant is located in the heart of the Vieux Port (along with all the other upmarket local fish restaurants). Le Miramar has earned its spotless reputation due to serving excellent bouillabaisse. The restaurant's menu is, however, rather varied, and includes meat dishes, too.
L’Epuisette is located in the old port of Vallon des Auffes, which makes for a magical backdrop with great views of the sea and fishing boats close by. The cuisine served is gourmet Mediterranean, greatly appreciated by both locals and tourists alike.
In May 2014 a new shopping experience opened its doors. Les Terrasses du Port, a waterfront shopping mall, is ideally located north of the port and is a unique building complex full of shops, restaurants and a fitness park. Shop for everything under the sun, under one roof.
The Centre Bourse is a massive shopping centre, with about sixty stores and department stores, a stone’s throw away from the Old Port. It is a great place for getting all your shopping done in one place — from fashionable clothing, to cosmetics, to anything else you may possibly fancy.
South of the Centre Bourse mall is La Canebière, which is to Marseille what the Champs Elysées is to Paris. Combined with rue Ferréol, rue de Rome and rue de Paradis, this street makes up the biggest shopping area of the city and includes local and international designer stores.
Rue de la Tour is your best bet for serious designer luxury, including chic evening wear. If you are looking for something nice to wear for the evening you can head here — there is certainly no shortage of classy, elegant and sophisticated designs.
If you want smaller shops then head to the Cours Julien area, which has a reputation as an alternative, bohemian quarter. The area is also great for food and antique markets at weekends — come here to find that one-of-kind vintage souvenir or item of clothing.
Le Panier, Marseille’s oldest neighbourhood, is the best place for local produce. Rue des Petits Puits and Place des Pistoles are good streets for Provençal pottery and shops selling lavender soap and olive-based goodies. Come here to pick up quintessential local souvenirs.
La Maison du Pastis offers 65 different pastis and absinthes. They also have a tasting room which is worth stumbling upon, and then out of. Sample several varieties of liquor, and pick a favourite to bring home as a reminder of the good times had in Marseille.
Galeries Lafayette is one of the most spectacular and well-known department stores in France — there are multiple spread across the nation. You will find the most prestigious designer and cosmetics labels here. This is also home to huge toy, jewellery, home ware and delicatessen departments.
In May 2014 a new shopping experience opened its doors. Les Terrasses du Port, a waterfront shopping mall, is ideally located north of the port and is a unique building complex full of shops, restaurants and a fitness park. Shop for everything under the sun, under one roof.
The Centre Bourse is a massive shopping centre, with about sixty stores and department stores, a stone’s throw away from the Old Port. It is a great place for getting all your shopping done in one place — from fashionable clothing, to cosmetics, to anything else you may possibly fancy.
Marseille Provence Airport is located 30 kilometres from the town centre. You can take the train to reach the city centre, and the journey takes approximately half an hour. There are also shuttle buses that run between the airport and Marseille’s train station, Gare Saint Charles. From the train station you can easily reach other nearby cities. Taxis and car rental companies are represented at the airport.
France can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
Most people choose July and August for their stay in Marseille and Provence, due to the pleasant — although sometimes very hot — weather, which allows for beautiful days at the beach. However, visiting in May or June can be a great idea as well: the city will be less crowded and the temperature nicer, spring at its best. Provence's famous lavender fields are in bloom from June to August.
The best way to get around in Marseille is by using the very efficient metro system which runs between 6 am and 9 pm. With two lines, it is part of a wider Marseille public transport network (RTM) that includes buses (which run later). The public transport network consists of the metro, buses, trams, trains and ferries. There are different types of tickets depending on your preferences. A useful ticket is the Carte Groupe for four to twelve people, which makes a single journey cheaper. A 24H/72H card is also available: it allows you to make as many journeys as you like on the RTM network.
Taxi Radio Marseille +33 4 91 02 20 20 www.taximarseille.com
Look for a yellow mailbox if you want to send a letter or postcard.
Pharmacie du Vieux Port 4 Quai du Port, Marseille +33 4 91 90 00 57 Mon–Fri 9am–8pm, Sat 8am–7pm, Sun closed
230 V / 50Hz
Marseille Provence Airport is located 30 kilometres from the town centre. You can take the train to reach the city centre, and the journey takes approximately half an hour. There are also shuttle buses that run between the airport and Marseille’s train station, Gare Saint Charles. From the train station you can easily reach other nearby cities. Taxis and car rental companies are represented at the airport.
France can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
