10 ideas for celebrating Grandma's Day in Marseille

1. A gourmet family brunch

There’s nothing like a brunch to get the day off to a good start and enjoy a moment of togetherness over a good meal. In Marseille, a number of restaurants offer generous and tasty menus, perfect for enjoying with the whole family.
For a friendly atmosphere and gourmet dishes, head to La Fiancée, a must-try address where you can enjoy delicious fluffy pancakes, crunchy granola and savoury spreads with refined flavours. If you prefer an all-you-can-eat buffet, the Mama Shelter is the place to go, with a wide selection of sweet and savoury home-cooked dishes. For a more intimate and cosy setting, Deïa Coffee & Kitchen offers a tasty brunch based on fresh seasonal produce, with recipes that will delight lovers of sweet treats as much as those who prefer heartier dishes. Many other equally excellent establishments also offer brunch.

2. Strolling the streets of Marseille

Marseille is bursting with wonderful places to wander, from picturesque districts to breathtaking views and seaside strolls. For a fun outing full of discovery, we recommend a stroll through the narrow streets of the Panier, the city’s oldest district, where you can admire colourful murals and charming facades.
If you’re looking for a more peaceful setting, Fort Saint-Jean offers a pleasant stroll with a breathtaking view of the Old Port and the Mucem. You can stop on a bench and watch the ballet of boats entering and leaving the port, always a fascinating sight.
For grandmothers who prefer the sea air, the Corniche Kennedy is an ideal destination. This coastal promenade runs alongside the Mediterranean and offers an exceptional panorama of Marseille’s harbour. At the end of the day, the sunset is simply magical. Finally, for a slightly wilder getaway, a stroll around Les Goudes or up to the Belvédère de Sugiton will delight adventurous grannies!

4. A cultural visit to Marseille’s museums

For an enriching day out, explore Marseille’s iconic museums.
The Mucem is a must for fans of Mediterranean history and culture. Its spectacular architecture and varied exhibitions make for a fascinating visit. Just a stone’s throw away, the Musée Regards de Provence showcases artists from the south of France, and offers always interesting temporary exhibitions.
For a more historic setting, the Vieille Charité, located in the Panier district, hosts art and archaeology exhibitions in an exceptional monument. But it’s not the only one… for lovers of contemporary art, the MAC (Musée d’Art Contemporain) is a fine address where bold works and creations by international artists come together. There are also a number of museums where you can find out more about the city: check them out!

5. A trip to Marseille’s markets

Marseille’s markets are lively places where you can discover local produce and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.
The Vieux-Port market, held every Sunday morning, is a must. Unlike the daily fish market, this market offers local produce, dishes prepared by artisanal caterers and flower sellers. It’s the perfect place to stroll around, talk to the producers and leave with some delicious Provençal specialities.

6. An evening at the theatre or the opera

For a cultural evening out, Marseille has several emblematic venues where you can enjoy a show. The Opéra de Marseille offers a varied programme ranging from classical to modern opera. For contemporary plays and audacious creations, head for the Théâtre de la Joliette, while the Silo hosts concerts, shows and one-man shows in a unique setting.

La Criée, Marseille’s national theatre, located on the Quai Rive Neuve near the Old Port, offers a rich and varied programme of shows.

7. A delicious crêpe

After a good walk, a sweet or savoury break is a must!
Marseille is full of tasty crêperies, and not just during Chandeleur. Whether you opt for a fluffy chocolate crêpe sprinkled with sugar or a full galette with ham and cheese, these delights are sure to satisfy your appetite after a family activity.

8. A cinema screening for a moment of relaxation

For a pleasant, effortless outing, a cinema screening is always a good idea! Marseille has an abundance of cinemas to suit all tastes, whether you prefer the great classics, auteur films or the latest releases.
For an intimate, authentic experience, head for the Artplexe or Les Variétes cinemas, which have a warm atmosphere and showcase new general releases and independent films. These cinemas are perfect for a gentle cultural interlude.
If you want to combine comfort and technology, the Pathé Joliette, located in the renovated Docks district, offers a varied programme in modern cinemas, ideal for enjoying a film in optimum conditions.
Whether you want to rediscover a cult film or immerse yourself in a captivating new story, this cinematic outing is a great way to share a moment together and let yourself be carried away by the magic of the big screen.

9. An easy hike to enjoy the Calanques

Marseille’s calanques are a real natural treasure trove, with paths that are accessible to all, perfect for a stroll between land and sea. If you’re looking for an easy hike, there are several itineraries that allow you to discover these magnificent landscapes without too much effort.
The Calanque de Sugiton, starting out from Luminy, is an excellent option. Just 30 minutes’ walk along a well-maintained path will take you to the Sugiton lookout, offering spectacular views over the Mediterranean. For those who want to extend the walk, it’s possible to descend to the beach in a further 15 minutes (although the climb back up is quite strenuous!).
You can also take the shuttle bus to the Ile du Frioul and enjoy a gentle stroll along the paths or on the beach, before finishing off with a good lunch or dinner in one of the restaurants near the port. It’s a real getaway in the heart of nature, where you can observe a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Whether you’re admiring the limestone cliffs plunging into the turquoise waters, or simply taking in the fresh sea air, these walks are a great way to relax and discover nature.

10. Taking to the open seas: a trip out to sea

Does your grandmother have sea legs? Set sail from the Vieux-Port and discover the hidden treasures of Marseille’s coastline. The Côte Bleue, between l’Estaque and Martigues, is an ideal destination for a family seaside getaway.
On this trip, you can admire the picturesque little port of Niolon, nestling in a cove and surrounded by traditional cottages. Along the way, the railway viaducts, true architectural feats, offer an impressive sight. If you’re an art lover, you should know that these landscapes have inspired great painters such as Cézanne and Renoir, seduced by the exceptional light and authenticity of the setting.
In winter, let yourself be charmed by the changing colours of the landscape and the calm of the coastline. This half-day or full-day trip is a great opportunity to take to the open seas and savour the beauty of the Mediterranean in complete tranquillity.