The heart of Marseille: the Vieux-Port
If you like to get up early, you can discover on the Vieux-Port, the city’s emblematic site, the famous fish market. Every morning, fishermen come to sell their catch of the day at the fish auction – a real Marseilles atmosphere! And for the perfect selfie, head for Norman Foster’s ombrière, a huge mirrored ceiling inaugurated in 2013, which in just a few years has become a meeting point for the people of Marseille.
The must-see: Notre-Dame de la Garde or the “Good Mother”
To get to the Basilica you can take the n°60 bus directly to the Vieux-Port, or prefer a more original way with the Petit Train, included in your CityPass Marseille, or the Colorbüs, and for the more sporty the walk up to the Basilica allows you to visit some very pretty Marseille neighborhoods like Vauban or Saint-Victor depending on your point of departure. The view from the top is well worth the effort, with a 360° panorama and a breathtaking view of the whole city. Entrance to the Basilica is free, and you can admire the ex-voto, ship models or gifts left by sailors for good fortune on sea voyages.
Lunch in Noailles
For a gourmet break in the hypercentre, the addresses in the Noailles district offer plenty of quality choices. La Mercerie for a bistronomic lunch, pizzeria Chez Sauveur one of the best places to enjoy “pizze” downtown, l’Epicerie l’Ideal, perfect for eating on the go but quality, or la Maison des Nines, both concept-store and bistro.
Discovering the historic Panier district
Located in the 2nd arrondissement and close to the Old Port, the Panier is Marseille’s oldest district and one of its most picturesque. Tourists and locals alike stroll through its colorful alleyways all year round, and it’s also the ideal neighborhood for shopping at local artisans and designers. Culture is also on the agenda, with the Musée de la Vieille-Charité (admission is free thanks to CityPass) and street art in the streets.
For a sunny break, the Panier district offers numerous squares with terraces, the Place de Lenche, the Place des Treize Cantons (with the famous Treize Coins bar that inspired the Mistral in Plus Belle la Vie), or the Place des Pistoles. For petanque fans, the Boule Bleue is a must-see, and why not take home a triplette as a souvenir? In terms of gastronomy, Le Panier offers a wide range of restaurants, as well as a delicious store selling navettes, Marseille’s famous orange blossom cookie, les Navettes des Accoules.
And for those with a sweet tooth, we recommend the delicious artisanal ice creams at Glacier du Roi or the chocolate factory L’Esperantine which offers a chocolate… made with olive oil!.
Walk around the Cathédrale de la Major and visit the Mucem
A stone’s throw from the Panier district, don’t miss one of Marseille’s major religious edifices, the Cathédrale de la Major. Less well known than its Marseillaise counterpart, Notre-Dame de la Garde, La Major is nonetheless an architecturally impressive neo-Byzantine edifice designed by Léon Vaudoyer and dating from 1852. And if you fancy a game of pétanque (with your new Boule Bleue triplette, for example), there are courts open to the public right next to the Cathedral.
Lower down you can stroll past the shops and restaurants of the Voûtes de la Major to reach the Mucem via the J4 esplanade. Upstream you can admire the architecture of the Villa Méditerranée where the replica of the Grotte Cosquer is installed and treat yourself to a little visit to admire this magnificent reproduction of the underwater cave.
The Mucem was designed by architects Rudy Ricciotti and Roland Carta in 2013. The Musée des Civilisations d’Europe et de la Méditerranée is one of the city’s iconic buildings. You can take a free stroll to the terrace, then sunbathe at Fort Saint-Jean and admire the magnificent view over the entrance to the port of Marseille. Access to the temporary and permanent exhibitions presented throughout the year is €11, or free with your CityPass.
Hipster dining on rue Sainte
Marseille is packed with little addresses and restaurants! Head to Rue Sainte, just a few minutes’ walk from the Old Port, and you’ll discover an anthology of bars and food proposals of all kinds. Tapas at la Ruche or the Cave à Jambon, a friendly and authentic atmosphere at Pastis et Olives, refined cuisine at Ekume or Provençal at Oaï, there’s something for everyone! And in summer, don’t miss the garden at la Passarelle for a meal in the fresh air!
