Who said swimming was only for the summer season? In Marseille, the more adventurous can take to the water all year round! When the sun is shining, windsurfers can be seen blooming on the water near the Pointe Rouge. And walkers are not to be outdone! For a change from the classic seaside stroll, why not don a wetsuit and discover longe côte? This aquatic hike or sea walk offers a host of health benefits and can be enjoyed by all ages!
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PhotographerSports enthusiasts will love a morning run along the famous Corniche Kennedy. The panorama of the Mediterranean and the Frioul islands is simply breathtaking. A peaceful atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle. Prefer the mornings, when the sun rises and the atmosphere is incredible. If you’re more into team sports, the Plage du Prophète is the perfect spot for a game of beach volleyball, even in winter! When the sun is shining, come down to the beach and enjoy a moment with friends with your feet in the sand, and for the more adventurous, why not take a dip?
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PhotographerWinter is an ideal time to explore Marseille’s islands! The mild temperatures mean you can enjoy walks around Pomègues and Ratonneau with the whole family, and why not discover the Château d’If, the famous prison of the Count of Monte Cristo. Just 20 minutes by shuttle boat from the Vieux-Port, included in your City Pass or for €5 per crossing, set off on an adventure at sea! The scenery and views over Marseille will leave you breathless.
NB: In the event of windy weather, the shuttle service will be suspended. Make sure you bring all the equipment you need for the trip (walking shoes, water, cap, etc.).
Head to the Estaque district to try panisses, delicious specialities made from chickpeas and usually eaten as an aperitif. Those with a sweet tooth will certainly prefer a chichifregi, the famous sugar-coated doughnut, but be careful not to confuse them with Churros! You’ll also find them in l’Estaque.
Navettes are biscuits flavoured with orange blossom and are a Marseilles tradition. Whether you try them at the Four des Navettes, the oldest in town, or at the Navettes des Accoules, tasting them is always an authentic experience. Some people say they’re too dry, while others prefer them dipped in coffee.
moderation! Did you know that in Marseille, for Candlemas, we don’t eat crêpes, but navettes?
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PhotographerThe ideal date? A platter of seafood from one of Marseille’s many shellfish shops, the seaside and the sun! In winter, take advantage of the calm of the famous swimming spots (or a sunny terrace) to enjoy a few sea urchins at lunchtime. One of the many advantages of discovering the destination out of season!
In the heart of the historic Panier district, discover the Vieille Charité centre, one of the municipal museums, which welcomes you to discover its magnificent exhibitions (Aden Marseille “d’un port à l’autre” until 29 March 2026) but also for a peaceful moment in its courtyard overlooking the Chapel. Settle down with a book, a podcast or your thoughts on one of its benches in the sunshine, enjoy a pastry in its café while you work, or take advantage of its architecture to snap a few photos…
Winter is the perfect time to visit Marseille’s museums, which offer captivating permanent and temporaryexhibitions that are sheltered from the chill! From the “Detaille” photographic exhibition at the Musée d’Histoire de Marseille, to “Infiniment Bleu” at the Musée Borély and “Don Quichotte” at the Mucem, there’s something for everyone.
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Old Chapelmassimo Municchi 11Marseille has a large number of pétanque courts, from the quietest in the heart of a village, to the seaside, to the court with a magnificent view of the city’s heritage, such as the one near the Cathedral de la Major. All generations come together to compete with friends, family or even strangers and practise their aim (or shoot, depending on your favourite role). So why not take up the challenge?
To round off a great day in Marseille, there’s nothing like an evening out in one of the many bars and restaurants in the Cours Ju’ district (as the locals call it).
Just a few minutes’ walk from the Old Port, this district was voted the coolest in the world by Time Out in 2024, and boasts a host of addresses from Marseille’s new gastronomic scene: Maurice, Prosper, Valentin Raffali’s Livingston, Paloma cocktails, Razzia sandwiches…
But nothing beats the iconic Marseillais dish: the slice of pizze from the truck!
Affordable, always delicious, easy to devour before sitting out on the terrace, the classic slice with cheese never goes out of fashion and crosses generations.
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