Why is the Old Port famous?

The Old Port is the historic heart of Marseille. Founded over 2,600 years ago by the Greeks, it was for a long time the city’s main commercial port. Today, it is a must-visit destination where heritage, restaurants, markets, promenades and events come together.

What is there to do in the Old Port?

The Old Port offers a wide range of activities: admiring Norman Foster’s Ombrière, strolling along the quays, visiting the fish market, taking the Ferry Boat, going on an excursion to the Calanques, visiting the Mucem, or exploring the Panier district, just a few minutes’ walk away.

When is the best time to visit the Old Port?

The Old Port is open to visitors all year round. The morning is the perfect time to explore the fish market, whilst the late afternoon is ideal for soaking up the atmosphere on the outdoor terraces and admiring the sunset over the harbour.

Can you go for a swim in Marseille’s Old Port?

No, swimming is strictly prohibited in Marseille’s Old Port for safety and navigation reasons. If you’d like to enjoy the sea, there are plenty of beaches and coves just a few minutes’ walk from the city centre; the nearest beach is Plage des Catalans.

How do you get to the Old Port of Marseille?

The Vieux-Port is easily accessible by metro (Vieux-Port station – line M1), by bus, by tram (nearby), by bike or on foot from the city centre. There are also several underground car parks nearby for visitors arriving by car.

the Old PortThe historic and iconic heart of Marseille

The Old Port

Just like Notre Dame de la Garde, Marseille’s Old Port is one of the city’s landmarks, situated at the foot of the famous Canebière. Whether it’s gatherings, major events or fireworks displays, it’s a focal point for the people of Marseille!

Take a selfie under the Ombrière, stroll along the quay and watch the fishermen setting out to sea, explore the magnificent heritage sites surrounding the Old Port, or take a mini-cruise on the Ferry Boat… There’s no shortage of things to do at this unmissable spot! For food lovers, don’t miss the fish market every morning, and if you’re in the mood for flowers, there’s even a flower market on Tuesday and Saturday mornings.

So, shall we meet at the Old Port under the Ombrière?

A bit of history

The Old Port is the historic cradle of Marseille. It was here that, over 2,600 years ago, the Greeks founded the city of Massalia, which later became the Roman city of Massilia, before developing in the Middle Ages under the name Marsiho. Naturally opening out onto the Mediterranean and surrounded by limestone hills, the city grew up around its harbour, the driving force behind its development.

From the 17th century onwards, the harbour entrance was protected by two iconic fortifications: Fort Saint-Nicolas and Fort Saint-Jean, which still guard the entrance to the Vieux-Port today.

A hub of trade and commerce since ancient times, the Old Port has long been Marseille’s gateway to the Mediterranean and the rest of the world. Among the symbols that have marked its history is the famous transporter bridge, inaugurated in 1905 between the two forts. A true technical feat of its time, it was unfortunately destroyed after the Second World War.

In 2013, to mark Marseille – Provence’s designation as European Capital of Culture, the Old Port underwent a major regeneration. The quays were redeveloped, car traffic was reduced, and the famous Ombrière, designed by architect Norman Foster, was created. Today, the Old Port remains the vibrant heart of Marseille. Bordered by the Hôtel de Ville, Opéra, Saint-Victor and Pharo districts, it is home to a marina and hosts numerous events, whilst remaining a favourite meeting place for the people of Marseille, under the watchful eye of Notre-Dame de la Garde.

Did you know?

The legend of Gyptis and Protis is the founding myth that recounts the legendary founding of Marseille (Massalia) around 600 BC by Greek colonists from the city of Phocaea. The myth dates back to the 3rd century BC. It tells of the marriage of Gyptis, daughter of Nann, chieftain of the indigenous Segobriges, to Protis, a sailor from Phocaea. At her wedding, the princess chose to marry the foreigner by presenting him with a cup filled with water during a meal. This legend shows that Marseille has welcomed foreigners since its very beginnings. Tourism continues in the spirit of this legend.

What is there to do at the Old Port?

The fish market

The fish market used to take place from 1909 to 1975 in a “fish hall” which was none other than the Théâtre de la Criée! Today, the market is held on the Quai des Belges, right next to the Vieux-Port metro station entrance. Every day from 7.30 am to 12.30 pm, you can find the stalls of Marseille’s small-scale fishermen, where the fish are sold “au crié” by the fisherman’s family and friends. Depending on the catch, you can find scorpionfish (used to make the famous bouillabaisse), red mullet, weever, monkfish, sea urchins and much more!

The Marseille Ferry-boat

Over 130 years old already! Setting off from the Hôtel de Ville, the Ferry-boat – a vessel dear to Marcel Pagnol – makes several crossings a day across Marseille’s Vieux-Port. It entered service in June 1880, thereby inaugurating the famous “Mairie-Place aux Huiles” route.

In 2010, a more environmentally friendly ferry, powered by solar and electric energy, was introduced. Today, the two boats share the crossings.

The Church of Saint-Ferréol

More unassuming than Notre-Dame de la Garde, the Church of Saint-Ferréol is a 16th-century relic situated on the edge of Marseille’s Old Port. In the 12th century, the site of the present church was home to a commandery of the Knights Templar. Following the suppression of the Order of the Temple and the dispersal of its members, the Augustinian monks purchased the buildings in 1369. They began construction of the Gothic church, which was consecrated in 1542 but not completed until 1588. The bell tower, which is very Italian in style, dates from the 18th century. It was established as a parish church in 1803 under the patronage of Saint Ferréol, in memory of the collegiate church of the same name which was destroyed in 1794 (on the site of the current prefecture).

Originally, the building comprised five bays and twelve side chapels, but urban development work led to the demolition of two bays in 1804. Following the opening of Rue Impériale (now Rue de la République), the stonemason Désiré Michel created the new Neo-Baroque façade.

Practical information

Head for the islands and the calanques of Marseille!

It is also in the Vieux-Port that the ferry companies offering excursions to admire Marseille’s calanques are based. Guided tours through the heart of the calanques and islands between Marseille and Cassis (the Frioul and Riou archipelagos, etc.) – an unmissable trip offering exceptional views of the cliffs plunging into the turquoise waters.
Furthermore, from April to October, RTM ferry services run between the Vieux-Port and Pointe Rouge and L’Estaque.