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The Ferry Boat in Marseille

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Marseille is ideally located on the Mediterranean Sea, which plays a predominant role in the city’s history. Beyond its commercial attractiveness, , the sea has also helped to develop tourism and maritime transport. These make it possible to reach different parts of the city by boarding a boat, a typical and pleasant experience to get another image of the Phocaean city. The emblematic Ferry Boat has linked the two quays of the Vieux-Port for centuries. But the city has also set up other maritime shuttles to reach major points of tourist interests on the coast and offshore.

Crossing the Vieux-Port by boat

Marseille is famous for its Vieux-Port (Old Port), from where you can take the Ferry Boat. This must-see line of maritime transport in the city links the Quai du Port, at the City Hall to the Quai de Rive Neuve, facing the  Place aux Huiles, in 283 meters. It is the smallest sea crossing in the world. The boat runs every day, from morning to evening, depending on the weather, and the journey takes between 3 and 4 minutes. The experience costs just €0.50 and is free for RTM or CityPass  subscription holders. Enjoy a sea trip aboard one of the two chartered vessels: the César or the all-electric catamaran-type electro-solar Ferry Boat, in service since 2010, which can accommodate up to 35 passengers each.

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    Practical information

    Address

    Quai De Rive-Neuve
    Vieux-Port, Marseille 1er

    Opening hours

    • Monday 07:30 - 20:30
    • Tuesday 07:30 - 20:30
    • Wednesday 07:30 - 20:30
    • Thursday 07:30 - 20:30
    • Friday 07:30 - 20:30
    • Saturday 07:30 - 20:30
    • Sunday 07:30 - 20:30
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        A historic and mythical crossing

        Opened in 1880, the crossing was made by fishing boats, workers from the town hall or factories. It was in Marcel Pagnol‘s 1931 film trilogy Marius that the Ferry Boat was brought to the big screen when Escatefigues was released. In 1952, the La Seyne-sur-Mer shipyards delivered the César, as it is known today. Over the years, the shipping line has become one of the emblems of Marseille’s Provencal maritime heritage. In 2007, it transported the Alls Blacks players during the Rugby World Cup.

        The city’s other maritime shuttles

        The city of Marseille takes advantage of its exceptional seaside location to welcome locals and tourists alike to veritable little corners of paradise. In the summer months, the maritime shuttles are back in service to the delight of young and old alike. To enjoy the view of the coastline, discover the city in a different way, or simply as a means of transport, many rotations run between the Old Port and Pointe Rouge, in the 9th district, between the Old Port and Estaque, in the 16th district and between Pointe Rouge and les Goudes, at the gateway to the Calanques National Park.

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            The shuttle to the Frioul Islands

            You also have the option of embarking aboard a maritime shuttle departing from the Vieux-Port to reach the Frioul archipelago. The two islands that make up the Frioul archipelago, Ratonneau and Pomègues, offer an exceptional setting with intimate calanques, turquoise beaches and seabeds that attract scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. You can also opt for a combined crossing to visit the château d’If, on the island of the same name, and immerse yourself in the history of Monte Cristo.