Where to travel in June for a sunny break? Head for Marseille!

Are you looking forward to your summer vacations in June? Are you still hesitating about your travel destination? Whether you’re away for a weekend, a few days or more than a week, Marseille welcomes you for an unforgettable stay to the rhythm of the sun, the beach, the sea and the city. As a couple, with family or friends, there’s no doubt that the Phocaean city is one of the emblematic destinations of the Mediterranean landscape.

Discovering Marseille in June in the sun: cultural visits

Must-see places between history, culture and heritage

Overlooking the city of Marseille, the B asilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde welcomes nearly 2 million visitors every year. According to tradition, this Roman-Byzantine-style basilica watches over sailors, fishermen and the entire population of Marseilles. Nicknamed the Bonne Mère, it can be reached on foot, by car or by taking the little tourist train departing from the Vieux-Port.

After visiting this religious monument in Marseille, head for the Mucem, the first major national museum dedicated to the Mediterranean. Here you’ll see permanent and temporary exhibitions on a variety of themes (history, anthropology, archaeology, art history and contemporary art). Architecture designed by Rudy Ricciotti, this Marseille museum is a true cultural city open to the open sea. Integrated into the Mucem, the fort Saint-Jean can be discovered in the sunshine of the Phocaean city. A merry maze, it is open to all who wish to wander its open gardens and discover its mysterious secrets.

Accessible via a maritime shuttle from the Old Port, the château d’If can be visited in the Mediterranean sunshine. A former state prison, this fortress captivates millions of visitors every year. It was made famous by Alexandre Dumas in his work Le Comte de Monte-Cristo in which the hero is imprisoned within this feudal building.

Another must-see Marseille landmark to visit on a sunny day: the palais Longchamp . Originally built to welcome the waters of the Durance into the city, this water tower comprises several entities: the Fine-Arts Museum of Marseille (in the left wing), the Natural History Museum of Marseille (in the right wing), a public garden and a park with observatory (at the rear). A true hymn to water, this palace is a must-see if you’re traveling to the Phocaean city in June.

Bustling, authentic neighborhoods

It’s impossible to stay in Marseille without passing through its authentic neighborhoods that have made its reputation. After discovering the fish stalls on the Vieux-Port, head for the Panier district, in the 2nd arrondissement. The city’s oldest district appeals to many tourists thanks to its colored and vegetated alleyways, artisanal shops and warm bistros. Anecdotally, the producers of the TV series drew their inspiration from the heart of Le Panier to create the setting for the fictional Mistral district, the main place where the main characters cross paths.

To discover the artistic side of Marseille, head for the Notre-Dame-du-Mont district in the 6th arrondissement. It’s known for its famous Cours Julien where numerous graffiti by street art artists can be seen on the walls and staircases. It’s a perfect place to wander the streets, meeting street musicians, local artisans, booksellers and vintage record shops. Pastis or rosé? In the Provencal sunshine, stop off at the terrace of a local bistro to sample Marseillaise culinary specialties.

For an out-of-the-ordinary experience among Marseillais, head to the Orange Vélodrome stadium neighborhood. If you get the chance, you’ll attend a game of the Olympique de Marseille alongside its fervent, vocal supporters. Outside competition days, it’s possible to go behind the scenes of the club thanks to organized tours OM Stadium Tour that allow you to immerse yourself in the world of OM.

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The phocaean, between land and sea

Do you love outdoor activities? Marseille abounds in exceptional natural sites as close to the sea as they are to the mountains. Such is the case of the Calanques National Park, which extends over the communes of Marseille, Cassis and La Ciotat. Several marked trails are accessible for hikers of all levels in search of the heritage treasures of the southern region. Once you’ve reached your destination, you can take a dip in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.

If you want to get away from the Phocéenne city center, you can head to the north of Marseille, on the Estaque side. The Côte Bleue, a true haven of peace, gives you a sense of freedom thanks to its small ports, beautiful beaches and coves. With its magnificent landscapes, it’s the perfect place to immortalize your stay in the sun.

For lovers of literature, climbing the Garlaban massif hills, where Marcel Pagnol spent his childhood, is a must. If you’ve read his works, this place will undoubtedly arouse your curiosity.

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Why go to Marseille in June?

Events in June

Many events take place in Marseille in June. This is particularly true of the Music Festival, on June 21. To celebrate the start of summer, numerous concerts and events are organized in every arrondissement of the city. In the streets of Marseille, the atmosphere is warm and festive.

In June, don’t miss the Marsatac festival in Marseille, an unmissable event for music fans. This festival mixes rap, pop and electronic music and will have you dancing all weekend long!

Dedicated to the summer solstice, the Midsummer Festival invites dancing around bonfires and tambourines. Every year, this tradition attracts large numbers of tourists to the heart of the Phocaean city and its neighboring villages. Over the course of a weekend, the Saint-Jean bonfires bring together street entertainment, popular balls, fireworks… It’s an unmissable summer event during your June stay in sunny Marseille.

On the program: sun, swimming and cultural visits

The month of June remains an ideal time to get away in the sun in Marseille. With summer temperatures and sunshine but no rain, you can enjoy a pleasant stay in the Phocaean city just like in July and August, but with much fewer people! With the mercury climbing to around 30°C, you’ll certainly want to bath in the turquoise water of the Mediterranean Sea and relax on one of Marseille’s many beaches. In addition to a sunny climate, Marseille also seduces visitors for its historic monuments, its cultural richness, its culinary specialties and its sumptuous landscapes between sea and hills.

By traveling in June, you’ll undoubtedly benefit from promotions on your hotel(or any other accommodation) and on your transport. Indeed, when leaving outside the school period and at the start of the summer season, discounts are usually legion with hotels, airlines and rail companies. Marseille Tourist Office, Leisure and Convention Bureau can help you prepare for your June vacation in the sun in the city of Marseille.