Where to go in October for a sunny break? Marseille, without a doubt!

Not sure where to go in October in the sun for your autumn vacations? We’ve found the dream destination: Marseille! Whether your stay lasts a few days or more than a week, the Phocaean city welcomes you for a expanding trip under the sign of sunshine, sea and Provencal culture. Marseille offers memorable vacations for families, couples and friends in the heart of France’s second-largest metropolis.

Discovering Marseille in October in the sun: cultural visits

Must-see places between history, culture and heritage

The Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica is a Romano-Byzantine edifice culminating at 154 meters. It welcomes no less than 2 million visitors every year. According to tradition, this popular place of pilgrimage protects fishermen, sailors and the people of Marseilles. This edifice is commonly called Bonne Mère by all Marseille residents.

Another must-see place in Marseille is the Mucem. This is the first major national museum dedicated to the Mediterranean. A mecca for architecture and heritage, the Mucem is a cultural city open to the wider world. A tool of attraction for the Aix-Marseille-Provence metropolitan area, it owes its original architecture to Rudy Ricciotti, following a competition won in 2004. The permanent exhibitions draw on different scientific fields: history, archaeology, anthropology, art history and contemporary art. Outside the building, stroll along the ramparts of the fort Saint-Jean. No doubt you’ll feel the beneficial effects of the sun on your skin.

Fortress built on the orders of King François I, the Château d’If offers you an unobstructed view of Marseille. Accessing the island by sea shuttle, you follow in the footsteps of a former state prison and a world-famous location thanks to Alexandre Dumas, who described it in Le Comte de Monte-Cristo. This stone castle situated on a sunny island seduces many visitors every year.

Dating from the 19th century, the Palais Longchamp is a must-see among places to see in Marseille. A true architectural feat, this monument was originally built to bring the waters of the Durance into the city. On either side of the water tower stand a cascade, columns serving two museums – the Fine-Arts and the Marseilles Natural History Museum – Behind these edifices a vast garden welcomes you.

Bustling, authentic neighborhoods

Aside from the celebrity Vieux-Port, which you won’t want to miss, the Panier district – located in the 2nd borough- is Marseille’s oldest neighborhood. Between colored and planted alleys, artisan shops and chic restaurants, this neighborhood has it all. Why not stop for a moment to enjoy a drink on the terrace? Then continue your walk in the sun to discover this colorful neighborhood that hasinspired the producers of the TV series Plus belle la vie.

In the 6th arrondissement, the Notre-Dame-du-Mont district is renowned for the colored graffiti on the stairs of the cours Julien and for music groups wishing to perform in one of the concert halls provided. In this part of town, you can listen to street musicians play while you enjoy tapas in a cosy brasserie.

For football fans, the Orange Vélodrome stadium is an unavoidable spot. Located in the heart of the 8th arrondissement, the stadium is packed with fans on match days. If your stay falls on a match day, this is your chance to attend to live the atmosphere alongside Olympique de Marseille fans. We promise you an electric and festive atmosphere!

The Phocaean city, between land and sea

The Calanques National Park

A veritable paradise on Earth, the Calanques National Park lies between Marseille and Cassis. The Calanques have preserved their wild character thanks to the close protection afforded to them. As the joys of the Mediterranean, the Calanques are best visited in the sunshine on a hike along the crystalline waters and fabulous coves. Lovers of beautiful scenery will be in for a treat!”

La bouillabaisse, typical Provencal dish

A traditional culinary specialty of the Mediterranean cuisine, the bouillabaisse represents the emblème of Marseille, the city where it originated. It consists of a soup from the sea embellished with croûtons of garlic bread which are spread with rust, pieces of fish and potatoes. This dish is enjoyed in many restaurants in the Phocaean city. In 1980, a bouillabaisse chart was created to define for restaurants owners the basic ingredients and presentation of this typically Provençal recipe.

Why go to Marseille in October?

Many events take place in October, such as the Marseille Vélotour, which lets you ride your bike to places you don’t usually go and discover the city in a different way. This concept lets you discover Marseille differently by cycling into exceptional places.

If you’re more inclined towards gastronomy, the gourmet evenings at the Foire de Marseille should delight your taste buds. A key Autumn event, the fair usually ends on the 1st weekend of October.

For music lovers, October in Marseille rhymes with Fiesta des Suds. This is a world music festival held annually in the Phocaean city since 1992. It brings together more than 50,000 people each year for shows held during the first week of the month.

With its historic monuments, cultural venues, gastronomy and beaches, Marseille has nothing to envy from classic European destinations such as Spain, Greece or Italy. At the dawn of autumn, the city enjoys a mild climate, with the sun at its best. With the mercury generally climbing to around 20°C, these are truly clement temperatures to enjoy a vacation in the sun. At this time of year, it will even still be possible to bathe in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Thanks to the temperate influx of tourists, October proves to be the ideal time to travel and discover all the region’s riches while being neither too hot nor too cold. You’ll also benefit fromattractive prices on your accommodation and transport bookings. So what are you waiting for to travel to Marseille in October?

So that Marseille no longer holds any secrets for you, prepare your trip thanks to the Marseille Tourist Office, Leisure and Convention Bureau!