What to do in Marseille this summer

A festive summer

Marseille is undoubtedly a land of festivals, and we’re delighted! At the Delta Festival alone, to be held from 27 to 31 August, nearly 150,000 people are expected to dance to the sounds of Bob Sinclar, Kavinsky, Ofenbach and Rilès, Tayc.

And that’s not all, of course. For those who prefer jazz, the Marseille Jazz Festival of the Five Continents will enchant you with its magical evenings, and give you the chance to (re)discover some emblematic spots, from the Mucem to the Théâtre Silvain, La friche de la Belle de Mai and the Vieille Charité.

More of a cinema fan? From 30 June to 26 September, Ciné Plein Air will be showing films all over Marseille on giant screens, free of charge. It’s a great opportunity to revisit the classics while enjoying the fresh air as night falls!

Shooting or scoring at the Mondial de la Pétanque

What other city could host this petanque competition, Marseille’s most famous sporting event, every year? Like every summer, the Mondial de la Marseillaise à Pétanque returns to Marseille from 6 to 9 July. The beauty of this event is that it’s open to everyone. The professionals will go all the way, but if you want to test yourself against the greats of pétanque in the early rounds, now’s your chance! All you have to do is sign up. And bring your medical certificate, because yes, bringing a bottle of Ricard and a jack won’t be enough – it’s still a sporting competition.

A cultural break

It’s well known that summer in Marseille is hot. But there are always solutions, and why not, for example, take a cultural break by visiting the new exhibitions? This summer’s programme is sure to delight, and the proof is in the pudding:

Cosquer Méditerranée, which needs no introduction, opened its doors on 4 June 2022, and is the perfect attraction for the whole family. This reproduction of the prehistoric underwater cave is complemented by a highly instructive museum area: life-size reproductions of animals, changes in the Calanques landscape over 20,000 years, workshops on global warming, etc.

We then take a leap forward a few years, to immerse ourselves in the world ofAlberto Giacometti, where for the first time in Marseille, the artist is being honoured in an exceptional exhibition at the Musée Cantini, on view until September 28.

During the summer, take a trip through the world of Legos ®, The Art of The Brick is an original and colourful exhibition not to be missed!

Remember to stay hydrated

We’re talking about water, of course, to be drunk without moderation in the heat. But when it’s time for an aperitif, we’re always on the lookout for a chilled cocktail! The choice is yours: how about a cocktail with a view? Try the Dantès, the bar in the Sofitel, with its plunging view over the Old Port. Or the Buvette Le Bon Air, which is open every summer at the foot of Notre-Dame de la Garde.
More of a neighbourhood bar? We strongly suggest the Parpaing qui Flotte in the Camas district, with its delicious and varied cocktail menu, or the Beer’Ocratie a stone’s throw away. Not far from Castellane, the shaded patio of l’Ebénisterie is perfect for late afternoon aperitifs.

And for the more Marseillais among you, why not head over to MX – Maison Yellow to learn how to concoct, or simply sample, their delicious pastis cocktails? If you thought there was only the mauresque or the perroquet, you were wrong. Once you’ve tried the Café corrigé or the Jaune lemon, you’ll even want to make them again at home!

And finally: a dip in the Mediterranean

It’s hard to talk about summer in Marseille without mentioning the best swimming spots! As Massilia Soud system so aptly put it in their song “Quand arrive l’été l’appel des Goudes est le plus fort”. We can’t recommend going to these beaches at the end of the Marseilles world (take the bus or bike, avoid the car), where the white rocks mingle with the turquoise blue water to create a tapestry of OM colours that will make you forget you’re still in Marseilles.

Not far behind, the Parc National des Calanques is breaking new ground by offering regulated access to the Calanque de Sugiton, one of France’s busiest, for the first time. Don’t hesitate to book your day during the summer period (from 21 June) to be among the first to enjoy this heavenly enclave far from the usual hustle and bustle.

If you prefer big beaches, you’ve got everything you need in Marseille!