Marseilles, France - Travel Guide

Marseille offers a vibrant blend of history, culture, and Mediterranean charm. Explore the ancient Old Port, wander through the historic Le Panier district, and enjoy fresh seafood while soaking in the diverse atmosphere of France's second-largest city.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days

Budget$70/day

Mid-range$120/day

Luxury$1000/day

Known For

MarseilleBouches-du-RhôneProvenceFrench RivieraMediterranean coast

🇫🇷 Country Information: France

CapitalParis

CurrencyEuro (€)

LanguageFrench , English, German, Spanish, Italian

Phone Code+33

Electricity230V (Type C, E)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory as service charge is usually included, but rounding up or leaving a few euros for good service is appreciated in restaurants and cafes
Tipping taxi drivers is not common, but a small tip is appreciated for long rides or extra help with luggage
For hotel staff, a few euros for housekeeping or porters is customary

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available
Credit cards are widely accepted
Cash is still common, especially for smaller purchases
No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Dress respectfully, especially in religious sites
Greet people with "Bonjour"
Eating customs involve using cutlery, keeping hands on the table (not in lap), and waiting for everyone to be served before starting to eat
It is polite to say "Bon appétit" before a meal

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. France is generally considered LGBTQ+ friendly with robust legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, including same-sex marriage and adoption.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are strict, with penalties for possession and consumption of illegal drugs

Special Laws

It is illegal to smoke in public indoor spaces and on public transport
Be aware of varying rules for drones
Jaywalking can result in a fine

Common Phrases

NoNon (NOHN)

YesOui (WEE)

HelloBonjour (bohn-ZHOOR)

PleaseS'il vous plaît (seel voo PLEH)

Excuse mePardon (par-DOHN)

Thank youMerci (mer-SEE)

Climate

Climate Zone: Mediterranean

Best Time to Visit

Hot season: Jul
Aug
Cold season: Dec
Feb

Getting There

Fly into Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) with connections from major European cities and some international hubs
High
speed TGV trains connect Marseille to Paris (approx
3
4 hours, $50
100), Lyon, Nice, and other French cities
Buses connect Marseille to various towns in Provence and other regions of France

Getting Around

Extensive public transportation network including metro, trams, and buses
Ride
sharing apps like Uber and Bolt are available
Bicycle rentals are popular, especially along the coast

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTaP, Varicella, Polio, annual flu shot) should be up to date
Hepatitis A and B vaccines are generally recommended
No specific altitude sickness, malaria, or probiotics are typically needed for travel to Marseille

Staying Connected

eSIMs are widely available in France
Major providers include Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free Mobile
Airalo, Nomad, and other global eSIM providers work well

Local Cuisine

Bouillabaisse regional_speciality

A classic Provençal fish stew, traditionally made with at least three types of local fish, cooked with vegetables, herbs, and saffron. Served in two p

Pastis alcohol

An anise-flavored spirit and apéritif that is highly popular in Marseille and the Provence region. It is traditionally diluted with water, which turns

Tapenade snack

A savory spread or dip made from capers, black olives, and olive oil, often with anchovies or garlic added. It is typically served as an appetizer spr

Navettes dessert

Traditional boat-shaped biscuits flavored with orange blossom water, baked for centuries in Marseille. They are particularly associated with the Chand

Panisse street_food

A deep-fried fritter made from chickpea flour, water, and olive oil, often served as a snack. They are typically cut into squares or thick fries and f

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Ferry/Boat Tour to Calanques National Park tour_or_activity

Book 2 weeks to 2 months in advance, especially for peak season.

Boat tours, particularly during summer, have limited capacity and are the best way to experience the famous Calanques, often selling out days or weeks ahead.

TGV High-Speed Train Tickets (e.g., to Paris or Lyon) Transport

Book 1 to 4 months in advance.

Booking TGV tickets well in advance secures the best fares (PREM fares) before dynamic pricing increases the cost significantly, and guarantees a seat.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

High-Demand Dining (e.g., Michelin-starred or popular seafood spots) Dining

Book 3 weeks to 3 months in advance.

Top restaurants, particularly those serving regional specialties like Bouillabaisse, have limited seating and reservation windows open months in advance.

Accommodation in the Vieux-Port or Le Panier districts Accommodation

Book 2 to 6 months in advance, especially for summer.

The most desirable hotels and short-term rentals in central, well-located neighborhoods fill up quickly, leading to higher prices and fewer choices closer to the date.

Fun Facts

1. Marseille is the oldest city in France, founded around 600 BC by Greek settlers from Phocaea, making it over 2,600 years old
2. The city's famous national anthem of France, "La Marseillaise," was actually written in Strasbourg and only adopted its name because it was sung by volunteer troops from Marseille while marching to Paris
3. Marseille is home to the first public café in France, which opened in the city well before Paris had one
4. The city is often credited as the birthplace of *pétanque*, a popular French game similar to bocce, though the modern rules were codified nearby in La Ciotat

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