Even for those who solely have someday in Marseille, it is loads of time to see the highest sights of the town. I’ve ready a one-day itinerary for you, together with loads of ideas to get essentially the most out of an ideal 24 hours in Marseille.
It’s a gorgeous metropolis by any customary, the Outdated Port of Marseille gracefully lined with low-rise buildings and tons of of small boats blended in with luxurious yachts, the form of view that can stick in your thoughts till you lastly give in and rush to order your ticket.
Up on the hill, an imposing basilica stands guard. Within the distance, a fortress on a rock at sea impressed one of many excellent historic novels of all time.
Marseille is a magnificence.
It is also, in some ways, certainly one of France’s most compelling cities. You may be beating the crowds as guests rush previous to go to different vacationer scorching spots in southern France, leaving you to take pleasure in an uncommon, energetic and historic port metropolis.
I spent ten days in Marseille not way back however I stay in France and the town is simply over three hours by prepare from my doorstep.
Most individuals do not have that a lot time. Usually, the town is a one-day cruise ship cease alongside the Mediterranean Sea, or a one-day journey for those who occur to be close by, say in Avignon or the Luberon.
At some point will not be a lot, nevertheless it is sufficient to see the excessive factors of the town. Right here, let me present you.
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Town’s story begins round 6000 BCE, when a bunch of Greek merchants from Phocaea − modern-day Turkey − went off to discover a new house, ending up on the coast of southern Gaul.
An area tribe referred to as the Ligurians lived there, and the king’s daughter, Gyptis, obtained to decide on her husband by providing him a glass of wine throughout a ceremony. The joyful recipient was none aside from Protis, chief of the Phocaeans. They married and collectively based Massilia, the town we now know as Marseille.
By the point Julius Caesar launched his conquest of Gaul in 58 BCE, Massalia had already established itself as an important hyperlink between the Greek and Roman worlds. A lot of that Greek heritage pale, and Marseille prospered as a Roman metropolis till it was captured by the Visigoths and ultimately declined, annexed by the County of Provence within the tenth century.
Many ups and downs adopted, together with two plagues, invasions and partial destruction throughout World Warfare II. At present, Marseille is a melting pot, which is a part of its drawback but in addition a part of its attraction. (You may delve extra deeply into the town’s historical past in Depraved Metropolis: The Many Cultures of Marseille.)
And now, able to spend 1 day in Marseille? This is a fast overview of what your itinerary might appear like.
MARSEILLE ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
- 6:30 AM: Dawn at Notre-Dame de la Garde
- 8:00 AM: Morning espresso at La Caravelle
- 9:00 AM: Discover Le Panier district
- 10:45 AM: Go to Mucem and the Fort St. Jean
- 12:30 AM: Lunch at Cours Julien
- 2:00 PM: Boat journey to Château d’If
- 4:30 PM: Leisurely stroll alongside Vieux-Port, go to cleaning soap museum or Musée Longchamp
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at Chez Fonfon
- 9:00 PM: Stroll alongside the Corniche Kennedy again to city
Detailed information to spending someday in Marseille
A phrase of warning: this can be a PACKED itinerary. A few of you might need to courageous it. Others may select a number of issues and discover these extra in depth. You may combine and match at will – you do not have to do all of it!
Notre-Dame de la Garde
Start your day on the iconic basilica, Notre-Dame de la Garde, to observe a wide ranging dawn over Marseille. Affectionately often called “La Bonne Mère” (The Good Mom), this stunning constructing has been an emblem of safety for Marseille’s inhabitants since its consecration in 1864.
The basilica’s gilded inside, properly price exploring ©OffbeatFranceThe basilica’s Neo-Byzantine structure, designed by Henri-Jacques Espérandieu, is hanging, whether or not you want this type or not.
From virtually wherever in Marseille, not solely are you able to see the basilica but in addition the bell tower with a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary holding the toddler Jesus. The statue, by the best way, occurs to be hole, and a staircase inside leads as much as her eyes, though that is closed to the general public.
The location began as a Thirteenth-century chapel which was fortified within the sixteenth century to defend the town, however ultimately destroyed through the French Revolution.
Inside, the basilica is adorned with intricate mosaics and ex-votos, tokens of gratitude from sailors and fishermen who imagine the Good Mom watched over them at sea.
The panoramic views alone make a go to worthwhile…
One of many panoramic views from the basilica over Marseille ©OffbeatFranceGiven the early hour, public transport could also be restricted (the bus begins at 7am). Think about arranging a taxi or utilizing a rideshare service like Bolt or Uber to achieve the basilica.
By the point you permit, the bus must be operating. It is Quantity 60 and leaves from the small sq. on the basilica’s entrance. Get off at Vieux Port. La Caravelle is shut by.
Another choice is to stroll down from the basilica. However a phrase of warning: that is going to be a protracted day so that you may need to save your vitality!
Morning espresso at La Caravelle
When you rushed out to catch the dawn and are determined for espresso, head for La Caravelle. It is a historic bar, with a maritime vibe, a favourite with locals and guests because the Nineteen Twenties. It is on the primary ground of the Hôtel Belle-Vue, so you may get nice views of the harbor and may watch the town get up.
You may actually have a full breakfast right here however make it fast!
Le Panier District
A couple of minutes’ stroll from La Caravelle and you will be within the coronary heart of Le Panier, Marseille’s oldest neighborhood, based by the Phoceans.
This is among the hottest elements of the town, virtually an excessive amount of so, when crowds overrun its slim streets in quest of colourful façades, artisan boutiques and galleries.
By going off season, you may benefit from the space much more, and with out hundreds of vacationers, it’s going to additionally really feel much more genuine.
A lot of Le Panier seems to be because it has for hundreds of years, though a part of it was destroyed by Nazi forces throughout World Warfare II and rebuilt within the mid-Nineteenth century. Nonetheless, the center of Le Panier stays unchanged.
A typical avenue in Le Panier ©OffbeatFranceA go to to La Vieille Charité, a hanging Seventeenth-century almshouse designed by architect Pierre Puget, ought to undoubtedly be a part of your go to.
Initially constructed as a poorhouse, it is now a cultural heart and museum (and likewise has a clear bathroom, in case you are looking out).
La Vieille Charité in Marseille’s Le Panier district ©OffbeatFranceYOU COULD TAKE A GUIDED TOUR…
If you would like to be taught extra about what you are seeing, a tour like this one will fill within the blanks.
For one thing a bit longer, this tour covers various the bases − in half a day, so you continue to have time to see the remaining!
Mucem and Fort Saint Jean
If you emerge from the Panier, you may in all probability be in entrance of Cathédrale de La Main. I would not spend an excessive amount of time inside − I discovered it extra gorgeous from the surface. Simply earlier than the cathedral, you may see a line in your left, for among the greatest ice cream on the town.
Cathédrale La Main in Marseille ©OffbeatFranceThroughout from the cathedral and to your left, observe the water again in direction of the Vieux Port to the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations, or Mucem. It is large and you will not have the ability to do it justice in an hour-and-a-half, nevertheless it’s a begin.
It is an architectural marvel, with a latticework façade that symbolizes the connection between land and sea, given Marseille’s function as a crossroads of cultures.
One of many walkways across the Mucem, and a closeup of the museum’s lattice-work. You may see Notre Dame de la Garde on the hill past ©OffbeatFranceInside, you may discover momentary displays coping with totally different aspects of Mediterranean tradition, from meals to historical past, relying on if you go to. When you’re an underwater cave fan, subsequent door is the Cosquer Museum, which replicates a prehistoric cave discovered underwater additional alongside the coast.
After the Mucem, stroll again into city by Fort Saint-Jean, constructed in 1660 by Louis XIV. Apparently, this fort was constructed as a defence towards attackers but in addition to control the native inhabitants, to make sure their loyalty to the crown. Its walkways and gardens are a pleasure to wander round and look out over the town and sea.
Cours Julien
By now you have labored up an urge for food and for those who’re a fan of avenue artwork, you will not need to miss the Cours Julien.
This was as soon as the town’s essential fruit and vegetable market, from about 1860 to 1970, however now it’s a hub for artists and creatives, with tons of avenue artwork and murals and graffiti, a few of which you will like, and a few of which you do not. However the space is famend and it’s best to see for your self.
Even when you have restricted time, you may nonetheless catch a fast lunch at one of many eating places across the sq., and discover the aspect streets for some avenue artwork.
The Cours Julien has a world culinary scene, with all kinds of world eating places − Ethiopian, Palestinian, Brazilian, Indian… and French, after all. Most are small, informal institutions and for those who get there early, it’s best to simply discover a desk.
The streets round Cours Julien are stuffed with colourful mural artwork ©OffbeatFranceIt is a 15-minute stroll from the top of the Vieux Port, at Quai des Belges, to Cours Julien. When you’re saving your vitality, seize a rideshare or taxi to get right here, or take the subway: Metro Line 1 at Vieux-Port in direction of La Rose for one cease and get off at Saint-Charles. Then switch to Metro Line 2 in direction of Sainte-Marguerite Dromel and get off at Notre-Dame du Mont – Cours Julien (2 stops, roughly 5 minutes). You may arrive proper within the coronary heart of issues.
Château d’If
When you lunched in Cours Julien, you may stroll again in 20 minutes to the ferry station or hop the metro again the best way you got here.
The timing may be very tight however to me, this journey was one of many highlights of my go to to Marseille. When you’ve learn the Depend of Monte Cristo, you may really feel the identical.
This formidable fortress, constructed between 1527 and 1529 below King François I, was initially supposed to defend Marseille from sea invasions. Nonetheless, it gained notoriety as a state jail, immortalized in Alexandre Dumas’ novel “The Depend of Monte Cristo.” Exploring its storied cells and ramparts provides a tangible connection to literary and historic narratives.
Ferries to the rocky outcrop go away each half-hour or so, however schedules differ relying on the season. Be sure to test their web site, and reserve your ticket upfront. When you’re on the fence about visiting the island, you may learn what I needed to say in regards to the Château d’If right here.
The forbidding Château d’If seen from the approaching ferry ©OffbeatFranceWhen you’re again from the Château d’If, you may stroll alongside the Vieux-Port, chill out in a café, or, why not go to the Savonnerie Marseillaise, the small cleaning soap museum? As you realize, Marseille cleaning soap is world well-known, and this little museum exhibits off its historical past. It is tiny and will not take lengthy, however you may get insights into the standard craft of soap-making, a observe deeply embedded within the metropolis’s historical past.
If you have not learn the Monte Cristo e-book or seen the film, you may need to give the Château d’If a miss and spend extra time on the Cours Julien, or head to the Palais Longchamp for some extra “classical” artwork.
Palais Longchamp
The Palais Longchamp was additionally a spotlight of my go to (every thing in Marseille drew me so selecting is mostly a problem!)
The Palais commemorates Marseille’s Nineteenth century overcome water shortage − and the central fountain on the entrance symbolizes abundance. Accomplished in 1869, it celebrates the Canal de Marseille, which channeled water from the Durance River to the town, assuaging persistent shortages.
Fountains in entrance of the Palais Longchamp in Marseille ©OffbeatFranceArchitect Henri-Jacques Espérandieu (of the Notre-Dame de la Garde fame) designed the palace, which homes two museums: the Musée des Beaux-Arts, showcasing European work and sculptures, and the Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle, with pure historical past collections.
I visited the Beaux-Arts primarily to view a number of work associated to the Nice Plague of Marseille in 1720, which killed greater than half of Marseille’s inhabitants of 90,000 on the time.
One of many work, by Michel Serre, known as “View of the Port and Hôtel de Ville of Marseilles through the Plague of 1720.” The is Jacques-Louis David’s portray, “Saint Roch Interceding with the Virgin for the Plague-Stricken.”
A part of Michel Serre’s portray – I could not get all the factor into the body!An attention-grabbing apart: the observatory within the park, inbuilt 1864, as soon as housed the world’s largest telescope, with an 80cm/32in diameter, serving as a serious analysis facility for over 140 years.
You may take Metro Line 1 from Vieux-Port in direction of La Rose and alight at Cinq Avenues – Longchamp station (4 stops, roughly 7 minutes). Palais Longchamp is a brief stroll from the station. Simply be sure you have your metropolis GPS on since you won’t see the Palais instantly.
Or, stroll up the long-lasting Canebière, which the Marseillais take into account their equal of the Champs-Elysées, and hop the T2 tram for 4 stops and get off at Longchamp.
Dinner at Chez Fonfon
If I am suggesting this specific restaurant, it is solely to get you out to the Vallée des Auffes and the Corniche, which you will not in any other case see until you are taking the Hop On Hop Off bus.
Chez Fonfon is famend however not too long ago has suffered from many poor opinions for service. It is an costly restaurant, so it issues. I am unable to decide, not having tried it myself. You may reserve right here and you may learn opinions right here.
I selected Chez Madie les Galinettes (here is their Fb web page) alongside the Vieux-Port, additionally a bit dear (most are) as a result of I would already visited the Corniche and needed one thing close by. It was fairly good, despite the fact that I had nothing I might examine it to.
Le Ruhl and Chez Michel even have good reputations, as do Chez Loury and the Miramar alongside the Vieux-Port.
When you go to Chez Fonfon, you’ll take pleasure in a stroll again from the quaint fishing harbor of the Vallon des Auffes to city, alongside the fantastic Corniche promenade.
Vallon des Auffes in MarseilleThe way in which again is generally by way of Bus 83 however I’ve discovered it to be overcrowded within the evenings, a lot in order that it generally does not cease. It is a ten-minute stroll to the Plage des Catalans on the fringe of Marseille, or half an hour all the best way to the Vieux-Port. The world is properly lit and extremely frequented, particularly on summer time evenings.
The Plage des Catalans, on the fringe of Marseille, alongside the Corniche Kennedy, which stretches alongside the ocean for 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) ©OffbeatFranceNOT IN THE MOOD FOR BOUILLABAISSE?
An amazing choice is that this night meals tour that takes you across the Cours Julien, so for those who’re not having lunch among the many avenue artwork, you may nonetheless catch it within the night.
Another choice, if you would like to remain close to the Vieux Port, is a stroll alongside the Cours Honoré-d’Estienne-d’Orves, a pedestrian avenue stuffed with cafés and eating places that runs parallel to the south aspect of the port.
Getting round Marseille
Marseille has wonderful public transportation and you may get round to all of the locations on this itinerary by utilizing the town community.
You should buy tickets individually, get a 24h transport go, or purchase a full-day Marseille CityPass, which incorporates each transportation and lots of the metropolis’s points of interest, together with its museums.
Given that you just solely have a day, you may take into account taking a Hop On Hop Off tour of Marseille. I attempted it for a day and taking the bus gave me a superb sense of the town’s format. It additionally made getting round a bit simpler, particularly to neighborhoods with much less public transportation.
On this journey it was winter and as you may see, I did not need to combat for the most effective seat! ©OffbeatFranceJourney suggestions for someday in Marseille
- Don’t drive. Severely. When you arrive in Marseille with a rental automotive, park it for the day and choose it up if you’re performed. Parking is tough, and driving right here requires a severe set of nerves.
- When you’re planning on consuming a bouillabaisse, make a reservation. Relying on the time of 12 months, the most effective eating places might be crowded.
- Do you get seasick? When you do, convey alongside a few anti-nausea bracelets or capsules for the boat journey to the Château d’If.
- Be sure to have some form of map. Use a bodily one, or obtain the Marseille map from Maps.me or Google Maps.
- Bear in mind that Marseille is usually thought-about much less secure than different massive French cities. Security is relative, nevertheless, so learn this piece for the true security scenario in Marseille.
- As is the case all through France, it’s all the time good to concentrate on native etiquette, the one and solely obligatory points being “good day” and “goodbye” if you enter and go away a store (bonjour and au revoir). You may obtain these primary phrases in French – only a few however very helpful.
- Marseille provides a 24-hour go for limitless entry to buses, trams, and the metro, which might be handy for this itinerary.• Advance Reservations: Think about reserving tickets upfront for the boat journey to Château d’If and dinner at Chez Fonfon to make sure availability.• Palais Longchamp Opening Hours: The park is open day by day from 9:00 AM to eight:00 PM. The museums inside the palace usually function from 10:00 AM to six:00 PM. Guarantee your go to aligns with these hours.• Time Administration: Be aware of the time spent at every location to stick to the schedule, particularly contemplating journey
Earlier than you go…
Are you able to spend greater than someday in Marseille?
In that case, you may see extra of the town, or get out city on certainly one of these day journeys from Marseille. An amazing place to start out can be the Calanques Nationwide Park, a sequence of wonderful rocky inlets alongside the coast.
Though you may completely see the highlights in someday, please attempt to keep longer − that is such an extremely vibrant metropolis that you’re going to be doing every thing you may to return again!
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