Marseille / France

On the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in southern France lies Marseille – the second largest city in the country and the oldest city in France. For more than 2,600 years, it has been an important port where cultures, trade routes, and traditions of the entire Mediterranean meet. Visitors are enchanted by the picturesque Old Port, historic fortresses, narrow streets of the old town, and stunning views from the basilica Notre-Dame de la Garde. Thanks to its location and unique atmosphere, Marseille is among the most popular stops offered by cruises in the Mediterranean, and represents an ideal starting point for exploring the region of Provence.

What to taste in Marseille?

The cuisine of Marseille and Provence is renowned for fresh fish, seafood, olive oil, and aromatic herbs typical of southern France.

Bouillabaisse – the famous Marseille fish soup made from several types of fish and seafood.
Aïoli – a traditional garlic sauce served with fish, vegetables, or seafood.
Panisse – a specialty made from chickpea flour, fried or baked until golden.
Pieds et paquets – a traditional Provençal dish made from lamb, prepared according to old recipes.
Tapenade – a spread made from olives, capers, and anchovies, typical of Provence.
Navettes de Marseille – traditional cookies with a delicate orange blossom scent, which are a symbol of the city.

Why will you love Marseille?

Old Port (Vieux-Port) – the historic heart of the city, where Marseille originated in ancient times.
Mediterranean atmosphere – the port, markets, cafes, and coastal promenades create the city's unique character.
History and modern architecture – alongside ancient fortresses, you will also find modern buildings, such as MUCEM.

Practical tips:

Official language: French, in tourist areas you can often communicate in English.
Currency: euro (EUR)
Opening hours: most shops are open approximately from 9:00 to 19:00. Smaller shops may have a lunch break, while shopping centers and tourist zones tend to be open longer.
Public transport: Marseille has a network of metro, buses, trams, and suburban trains. Most major attractions are easily accessible by public transport.
Weather: the city has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is spring and autumn when temperatures are pleasant for exploring the city.

The most interesting from the history of Marseille:

The history of Marseille began around 600 BC, when Greek traders from Phocaea founded a settlement known as Massalia. Thanks to its advantageous location, it quickly became an important trading center and a crucial link between the Mediterranean and the interior of Europe.

For centuries, Marseille played a key role in maritime trade and gradually grew into the most important French port. Goods from Africa, the Middle East, and other parts of the Mediterranean flowed through its docks, significantly influencing the city's appearance and culture.

Today, Marseille is a modern and cosmopolitan metropolis that, despite rapid development, has retained its Mediterranean character. It combines rich history, diverse culture, excellent gastronomy, and the unique atmosphere of France's oldest city.

Useful information

Port map:

Places worth seeing:

Getting to the port:

Marseille is one of the most important ports in France and at the same time one of the largest passenger and cargo ports in the Mediterranean. Cruise ships dock in the extensive port area of Grand Port Maritime de Marseille, most often at the terminals of Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal (MPCT) in the northern part of the port. The main cruise terminal is located at Terminal Croisières Marseille Provence, Porte 4, Chemin du Littoral, 13015 Marseille. The exact boarding location is always indicated in the travel documents, and we recommend checking it before the trip, as individual shipping companies may use different terminals. The distance between the terminals and the Old Port (Vieux-Port) is approximately 7–8 kilometers, so it is usually necessary to use a taxi, shuttle bus, or public transport (line 35) to get to the city center.

I want to go to the port:

Car

Coach

Train

Plane