Marseille - Marsiglia

Marseille (Marseille, in Provençal: Marselha or Marsiho, in Latin: Massilia or Massalia) is the regional capital Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.

To know

Marseille is: the second city of the France, the largest port on the Mediterranean and the economic hub of the region Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.

Marseille has a complex history. Founded by the Greeks, it is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Its population represents an authentic melting pot of different cultures and peoples. From the colorful markets (such as Noailles) that will make you feel in Africa, at Calanques (a natural area with cliffs overlooking the sea - "Calanque" means "fjord"), from the area of Panier (the oldest part of the city and historically where newcomers settle) al Vieux-Port (old port) e Corniche (coastal road) Marseille has a lot to offer. But also from the fish market in the old port to the old basket district (Vieux Panier) in the historic center. Undoubtedly, the basilica of Our Lady of the Guard is also worth visiting, which towers over a 154-meter-high limestone spur south of central Marseille and has watched over the city since the 19th century.

Background

This typical Mediterranean city with its picturesque bays already boasts over 2600 years of history.

How to orient yourself

Vieux Port, at the end of Canebière street, is the center of Marseille. Destroyed during the events of World War II, it was rebuilt from scratch in 1948. Today its dock is reserved for pleasure boats only and is surrounded by countless restaurants which naturally have a fish-based menu.

Rue Canebière is a street whose width was increased to 30 m. in 1857. The buildings that flank it date back to that time and several are used as hotels. Its premises are mainly frequented by sailors and North African elements who form a large community in Marseille.

Neighborhoods

• Belsunce it is the district extended around the Rue d'Aix and its extension, cours Belsunce, which cuts perpendicular to the avenue de la Canebière. It is a poor neighborhood where many immigrants live, especially from North Africa. There is the "Musée d'Histoire de Marseille".
• Le Panier it is the oldest district of Marseille, extending on the promontory north of the Vieux Port dock and bounded to the east by Rue de la Republique. An ancient settlement of the Greek colonists, Le Panier has preserved a network of narrow alleys and its popular character. There you will find the cathedral of Marseille.

How to get

By plane

Marseille-Provence International Airport 30km from Marseille. Bus, taxi and train take you to the center in less than 30 minutes.

By car

FromItaly the best way is to cross the Liguria, enter France a Ventimiglia and cross the French Riviera.

On boat

The port of Marseille has connections with Ajaccio, Bastia, Porto Torres, Old Port is Propriano.

On the train

The main station is Marseille St. Charles. Well connected to the rest of the city thanks to two metro lines and buses. It is close to Canebière and the Old Port. Be careful: the station is located on a small hill, if you decide to go on foot you will have to take several steps, not recommended if you have heavy luggage.

Marseille has TGV lines for Paris (3 hours) e Lyon (1h45), Nice (2h), Strasbourg (5h35), Frankfurt (7h45), Geneva (3h30) and Brussels (5h).

From Barcelona, there is a link for Cerbère, from which it is possible to take normal trains to Marseille, even at night.

By bus

The buses of Eurolines they stop at "Gare Routière", pole multimodal St. Charles, rue Honnorat. Saint-Charles metro station

How to get around

By public transport

Public transport Régie des Transports de Marseille RTM includes 2 metro lines (métro), 2 trams and 74 buses. If you have mobility problems (wheelchair or baby strollers) be aware that all metro stations have steps which can therefore be uncomfortable. Tram and bus are better options.

Tickets can be found in bars, metro stations or on the bus. Better buy a multiple ticket (libertés cards) for € 13 (10 journeys), but these are not found on the buses. The number of transfers from one vehicle to another is free for the first hour.

The Pilote website includes bus, tram and metro timetables and is easier to read than the RTM website.

Airport transfer € 8.50 to and from Gare Saint Charles. Tickets can be purchased at the stand between Hall 1 and Hall 3/4 of the main terminal and at other stands in the Gare Routière, after the Voie (platform) N in Gare St Charles. Buses run every 20 minutes at 10, 30, and 50 of each hour. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes. The bus is signposted as Aeroport Shuttles - Gare St Charles. From Gare St Charles, the metro can take you to most hotels.

Metro tickets allow unlimited travel on buses or trams during the first hour for a basic fare of € 1.50 but do not include the return to the metro. Daily ticket (journée papers) costs € 5.00.

By taxi

Beware of dishonest taxi drivers: a € 20 ride can easily go up to € 40. If you think you have been scammed, write down your taxi license number (on the back, often on the window) and go to the tourist office at 4, La Canebière (near the Vieux Port) and talk to someone. If you have been cheated they will make sure to return your money and the taxi driver will be in trouble.

By car

If possible, avoid driving around as traffic is chaotic and parking spaces are difficult to find. If you want to venture out, ask the hotel where you will be staying if they have parking available, you will save time and money and avoid any fines.

On boat

There is a ferry that crosses the old port (Vieux Port). It is a tourist attraction itself because it is the shortest commercial boat trip in Europe. Other ferries connect to L'Estaque, Les Goudes, La Pointe-Rouge is Le Frioul. Round trip 10 € but a 1 week RTM pass (13 €) includes all destinations except Frioul, very affordable. There are also other companies that offer tours of the Calanque, like mini cruises.

By bike

Marseille has a bike rental program Le vélo but in fact there are no cycle paths and the existing ones are overrun with pedestrians or parked cars, so cycling is a big problem. The program costs € 1 for a week, but there is a deposit of € 150 if you do not return the undamaged bike. Univélo Marseille is an app that provides bike rental and parking availability in over 100 stations.

With guided tours

• 43.2957045.3666921 Tourist train, 174 quai du Port (in the restaurant's face Au Doyen), ☎ 33 4 91 25 24 69. Adults: C1 8, - EUR, C2 7, - EUR, C3 4, - EUR; Children: from 4 to 11 years old at half price.. C2: 1 Apr to 15 Nov. Duration of the excursion approximately 01:05, stopping 30 minutes. Circuit C1: Notre-Dame de la Garde the train will take you up to the foot of the basilica.

Circuit C2: Old Marseille on the west bank of the old port passing by Hôtel de Cabre, Hôtel Dieu, the church St Lauren and the magnificent cathedral de la Major.

Circuit C3: Isolotti boat train Frioul. 

• 43.2947625.3741352 Frioul islands tourist boat ((FR) bateaux touristique iles du Frioul), 1 quai de la Fraternité (at the maritime landing stage (Maritime races) FIE), ☎ 33 4 96 11 03 50, fax: 33 4 91 52 78 45, @[email protected]. Adults: C3 4, - EUR; Children aged 4 to 11 at half price. 15 Jun to 1 Sep. Journey time: about 30 minutes. boat to the Islets of Frioul. 

What see

• Vieux Port (Old port). Watching fishermen sell their wares is a spectacle. Arriving in Marseille from the Vieux-Port on summer evenings is unforgettable. Go to Frioul islands or Chateau d'If and return in the late afternoon. Another beautiful view is from the Palais du Pharo. The famous Canebière boulevard goes straight to the port. However, the Canebière is not as interesting as its fame might suggest. 
• MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean civilizations). Opened in 2013, famous for its architecture and for its integration with Fort Saint-Jean, a castle that is part of the museum and acts as a park in the city offering breathtaking views. 

• 43.28435.3712921 Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, rue Fort du Sanctuaire, Marseille - Cedex 06 (stop bus N ° 60Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde), ☎ 33 491 134 080, fax: 33 491 372 899, @[email protected]. Oct-Mar Mon-Sun 07: 00-18: 15 (closing of the last barrier at 19:00); Apr-Sep Mon-Sun 07: 00-19: 15 (closing of the last barrier at 20:00). The large church overlooking the city. The old fishermen here had the boats blessed and you can still see several boats hanging in the church. As soon as you arrive in Marseille you should definitely go up here, to enjoy a wonderful almost 360 ° view over the calanques to the south and the old port and the Estaque hills to the north. The basilica is internally decorated with large mosaics of amazing beauty.

IMPORTANT: the last car park is closed at 19:00 in winter and at 20:00 in summer, all vehicles must leave the car park before closing. Alternatively, you can take the tourist train from the port to arrive, take a tour and then always return with the train. 

• Abbaye Saint-Victor de Marseille. 

• Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore (Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure). Great cathedral on the coast. 
• Cantini Museum, 19 rue Grignan. 
• Musée d'Histoire de Marseille, Cours Belsunce. 
• Grobet-Labadié Museum, 140 boulevard Longchamp. 
• Musée des Docks romains (Archéologie-Graffiti-Lapidaire), Place Vivaux. 33 4 91 91 24 62. The old port of the Greek and Roman period. 
• Musée d'Archéologie méditerranéenne (Archéologie-Graffiti-Lapidaire), Center de la Vieille Charité, 2 Rue de la Charité, ☎ 33 4 91 14 58 59, fax: 33 4 91 14 58 76. 
• "Cours Julien" and "la plaine". Leisure area with bookshops, bars, fountains and playgrounds for the little ones (metro Cours Julien / Notre Dame du Mont). It is the trendy area of ​​Marseille. La Plaine is the local name of Place Jean Jaurès near Cours Julien. Every Thursday and Saturday morning the Plaine market and arriving early also means doing good deals, even if you find something "tombé du truck"(fell from the truck) as the Marseillais say. 
• Corniche. Promenade and seafront street with views of the Chateau d'If to the south, and les Calanques to the east. Vallon des Auffes, is a small and picturesque port under a viaduct, particularly beautiful. 
• Boulevard Longchamp and Palais Longchamp. Boulevard Longchamp where you can admire several upper middle class buildings up to Palais Longchamp. The palace is worth a visit, it doesn't take long. There is the museum of fine arts or the natural history museum. 
• Parc Borély. A large park 300 meters from the sea. After walking, go for a drink in Escale Borely (a place full of bars and restaurants on the beach) to watch the sunset. 
• Le Panier. The oldest part of the city and where the Vielle Charité is located, a wonderful ancient monument, which now houses museums and exhibitions. 
• Beaches. There are many beaches, the most popular are Catalans, Prophètes, Pointe-Rouge and Corbières. Some, however, may be closed to bathers often following heavy rains. 
• Unité d'Habitation (Take the bus 21 from Rond-Point du Prado metro). By Le Corbusier. The building is called "la maison du fada" (the fool's house) by the locals. Inside there are a shopping area, a church, a school and houses and you can admire splendid views over the city. Bar / restaurant / hotel on the third floor. 
• Stade Velodrome. The stadium where "Olympique de Marseille" plays. 
• Noailles. The area around the Noailles metro station is one of the most interesting in the city. 
• Mazargues War Cemetery (On the way to Luminy). 

Events and parties

What to do

You can visit beautiful natural areas, rent a boat. You can play sports and if time permits go to the beach and enjoy the sun and the sea. In Marseille there is truly spoiled for choice.

Shopping

How to have fun

Shows

For scheduled events and concerts you can watch The Nuit Magazine or the newspaper Vent it, especially in summer there are festivals, parties on boats (night mini-cruises with DJs to the Calanques for € 20-40), and concerts

Night clubs

Sip a drink at sunset at an al Quai de Rive Neuve. For those who want to regenerate in a local chic, the ideal choice is the terrace of the Intercontinental Hotel. For those who want to stay close to the sea we recommend it Sport Beach to Escale Borély where on weekends in the summer you warm your spirits to the sound of music giving you an unforgettable night by the pool.

In recent years, many new venues have been opened. The most popular area from April to October is certainly the one near the beaches.

• Old Port many bars and pubs (especially in the southern area and Cours d'Estienne d'Orves - Marengo, Polikarpov, Barberousse, Hard Rock Café)
• La Plaine / Cours Julien alternative and underground bars (E-wine, Bar du marché, Petit-Nice, Intermédiaire, Asile 404, Molotov)
• La Joliette / J4 a more trendy and chic area (Palais de la Major, Casa Pietra, White Rabbit).

Pub

• O'Brady's Irish Pub, 378, avenue de Mazargues, ☎ 33 4 91 71 53 71. Sun 12: 00–1: 30 am; Mon-Sat 11: 00–1: 30. 
• ^{[link not working]}Shamrock Irish Pub, 17, quai de Rive-Neuve, ☎ 33 4 91 33 11 01. 
• Red Lion, 231 avenue Pierre-Mendès. 

Club

• The Trolleybus, 24 Quai de Rive-Neuve (Vieux-Port), ☎ 33 491 54 30 45, 33 6 72 36 91 10 (Infoline), 33 6 72 36 90 73. The most famous nightclub in the center. A kind of cave, with various rooms in which different music is played from hits, to techno up to jazz and the 50s-60s. 
• The Bazaars, 90 Boulevard Rabatau, ☎ 33 6 58 52 15 15. Close to one of the most beautiful beaches in the city. 
• The Baby, 2 Rue André Poggioli. One of the best clubs for electronics enthusiasts. 

Other

• Le Bar de la Marine, Quai de Rive-Neuve (Vieux-Port), ☎ 33 4 91 54 95 42, @[email protected]. from 8, - to 33, - EUR. Mon-Sat 07: 30-02: 00, Sun 17: 00-05: 00. Bar with terrace overlooking the harbor. youtube.com 

Where to eat

Of course, Marseille cuisine is centered around fish. The most famous local dishes are the "bouillabaisse"and the"aïoli", a soup with garlic, vegetables and smoked cod.

There bouillabaisse is a very good fish-based soup served with rouille (a sauce made with garlic and saffron) and bread as croutons. Bouillabaisse cannot be enjoyed on a budget. If someone invites you home to eat it, don't worry, but never eat the bouillabaisse if it is cheap. Better to go to a restaurant where you have to make a reservation. Remember it's a meal, soup first, then fish.

Moderate prices

Along the Canebière there are many places to eat kebabs. Many cheap restaurants where you can eat real couscous can be found in Cours Belsunce, an area of ​​Maghrebi immigrants

• Bar of the Hotel de Ville (At the "Vieux Port" to the left of the town hall). Famous for the long lunch break that the Marseillais take. 
• Four des Navettes (Near St Victor Fort). Famous for the "Navette" a dry biscuit whose recipe has been a secret for almost a century. One of the local Marseille specialties. 

Average prices

Many restaurants with terraces, ideal on fine days, in Cours Julien, the pedestrian street close to Canebière and "Plaine"

• L'Escapade marseillaise, 48, rue Caisserie (Behind the Hôtel de Ville). Provencal cuisine. 
• Chez Toinou, 3, cours Saint Louis (Close to la Canebière). Frequented by locals and famous for oysters. Toinou also sells fish and as it is always busy it is best to book. 
• L'Epuisette (In the picturesque port of Vallon des Auffes). Fish and bouillabaisse. 
• Le Cercle Rouge, 41 Rue Adolphe Thiers (Just outside Canebiere). A little unusual but very good cuisine, better to book to try and have a seat on the terrace if the weather permits. 
• Le Cours en Vert, 102 Cours Julien (Close to the metro station), ☎ 33 4 86774169. Main courses € 10/14. Vegetarian and organic. 
• Fayrouz, 62 Cours Julien, ☎ 33 4 91483630. Fixed price menu € 20/25. Lebanese restaurant. 

High prices

• La Table du Fort, 8, rue Fort Notre Dame (At the Vieux Port). Specialized in fish dishes and among the most renowned restaurants in the city. 
• Le Petit Nice Passédat. From 180 € per person. 3 Michelin stars by the sea, run by local celebrity Gérald Passédat. Among the best restaurants in the south of France and the best bouillabaisse in the city at a remarkable price. 

Where stay

Do not forget to compare the prices offered by the hotels listed below with those of online booking sites. It might cost you a lot less.

Moderate prices

• Hello Marseille Hostel, 12 rue de Breteuil, ☎ 33 9 54 80 75 05, @[email protected]. 6 bed dorms. 
• Lutetia hotels (Between St Charles station and the old port), ☎ 33 491 508 178. From € 60. Renovated hostel with free wifi and friendly staff. 
• La Cigale et la Fourmie (In Village de Mazargues, half an hour from the center and the beach in the south of Marseille), ☎ 33 491 400 512, fax: 33 491 400 510, @[email protected]. Shared rooms from € 15 per night, rooms from € 35. Each room has kitchen and bathroom WiFi and free Internet, no breakfast but there is a nearby bakery, 6 bikes available and no curfew. 
• Adagio Marseille Prado Plage (In the heart of Le Prado, 100 meters from the beach, easy to reach via Avenue du Prado or the Corniche), ☎ 33 1 58 21 55 84. Renovated in a quiet residential area, close to restaurants and the Palais des Congrès. It can also accommodate disabled people. 

Average prices

• New Hotel Bompard, 2 rue des Flots Bleus, ☎ 33 0491 99 22 22. 
• Hotel du Palais, 26 rue Breteuil, ☎ 33 4 91 37 78 86. 
• Hôtel de l'Ariana, 12 rue du théâtre Français (Metro, line 2: Noailles. Close to La Canebière, 5 minutes walk from the Vieux Port, 600 meters from Gare Saint Charles and the Gymnasium theater. Prado beach is 15 minutes by car, the airport just 25 minutes). Rooms from 50 €. 
• Hotel La résidence du Vieux Port Marseille. Refurbished in 2010 in a 1950s style as a tribute to Charlotte Perriand and Le Corbusier. All the rooms overlook the harbor, from the suites on the top floor you can enjoy a fantastic view. 
• Best Western La Joliette, 49 Avenue Robert Schuman (Close to Joliette metro / tram station), ☎ 33 1 45 74 76 72. Check in: 14:00, check-out: 10:00. Clean, friendly and good for visiting the port and Le Panier. 

High prices

• Novotel Marseille Vieux Port (Close to the Pharo Gardens). 4 stars overlooking the Vieux Port. Many public figures stay here. 
• ^{[link not working]}Le Petit Nice Passedat. The hotel with the most renowned restaurant in the city. 

Safety

How to keep in touch

Internet

The Vieux Port area is covered by wi-fi.

Keep informed

• La Provence Regional newspaper belonging to the Hersant Média group.

Around

• 43.285385.3509323 Vallon des Auffes. A small fishing port located a few minutes east from the center, in the bay of the valley des Auffes and it is one of the best known if not the best known in Marseille not only because of the films that were filmed there.

The name Auffes derives from a variety of grass previously used for the preparation of fishing ropes and nets.

On the sides there are still some old fishermen's huts. Among various dining options, there are pizzerias and fine restaurants. Many of the narrow alleys are named after fish. At the entrance to the port there is a small basin where you can swim. 

• Aix-en-Provence - can be easily reached by Cartreize bus or SNCF train. There is a dedicated express bus from St Charles station which takes 30/40 minutes.
• Cassis - A nice resort south-east of Marseille.
• Calanques - South close Cassis. Bus # 21 from Rond Point du Prado in front of Stade Velodrome or from the Vieux Port (1.50 euros). The fjords are spectacular. The walk along the coast from Cassis to Marseille can be done in one day by walking briskly. The route (GR) is well marked with red and white stripes. From Luminy turn left for Cassis or right for Callelongue (a bus takes you to bus # 19, which takes you back to Place Castellane in the center). In summer, some Calanques may be closed due to the high risk of fires.
• Château d'If - It is located on a small island, at first it was a defensive structure, then it became a prison. He is famous for the novel The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. To reach it, you start from the Vieux Port.
• Allauch is Plan de Cuques - They are peripheral municipalities where you can admire the beautiful surrounding countryside. By metro (Line 1) to La Rose and then bus # 142, # 144. Take a picnic and a walk in the hills, the view of Marseille and the Mediterranean is stunning.
• Estaque and côte bleue - L'Estaque is a marina that is only now starting to exploit its tourist potential also linked to the figure of Cézanne. Bus # 35 from La Joliette (to get to La Joliette take Metro Line 2)

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