20 THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN MARSEILLE

Dirty, ugly, dangerous ... qualifiers like these have been associated with Marseille over the years. Do not be impressed by these words, because even with its flaws, this city is colorful, cheerful, full of life, with a strong personality and a tasty gastronomy ... something like the Naples of France. Its important port and the cultural richness that all that have passed through it have left over the years, make this city in southern France a much more interesting destination. His bad reputation is already history and if you don't believe me you just have to keep reading, because then we will tell you the best 20 things to see and do in Marseille.

1. The real heart of Marseille is the old Port and it remains in top form, although it has been beating intensely since more than 2,000 years ago the Greeks founded the city in this precise place. Fish trading mornings, transfer of boats, tourists and locals, souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants and of course the magic of sunsets. It seems that everything starts and ends here. Do not miss this very important area of ​​the city!

2. Inseparable companion of the Old Port is the neighborhood of Le Panier. After decades of abandonment and being considered one of the most dangerous places in Europe, Le Panier has had a good face lift making it one of the most suggestive places in the entire city. And most importantly: without losing its essence. Clothes hanging on the windows, old men who talk sitting at the doors of their homes, alternative stores, craft workshops, urban art everywhere ... Getting lost in the streets of this neighborhood of fishermen and immigrants is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Marseille.

3. Do not leave the Le Panier neighborhood without first visiting La Vieille Charité. This beautiful architectural complex was created in 1640 to accommodate beggars and people without resources in the city. At present it is a multidisciplinary center, headquarters of different museums. Check their website to see more information about the place and the exhibits you can find there.

4. Acting as guardians of the Old Port, there are two fortresses at each end: Fort Saint-Jean and the Fort Saint-Nicolas. More than with a defensive function, these two forts were built in response to a revolt against the local governor. Proof of this is that its canyons pointed towards the city and not towards the sea. Come to know them and so you can know a little more about the history of this remarkable area of ​​the city.

5. A 130-meter walkway connects the fort of Saint-Jean with the MuCEM. This very modern museum opened its doors in 2013 regarding the appointment of Marseille as European Cultural Capital. It is a museum dedicated to the anthropological heritage of the European and Mediterranean area, but also a meeting place, created for debate and exchange of opinions. Inside you can also see presentations and temporary exhibitions on important social issues. Admission to the museum costs € 9.50 (free with card Marseille City Pass) and includes access to the Fort de Saint-Jean. All information about the museum here: www.mucem.org

6. Near the MuCEM you will find the imposing Cathedral of Santa María la Mayor or known among Marseilles as The best. This impressive Romanesque-Byzantine style building is one of the essential places on a visit to Marseille. If its exterior surprises, you can not miss the elaborate mosaics that you will find inside. Check the times to visit it here.

7. Founded in the 5th century, the San Victor Abbey It is one of the oldest buildings in the city. Famous for the massive celebrations of Candelaria Day, which gather between 60,000 and 80,000 people every year, you will find a good number of interesting sarcophagi, chapels and epitaphs. The place is worth a visit ... don't miss it! All the information here.

8. From the abbey of San Víctor your steps (or maybe your nose!) Will take you to Four des Navettes, the oldest bakery in the city. Here you can taste the peculiar taste of navettes, one of the most famous sweets in Marseille. With the shape of a boat (don't forget where we are and the importance that the sea has in this city), a crunchy texture and a subtle aroma of orange blossom. Some love them and others hate them, so you will have no choice but to try them to know which side you belong to 😉

9. In case you had not realized until now, the Marseille soap they have their origin in ... cross out, cross out ... Marseille! Jokes aside, the star product of this area of ​​France began to be commercialized nothing more and nothing less than 600 years. In the Saint-Victor neighborhood You will find some businesses dedicated to its production and sale. Do not miss the opportunity and take a useful and scented memory of the city ... And if you stay with the desire to know more about its origins, in the Old Port you can visit a museum dedicated to Marseille soap.

10. The Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde contemplates Marseille from its privileged position. Visit this basilica, one of the most important religious buildings in the whole country, and enjoy the great views of the city from there. You can arrive walking, but calm that if the move of the legs is not your thing, from the Old Port there is a bus that goes up, or ride the tourist train (free with the card Marseille City Pass) and just let yourself go;). If you want to know more about Notre Dame de la Garde and surroundings, book this tour with a guide in Spanish

11. A perfect place to relax and breathe fresh air is The Corniche. This panoramic 5 kilometer walk began to be built in 1848 in response to the high unemployment in the area, giving employment to around 8,000 people during the time the works lasted.

12. Taking advantage of the tour of La Corniche, do not miss the opportunity to know the small fishing port of Vallon des Auffes. In the 18th century an Italian fisherman came to this place, built a handful of small cabins and made it his home. The port can house around 50 traditional fishing boats, which you can still find today. A great opportunity to see a part of the coast that has remained virtually unchanged over the years.

13. Despite being a bit far from the center, it is worth reaching L'Unité d'Habitation de Marseille, one of the most amazing places in the city. This building known as “The Radiant City”It was built between 1947 and 1952 and is one of the most famous works of the architect Le Corbusier. Maybe the concrete mass does not tell you anything when contemplating it from the outside, but inside it hides a whole world: 337 apartments distributed in 12 floors between shops, sports, educational and sanitary areas, and even a hotel. Also on the roof there is a communal terrace with a running track and a small pond. Visiting this unique building is one of the best things to do in Marseille. More info here.

14. Let your steps take you back to the vibrant Puerto Viejo. There you will find some of the best fish restaurants from the city. And you can not leave Marseille without trying their local delicacies, such as the famous Bouillabaisse, a soup of whole cooked fish with potatoes and tomatoes.

15. The extravagant Palais Longchamp It brings together two of the most important museums in Marseille, as well as a huge and beautiful park. Opened in 1869, and renovated on the occasion of the appointment of the European Capital of Culture of Marseille, the palace commemorates the arrival of water from the Durance canal to the city. Occupying the right wing of the monument, the Museum of Natural History It has an impressive collection of animals, plants, minerals and rocks. On the opposite side the Museum of Fine Arts. Whether you like art or natural history or not, this place is worth a visit. Both are included in the Marseille City Pass.

16. If you travel to Marseille in the summer months, put on your swimsuit, take the towel and visit one of the city ​​beaches, that for something you are at the doors of the French Riviera. The most central and important is the Plage des Catalans, but perhaps not the best to relax and rest. Plage du Prado It is another of the most popular beaches with easy access by car or bus from anywhere in the center of Marseille.

17. Do you have time and you have left wanting beaches with turquoise waters and landscapes that leave you breathless? Then you have to meet Les Calanques. This National Park attracts thousands of tourists every year, with its spectacular 20 kilometers of coastline. The impressive cliffs hide among its fissures endless small and beautiful coves, although most difficult to access. Believe me, the effort will be worth it, visiting Les Calanques is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Marseille. A good idea is to enjoy these beautiful places in a hiking route With a guide in Spanish, you can book here.

18. African products, spices, fruits, vegetables ... the smells and flavors that you will experience in the Noailles permanent market They will make you transport you somewhere in North Africa. The Rue du Marché-des-Capucins It is the main street around which this market grows. Good prices and quality products ... don't miss it!

19. On a small island in front of the city of Marseille, you will find the If Castle. If you have read Alejandro Dumas' famous novel "The Count of Monte Cristo" you will know perfectly well what place I am talking about. If it does not sound like you, you will not find a better excuse to visit this fortification, which was built between 1527 and 1529 to monitor Marseille, or as Francisco I justified its construction, to protect the city from possible attacks by sea. In the seventeenth century it began to be used as state prison for opponents and enemies of power, being today a major tourist attraction. Ticket price: € 6, ferries depart from the Old Port. More information here: www.chateau-if.fr

20. To say goodbye to Marseille there is nothing better than enjoying your wonderful sunsets full of color. La Corniche, the basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, the National Park of Les Calanques, the Porte de L'orient ... there are a good number of places to enjoy this magical moment, you just have to choose your favorite.

Here you have a map with all the places to visit on your trip to Marseille:

And here the best 20 things to see and do in Marseille, we hope you want to visit it and enjoy all that it has to offer 🙂

* Photocredit: Shutterstock

Video: TOP 10: Things To Do In Marseille (April 2024).