Five things to do in Marseille

Perched just west of the tip of France’s south coast, the city has a long and rich history indelibly shaped by its port and the waters that lie beyond.

Marseille’s culture is influenced by its proximity to North Africa and Southern Europe as well as its own distinct character. Over 2,500 years of history means it is teeming with tales of the past, while its youthful population ensures it is always looking forward.

And while some sailing fans might have already had their first taste of the city’s famous bouillabaisse during this month’s Paris 2024 Test Event, here are five things to make sure you do if making the trip for the real thing next summer.

Vieux Port

Le Vieux Port, or the Old Port, is at the heart of Marseille. Serving the city’s maritime trade since the sixth century BCE, the port sits directly at Marseille’s centre and is home to many of its most famous sights.

The setting for famous novels such as The Count of Monte Cristo and On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, the port is the archetypal Mediterranean outpost.

Home to the Roman St Victor’s Abbey and Musée des civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée for those seeking an extra slice of culture, it is also home to La Canebière for those in search of somewhere to shop or something nice to eat.

Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica

Known to locals as La Bonne Mère – the Good Mother – the basilica is the city’s most famous religious monument.

Overlooking the city centre, it is the site of the Assumption Day pilgrimage in August and is one of Marseille’s most popular attractions.

The original chapel was completed in 1218 with a fort constructed in the 16th century, but the modern basilica is relatively new, with its over 40-year construction completed in 1897.

The site was also a key part of Marseille’s liberation during World War II, with French troops first raising the Tricolore there on 24 August 1944, beginning the city’s liberation four days later.

Stade Vélodrome

While sailing might be top of the agenda next summer, Marseille’s relationship with football is long and laden with silverware.

The birthplace of legendary players such as Éric Cantona and Zinedine Zidane, it is also the home of club side Olympique de Marseille.

The Stade Vélodrome, with its famous sweeping stands reflecting its cycling history, plays host to the club’s matches and its famous supporters, who are well-known throughout the football world for their atmospheres and orchestrated displays.

During next year’s Olympics, the stadium will play host to a number of matches, including a semi-final from both the men’s and women’s competitions. A chance to be part of the 67,000-strong crowd should not be passed up lightly.

 

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Parc National des Calanques

Calanques National Park offers a slice of nature for those looking to venture out of the city’s urban centre.

A series of cliffs that sit between Marseille and Cassis, famous for its wine, the Calanques – which translates to ‘rocky inlet’ are home to some of the most breathtaking views the Mediterranean has to offer.

From beaches to fjord-like inlets, the Calanques offer something for everyone whether it be a relaxing afternoon by the sea, a hike around the landscape, or some water sports for those looking to take to the waters themselves next summer.

Established as a national park in 2012, the Calanques are home to a number of individual ports and coves, all of which offer their own unique charm.

Le Panier

Marseille’s oldest district, Le Panier – the basket – is just a stone’s throw from the city’s Old Port and offers café culture and street art aplenty.

Famous for its narrow, winding, and stair-laden streets, Le Panier has been transformed into one of the city’s most vibrant areas.

Described as an ‘open-air museum’, Le Panier is a true taste of Marseille’s culture, containing a number of historic buildings such as the Maison Diamantée and the Daviel Pavillon.

It also boats a number of squares with their own centuries-old stories, making it the perfect place to get lost in before wandering back down to Marseille’s bustling centre.