Hotels in Marseille

Verified by Miguel Magdalena
from the blog Tintineando

With a picturesque Vieux Port and a mix of ancient and new neighbourhoods, Marseille is located in the heart of the Côte d'Azur. Surrounded by beautiful natural parklands like Calaques and with ideal sea excursions, this historical city is constantly changing, offering glitzy new museums, stylish boutiques and charming waterfront restaurants.

With a wide range of budget accommodation available in its many neighbourhood areas, Marseille is perfect for budget travellers.

Neighbourhoods of Marseille

Marseille consists of a number of districts:

• Viex Port: The Old Port is the historical heart of Marseilles, offering old-school fish markets and boat rentals out to the nearby islands. You'll find many monuments and attractions, like Fort Saint-Jean, here.
• Le Panier: The old town features ancient winding alleyways and attractions like Vieille Charité and Canebière.
• Le Roucas Blanc: This residential neighbourhood offers spectacular views over Marseille and the sea, with plenty of cultural sites too like Talabot castle and a host of famed hotels.

What to see and do in Marseille

Marseille's top attractions are rich in history. La Vieille Charité is a 17th-century historical building with several museums housed inside. Other museums of note include the Musée d’Histoire de Marseille, a perfect introduction to the city's prehistoric origins. There are also several iconic religious buildings, like the Cathédrale de Marseille Notre Dame de la Major and Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde Save, the latter of which offers some of the best views of the city.

What to eat in Marseille

As the oldest city in France, you'll find food that isn't just tasty but that's also drenched in history. The local olive oil varieties are a staple, with rich and vibrant flavours which compliment many of the dishes. The most famous dish in the city is Bouillabaisse, a fish stew which showcases the most luxurious seafood. With restaurants offering everything from gourmet to rustic dishes, choose what's seasonal or freshly caught for an unmissable culinary experience.

Typical events and festivals in Marseille

Marseille hosts a number of unmissable yearly events, including spring's Fête de la Chandeleur, the three-week summer-hosted Festival de Marseille and, of course, the national celebration of Bastille Day, among other festivals and events.

How to move around in Marseille

Travel is easy in Marseille, with a Le Vélo bike-sharing scheme, two metro lines and an extensive bus network connecting most major sites. For airport transfers, stick to the Navette Marseille bus which takes just 30 minutes.

The climate in Marseille

Marseille's peak tourist season is from May to August, with warm and sunny weather typical of the Mediterranean September and November remain warm (25°C) with far less busy beaches and sea traffic.

More interesting facts about and sights in Marseille

Marseille is an ideal launchpad for sailing in the French Riviera. If you only have a day at sea, Château d'If and Les Îles are great excursions.