?Visit Marseille in 2 days: what to do in a weekend
Prefecture of Bouches-du-Rhône, Marseille is also the second most populous city in France. A totally unique city of its kind, ideally located on the edge of the blue waters of the Mediterranean and which is home to a remarkable heritage. Strolling around the Phocaean city means discovering neighborhoods with varied atmospheres, entering fascinating museums and stopping to taste some local specialties. Known for its Old Port , Marseille is full of little gems, from the Vallon des Auffes to the Cité Radieuse, including the Panier and the districts of the 8th arrondissement with a 100% Provençal atmosphere. Marseille is dynamic, vibrates on match nights , makes you want to explore every nook and cranny and is located at the gates of an earthly paradise: the Calanques national park. Here is an example of visits and activities to do in Marseille for 2 days or a long weekend.
Day 1: Old Port, Panier, Mucem, Major Cathedral, beaches...
- Saturday morning
Arriving in Marseille, freshly installed, head to the Old Port to get in the mood. The masts of the boats, the view of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, the setting is perfect. In the early morning, the fishermen offer their fresh products. The rest of the day, we stroll around, open our eyes wide and stop at a terrace for a drink or a bite to eat. Then head to Le Panier , the oldest district of the city. We get lost in a maze of colorful alleys, enhanced here and there by works of street art. A lively place, with small shops, art galleries and trendy boutiques. Just after, heading towards the sea, we stop in front of the majestic Major Cathedral , in Byzantine style and decorated with green and white strata. Inside, the building is decorated with mosaics, arcades and statues.
- Saturday afternoon
After retracing our steps to go for lunch in the Panier district, we take advantage of being in the area to visit the MUCEM, which is one of the must-see attractions in Marseille . Remember to book your skip-the-line ticket here to avoid waiting at the entrance. Made up of a modern part designed by Rudy Ricciotti and the Saint-Jean military fort, it is the first major national museum dedicated to the civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean. The discovery of the collections, the ephemeral exhibitions and the stroll with a view of the sea make it one of the highlights of a stay in the Phocaean city. On sunny days, and we know that Marseille is one of the top 5 cities to discover in summer in France , you absolutely must take advantage of being in Marseille to go and cool off at the beach. There are the Prado beaches , which are more family-friendly, but also more intimate places like Petit Nice beach or Anse de Malmousque . If the weather is not good, an alternative is to go to the Cité Radieuse . The visit allows you to discover a masterpiece by Le Corbusier, a residential bar which wonderfully symbolizes modern architecture.
- Saturday night
As the sun sets over the Mediterranean, it's time to go for a drink in one of the liveliest neighborhoods in Marseille: Cours Julien . The district reveals a significant concentration of street art works. There are also a large number of café terraces and restaurants. Often, musicians have a blast in the squares. And then, for football fans, another alternative on match nights is to go to the Vélodrome . The atmosphere is always lively in this stadium with its unique architecture.
DAY 2: Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, Vallon des Auffes, Borély park, Calanques national park...
- Sunday morning
The Sunday morning stroll leads to the foot of the building which has a special place in the hearts of the people of Marseillais, the inevitable Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde basilica . You can choose to go up there on foot or opt for a guided segway tour which you can book right here. Visible from many places in the city, the Good Mother watches over Marseille. In Roman-Byzantine style, its visit is as fascinating as its esplanade offers an incredible panorama of the city and the sea. We then go back down towards the Corniche Kennedy to go and stroll in the Vallon des Auffes, which looks like a small village lost in the heart of the big city. Small port, colorful houses and gourmet addresses, welcome to authentic Marseille. Two options are then available to visitors: eat in one of the restaurants or take the bus, marvel at the marine panoramas and go for a picnic at Borély Park . This green lung of Marseille is sublimely landscaped, in addition to housing the Château Borély, a jewel of heritage which houses the Museum of Decorative Arts, Earthenware and Fashion. It's easy to organize a picnic in Marseille, one of the sunniest cities in France .
- Sunday afternoon
Marseille offers privileged access to the Calanques National Park , one of the most breathtaking natural environments in France. At the heart of a landscape of limestone rocks spring forth arms of the sea with turquoise waters which delight swimmers in summer and walkers and photographers in winter. A hike in the Calanques national park takes up a good part of the afternoon. You can choose to visit them by boat (in this case, we advise you to book this tour of the Calanques park by catamaran ) or on foot. On foot, you have to have a little patience to reach Morgiou, Sormiou or Sugiton , which are among the 10 most beautiful coves in Marseille . But the effort is worth it! If it is not too late and the feet are not too sore, you can complete this day by going for a walk at the Friche à la Belle de Mai . This 45,000 m2 space is entirely dedicated to art in all its forms, culture and common initiatives. There is always an exhibition to see, people to talk to, you can also just go there to have a drink or something to eat.
Day 3: Center of Vieille Charité, the Frioul Islands
- Monday morning
A long weekend is not too much to make the most of Marseille and its riches. On the 3rd day , museum fans can stroll through the Center de la Vieille Charité , a place which houses several cultural structures in the city. Arriving there, we of course take the time to contemplate the pretty chapel with an ovoid dome and the four wings of buildings with three rows of arcades. It is then time to stroll through the aisles of the Museum of Mediterranean Archeology and that of African, Oceanic and Amerindian Arts (MAAOA), before going to see the current temporary exhibitions. When midday arrives, we go to the port to taste a bouillabaisse or a Provençal stew , two of the most popular dishes of local gastronomy.
- Monday afternoon
We inevitably notice it when we walk around various places in Marseille, a small archipelago appears off the coast. The Frioul Islands are a must-do outing during a stay in France's second city. The shuttles leave from the Old Port and a few minutes later, we find ourselves walking on arid lands which offer the feeling of being alone in the world. We also come across vestiges of the past, such as Fort Brégantin, Fort Pomègues and the Caroline Hospital. It is also possible to eat at the Frioul marina on the island of Ratonneau, where there are restaurants and shops. Another option is to discover the long and tumultuous history of the Château d'If , which was notably a prison.
Petit Futé tip: We advise you to purchase the Marseille City Pass right here, valid for 24 hours, 48 hours or 72 hours, which allows you to benefit from unlimited access to public transport throughout the city. It also includes a boat crossing to the islands of If or Frioul as well as the entrance ticket to the Château d'If!
Are you looking for a place for a hen or stag party? With all these activities, we can say that Marseille is one of the 13 best destinations in France for a bachelorette party . Without forgetting that it is one of the most accessible cities from Paris for a weekend in June .
?Where to stay in Marseille
Marseille being one of the most touristy cities in France , there is no shortage of opportunities to find accommodation.
- The Résidence du Vieux-Port, the most central
This large, emblematic hotel with an arty, refined and designer style offers air-conditioned rooms, suites and apartments with a balcony and therefore a superb view of the Old Port. For small budgets who still want to enjoy its ideal location, rooms without a view are also available. Go here to reserve a room in just a few clicks!
- The Sofitel Marseille Vieux-Port, a luxurious setting
One of the most beautiful hotels in Marseille. Located on the Old Port , the Sofitel Marseille Vieux-Port is equipped with finely decorated rooms. Spa, restaurant and beautiful panoramic views of the city: the stay promises to be memorable. Book your room here!
- The Novotel Marseille Center Prado Vélodrome, a good location
A hotel with simple decoration. You can enjoy very good breakfasts there. The location of the Novotel Marseille Center Prado Vélodrome is very convenient. The Périer metro allows you to quickly reach different areas of the city. Buses quickly reach the Prado beaches and the entrance to the Calanques National Park . Click here to find out hotel availability!
?What to do during a romantic weekend in Marseille
Marseille is a destination that offers many options for a romantic weekend. In the Panier district , the atmosphere is romantic as can be, with several shops where you can stop to buy gifts. You can also walk hand in hand in the heart of picturesque landscapes. In the Calanques National Park , on the Frioul Islands, along the Corniche Kennedy or even in Longchamp Park. Several restaurants allow you to dine with a view of the translucent waters of the Mediterranean in Marseille.
?What to do during a weekend in Marseille with the family
During a weekend in Marseille with children in the summer, they will definitely want to spend time at the beach. Catalans Beach, Prado Beach and Pointe Rouge Beach are central and do not require a long drive. In the heart of the Palais Longchamp, the Natural History Museum of Marseille is a very nice place to do with the youngest. It is home to numerous naturalistic and heritage curiosities. Another option is to go for a ride on the Ferris wheel . It is located on Escale Borély. Or even take a trip to the Friche La Belle de Mai, where artistic and cultural workshops dedicated to children are held.
?What places to visit for free during a weekend in Marseille
You should know that in Marseille, on the first Sunday of each month, the MUCEM permanent exhibition is free! The Roman Dock Museum, dedicated to ancient maritime trade, is free all year round. There are also many exhibitions to see for free within the Friche La Belle de Mai. There's also no need to pay to visit some of Marseille's most beautiful monuments, like the Cathedral de la Major and the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Basilica . And then, you have to enjoy the wonders of the coastline. Walks along the coast reveal wonders, from Malmousque to the coves via the small, intimate beaches of the 8th arrondissement . There is no doubt that Marseille is one of the 15 ideas for inexpensive destinations for a weekend in France .
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