Marseille 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Historic Center

  • Morning: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Cafe de l’Abeille, located in the Panier district. This historic café offers a great view of Marseille’s old port.

  • Mid-Morning: Visit the Vieille Port (Old Port), stroll around the charming fishermen’s quarter, and admire the iconic Fort Saint-Jean. Don’t forget to take a boat tour to Château d’If, a notorious fortress island featured in Alexandre Dumas’ novel “The Count of Monte Cristo.”

  • Lunch: Head to Les Académies by Mère Brazier, located near the Vieille Port. This restaurant offers refined French cuisine with a Mediterranean twist.

  • Afternoon: Explore the Panier district, Marseille’s oldest neighborhood, and visit the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations (MuCEM). The MuCEM complex consists of three buildings: the Fort Saint-Jean, the Tower, and the J4 building, all connected by a footbridge.

  • Evening: Dine at Le Miramar, offering stunning views over the city and the sea. This Michelin-starred restaurant serves creative Mediterranean dishes.

  • Night: End your day with a stroll along the Canebière, Marseille’s main street, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife in the bars and clubs of the Cours Julien district.

Day 2: Discovering Provencal Art and Culture

  • Morning: Have breakfast at Le Petit Mareuil, a popular spot in the Cours Julien area.

  • Mid-Morning: Visit the Foundation Vasarely, a museum dedicated to the works of Victor Vasarely, one of the leading figures of the Op Art movement. Then, explore the nearby Estrangin Park.

  • Lunch: Enjoy traditional Provençal cuisine at Le P’tit Garlic, located in the Estrangin Park.

  • Afternoon: Head to the Château Borély, a beautiful 19th-century château surrounded by gardens and a Japanese pagoda. The château houses temporary art exhibitions and offers a peaceful environment for relaxation.

  • Evening: Dine at Le Sud, a restaurant located in the charming La Durantie quarter. Try their famous “Fraises des bois” (wild strawberries) dessert.

  • Night: Visit the Notre-Dame de la Garde, Marseille’s most iconic landmark, for stunning panoramic views of the city. The basilica is open until 8 PM during summer and 7 PM in winter.

Day 3: Relaxing by the Sea and Exploring the Calanques

  • Morning: Start your day early with breakfast at Café des Navettes, located near the Vieille Port.

  • Mid-Morning to Afternoon: Take a boat tour or rent a kayak to explore the Calanques, Marseille’s stunning limestone inlets. Keep in mind that some of the calanques can only be accessed by hiking.

  • Lunch: Pack a picnic and enjoy it at one of the calanques or find a local restaurant along the coast.

  • Afternoon: Head back to Marseille and relax on the Plage de la Bocca, a popular city beach. Alternatively, visit the Mucem’s permanent collection focusing on maritime history and Mediterranean civilizations.

  • Dinner: Enjoy your last evening in Marseille at Chez Fonfon, a restaurant specializing in Bouillabaisse, a traditional Provencal fish soup.

Things to Know:

  • Marseille is a lively city, so you’ll find plenty of things to do day and night.
  • The best way to get around the city is by foot or public transportation (bus, tram, and metro). You can also rent bikes or scooters for more mobility.
  • Be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded areas, especially during peak tourist seasons.
  • The official language is French, but many locals speak a local dialect called Marseillais. English is widely spoken in tourist areas and most service industries.
  • The Mediterranean climate means warm, sunny days from May to October, with occasional rain showers.