Marseille Things to Do

Capture the essence of Marseille at the early morning fish market that takes place here daily or go for a stroll round the port, looking at the yachts and fishing boats bobbing gently side by side. Relax on one of the numerous... more

Gifted to Napoleon III by Marseilles, this area of land, set on the Maure promontory overlooking the Château d'If (famous for its prison) and the entrance to the Vieux-Port, enabled the emperor to fulfill his plans for a waterf... more

Lined with cafés and restaurants serving local cuisine, the city centre's largest pedestrianized area is the ideal place in which to relax after a spot of shopping in some of its stylish boutiques. As evening falls, the square'... more

The city's hippest entertainment and exhibition venue might not look much from the outside, but venture inside and its unique décor and fantastic atmosphere tell another story. Spread over 5000 square meters, the 'Docks' is hom... more

Built in 1535 for the wives of Cabre, this is the oldest house in Marseilles. The main part of the Medieval residence was destroyed in the devastation of 1943. As a result, you will notice a mixture of styles incorporating both... more

The architectural complex of the Vieille Charité, created by Pierre Puget in the 17th century, was originally intended to house orphans and the homeless. Now serving the public as a multicultural centre, the Vieille Charité hou... more

The first inlet you come across after Les Goudes appears to have been chiseled out of the rock face. From the road steads of the Calanque de Callelongue, look out over the majestic sea which leads the eye on to countless panora... more

This neo-classical palace is located on the Canebière, close to the Vieux-Port. Designed by architect Pascal Coste for Napoléon III, it houses Marseilles' Chamber of Commerce and Industry, founded in 1599, and the Maritime Muse... more

This copy of the Luxor obelisk erected in Paris is the work of Penchaud. Scultped in stone from Cassis, it dates back to 1811 and is located at the juncture of Boulevard Michelet and Boulevard du Redon. The obelisk was made fas... more

Set on the right bank of the old port, the town hall which was built in 1656, is a beautiful example of the civil architecture of the period. The town council—representing power and democracy—has been meeting here since the Mid... more