What to Do in Marseille for a Day
Imagine yourself in Paris, or Provence.
Time is short, yet you want to visit the classic city of Marseille.
What to do in Marseille for a day?
Marseille: The Oldest City in France
Marseille is one of the oldest cities in France.
It was founded by Greek sailors in 600 B.C., and through the centuries has been colonized by many different cultures including the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, and others due to its deep port and access to open waters.
What to do in Marseilles for a Day: Marseille Culture
The culture of Marseille is possibly one of the most unique in France. Everyone speaks French, yet in some indefinable way, a sense of the city’s early influence from Near Eastern invaders permeates the air.
It is a multi-cultural city in the deepest sense of the word.
Visiting Marseille in many ways is a step back in time.
On my first visit post university, I remember the excitement I felt having my first Bouillabaisse soup in the Old Port.
In those days – as today – the traditional way of serving the soup is for the presentation of fish, the addition of the “broth” (actually a rich stock), and the repetition of this according to the rules of the restaurant, and the capacity of your stomach.
If you have seen any of the re-runs from Julia Child’s cooking show, you might remember that famous scene when she had a dialogue with a fish monger about the best seafood to put in a Bouillabaisse soup.
I love making this soup, so when I lived in Boston I discussed this with Julia Child on my television show.
Marseille: Classic French Town
Though I would like to say that Marseille is glistening and modern, busting with exciting things to see and do …
… I can’t really say that.
Marseille is not, and will never be, glittering St. Tropez with its jet set tourists and luxurious yachts lined up at the port.
Nor is it the epitome of Provence, with its beautiful gardens and picturesque villages.
When I think of Marseille, a mental image of a faded postcard with a picture of the Old Port comes to mind.
You will find a timelessness in Marseille unmatched by anywhere else.
I love my visits year after year, and below are the things I am so excited to do.
What to Do in Marseilles For a Day: Visit the Museums
If you love antiquities, and hearing stories of ancient cultures, Marseille is the place to indulge yourself.
Before planning your visit, check (and even recheck) the opening hours of the museums, as well as the days they may be closed.
Also you can click on this Marseille tourism card link to see if it makes sense for you to buy a pass.
Keep in mind that some museums have one day or evening each month in which they are free.
My Favorite Museums in Marseilles
1. Centre de la Vielle Charite
Even in the height of summer, you may be the only person visiting the many permanent and temporary exhibit at this lovely, but seemingly unknown, museum.
Once a 17th century almshouse, this museum is a large, expansive building with an interior courtyard and three main floors.
The main focus is on antiquities from various regions of the world, including the middle East, Egypt, and Africa.
I love the feeling of having all these priceless treasures to myself when I visit each of the rooms.
Though I never seem to have the time, I would love to just relax at one of the courtyard tables and read a book in this sunny, relaxing, tree lined spot.
Information
La Vieille Charité is situated in the heart of the old Panier quarter of Marseille
Address: 2 Rue de la Charité, 13002 Marseille France
Closed Mondays
9:30 am to 6PM Tuesday – Sunday
2. Musee d’Histoire de Marseille
This museum is fairly crowded, yet it has lots of very interesting exhibits and filmed commentaries about ancient Marseille and the different civilizations who lived here.
3. MuCEM
This modern, architecturally stunning museum opened in 2013. One of its objectives is to compare the different cultures of the Mediterranean. Interesting to note that the new architecture was designed to merge with Fort Saint Jean, a Marseille fortification built in 1660 by Louis XIV.
Though I had higher expectation for the exhibits within the museum, the gardens are beautiful and it is an exciting place to spend an afternoon.
You also have a beautiful view of the Vieux Port.
I can only rave about the museum restaurants, the upscale cafeteria as well as the exclusive fine dining restaurant The Mole Passedat (chef Gerald Passadat) that only serves a handful of guests each evening.
More Choices of What to Do in Marseille For A Day
Though I visit Marseille at least once a year, I typically only spend one night at a time so my days are packed with visiting my favorite museums.
When I’m not in a museum, I am having breakfast, lunch, or dinner – or sometimes a drink.
Breakfast is usually spent in my favorite Hotel Dieu (link), where the terrace view is one of the best in the city.
I’ve had lunch in many of the city’s top Michelin hotels, but I have not been very impressed. I will add reviews here so be sure to check back or see it in my newsletter.
What to Do in Marseille for a Day: Dinner and Evening Stroll
Aside from museums, my favorite thing to do in Marseille is stroll around the Old Port before dinner, then enjoy dinner.
The Old Port is an endless source of amusement.
It can be busy, since many of the local people regard it as free entertainment.
You will not see the giant yachts of St. Tropez in your stroll, but you will see an unforgettable and very romantic scene.
What to Do in Marseille for a Day: Restaurants
I’ve had dinner at Le Mole Passadat in MuCEM which I liked. The view and service and presentation of the cuisine was very nice.
Another favorite is Les Arcenaux. http://www.les-arcenaulx.com/
This is a lovely, “old-school” restaurant in the village, where you can enjoy your meal outdoors or inside the quaint dining room.
The cuisine is good here, and the quality of the food high. It is not pretentious. As a writer with a love of books, my attraction to this restaurant might be the shelves of books that line the walls.
What to Do in Marseille for a Day: Recommended Hotels
If your day in Marseille includes spending the night here, consider my favorite hotel.
Each visit. I always stay at the Hotel Dieu, an InterContinental Hotel.
I love this hotel for its history, its service, and for its fabulous suites.
You can read a review here.Hotel Dieu Marseille
Getting to Marseille
If you are in Paris or Provence, it is easy to get to Marseille by the fast TGV train.
Another option is by air, especially if you are flying internationally.
Surprisingly, Marseille is one of the busier airports in France.
When I need to leave France for Italy or Spain, it is often necessary that I travel through the Marseille Airport.
The airport is just about a half-hour by taxi from the city.
You can find a taxi stand outside of Terminal 1, which can be a long trek if you are coming from Terminal 2 with all your luggage.
Especially in the heat.
For this reason, you might arrange with your hotel concierge for a private driver or hotel car to meet you outside the terminal.
Also be aware that many drivers in Marseille do not accept credit cards …
… or they will tell you that their machine is broken.
Language in Marseille
The ability to speak French in Marseille is very helpful.
Most of the waiters at the better restaurants can communicate with you in English.
The taxi drivers speak limited English, but can understand to take you where you want to go.
It is best to have the name of your hotel written out for them, or show it to them on your device.
Overall, you will be able to get by without speaking French.
Safety in Marseille
I have walked alone in Marseille during the day and the night.
Though I never felt in “danger” I did feel the need to be cautious, just as I would in any city.
Or perhaps a bit more.
For example, the route that must be taken from the elegant Hotel Dieu hotel to the Centre de la Vielle Charite involves walking through the “atmospheric” but somewhat rundown Le Panier neighborhood.
You’ve seen these neighborhoods, charming but a bit worn at the heels type of place. It was daytime, so I just kept my phone close in the event of an emergency and my wits about me.
Of greater concern, though, is walking around at night. The Old Port area is lively and fun …
…. yet avoid veering off this area into one of the more narrow, deserted streets.
Final Thoughts About What To Do In Marseille
Marseille is one of the most classic, Old World cities and I am excited for you to visit!
