Advice

We would like to take a moment to briefly introduce you to other points of interest that we weren't able to squeeze into our itinerary. The famous and sumptuous basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, aka the Good Mother, is the city's crown jewel. You'll need to walk a little uphill or take public transport to discover this architectural gem, steeped in history and offering breathtaking views of the city. It's definitely a must-see! The Palais du Pharo is also worth the little detour. Built at the request of Napoleon III, it was completed in 1871 and sports some very fine architecture. Sadly, the building is not open to the public, but you can visit its gardens for stunning views over the Old Port. If you’re looking to unwind after a long day of sightseeing, I’d recommend a visit to the Prado seaside park. There, beaches and green spaces await for an afternoon of relaxation and swimming. You can choose between the many activities on offer, including water sports, volleyball and football. There’s also a skatepark! If you're looking for a beach closer to the city center, head to the Plage des Catalans. It's not the biggest, but it's convenient for a quick dip just a few steps away from the Old Port. If you’re craving some green, Parc Borély is the place to be. Discover its beautiful botanical garden and the Borély Castle, an 18th-century bastide now housing the Museum of Decorative Arts, Earthenware, and Fashion. If you still have a little time to spare, I'd recommend a visit to the sumptuous Longchamps Palace, just a 30-minute walk from the Old Port. You’ll get to admire its unique architecture and visit the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations, the first national museum dedicated to the Mediterranean. Calling all sports fans! Don't miss the famous Orange Vélodrome stadium with its modern, avant-garde design. If you have a thing for architecture, be sure to stop by the Cité Radieuse Le Corbusier, a striking building with a unique, ultra-modern architectural concept. Alternatively, you can set sail for the stunning Frioul Islands and explore the If Castle for a historical visit amidst the Mediterranean waters. And of course, don't miss out on a visit to the incredible Calanques. Explore the charming port city of Cassis or take a breathtaking drive along the Route des Crêtes for epic sea views – it’s a 17-kilometer route along the water connecting Cassis to the La Ciotat commune. If you’re a hiking enthusiast, there's plenty to do around Marseille. Choose between the Saint-Victoire mountain, just a 50-minute drive away, the Saint-Baume massif, at 1 hour, or the Saint-Pons valley, at 35 minutes. For something closer, try the Sentier des Douaniers trail, linking Niolon to Méjean. If you've got the time, you can take a drive to the amazing Colorado Provençal, right at the heart of the Lubéron massif. Last but not least, you can visit Les Baux-de-Provence and explore one of France's most beautiful villages, overlooking the Alpilles Natural Park. Well, with all this, you've got plenty of things to do, if you feel like staying in the area for a while.