Things To Do in Marseille: Exploring the Old Port, Calanques, Basilica and More

Marseille is a beautiful city located in the south of France, and there are many things to do and see there. Here are some of the top activities and sights in Marseille:

Marseille, France

Visit the Vieux-Port: The Old Port is the historic heart of Marseille and is home to many restaurants, cafes, and shops. It's a great place to relax and soak up the atmosphere of the city.

Explore the Calanques: The Calanques are a series of rocky inlets and cliffs that stretch along the coast between Marseille and Cassis. You can take a boat tour or hike through the beautiful natural landscape.

See the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde: This beautiful basilica sits on a hill overlooking the city and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

Visit the Musée d'Histoire de Marseille: This museum tells the story of Marseille's rich history and is a great place to learn about the city's past.

Walk along La Canebière: This historic boulevard runs from the Vieux-Port to the Réformés district and is lined with shops, cafes, and theaters.

Try the local cuisine: Marseille is known for its seafood, bouillabaisse (a fish soup), and pastis (an anise-flavored liqueur). Be sure to try some of the local specialties while you're in town.

Enjoy the beaches: Marseille has several beautiful beaches, including Plage des Catalans and Prado Beach, where you can swim, sunbathe, and relax.

Explore the neighborhoods: Marseille is a diverse city with many distinct neighborhoods. Some of the most popular include Le Panier, a charming historic district, and La Plaine, a bohemian neighborhood known for its street art and nightlife.

What is Marseille Most Famous For?

Here are some of the things that Marseille is most famous for:

Old Port: The Vieux Port, or Old Port, is the heart of Marseille and one of the city's most famous landmarks. It has been a hub of activity for over 2,600 years, and today it is a bustling center of commerce and tourism.

Notre-Dame de la Garde: This iconic Catholic basilica is perched atop a hill overlooking the city and the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of Marseille's most famous landmarks and is often referred to as the "Good Mother."

Marseille soap: This traditional soap has been made in Marseille for centuries and is known for its purity and gentle cleansing properties. It is made with olive oil and other natural ingredients and is still produced by many local soap makers.

Calanques: The Calanques are a series of rocky cliffs and inlets along the coast between Marseille and Cassis. They are a popular destination for hiking, rock climbing, and swimming, and offer some of the most beautiful scenery in the region.

Bouillabaisse: This traditional fish stew is a staple of Marseille cuisine and is made with a variety of local fish and shellfish, as well as vegetables, herbs, and spices. It is typically served with a side of rouille, a garlic and saffron-flavored sauce.

Culture and Arts: Marseille has a rich cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and performance spaces. Some of the city's most famous cultural institutions include the MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations), the Marseille Opera House, and the Friche Belle de Mai, a former tobacco factory turned cultural center.

Marseille is known for its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-see destination for travelers to the south of France.

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