Marseille is one of the oldest cities in France, one of the few that are known to infuse a strong feeling of stepping back in time. The surreal experience takes you through old heritage places (old houses, buildings, cathedrals and streets) which have the capacity to light any soul and make the day brighter. A day in Marseille is a total must-do on your trip to France. However, selecting places and a suitable itinerary for a one day trip can prove to be a bit difficult depending on your personal choices. Here we are presenting a simple itinerary that can help make your 24 hours in Marseille more productive and memorable.
Though the city is walkable and there is public transportation, if you are on a trip through France and have a rental car, it would help you plan out your day really more efficiently. In case you are arriving through Marseille Airport, you can pick the rental car from the airport itself, and if you are thinking of picking it the next day for the day tour, in that case you can pick it from one of the city locations.
The Terrasses du Port
Start your Marseille day tour at The Terrasses du Port, which is also a good place to have breakfast. This place has more than 160 outlets, however, note that none of them sell clothes. In addition to jewellery, toys, sports and electronic shops, the place has numerous restaurants, cafes & food shops. Have something to eat and walk around the mall before heading towards your next destination.
This place is quite close to the harbor and the cruise terminals, in case you feel like walking there next. It opens everyday at 10AM and has a parking lot of its own where you can park your rental car. Before leaving for the Cathedral, do spend a few minutes on the shopping mall’s large terrasse and enjoy the wonderful view of the sea.
Cathedral La Major
This Roman Catholic Cathedral is the iconic landmark of Marseille, in fact it is the national monument of France. Located on an esplanade that links the neighborhoods of the Panier, Old Port and the Joliette, the Cathedral La Major consists of two cathedrals. The smaller one of the two, dates back to the 12th century and the new one which is comparatively larger, was built in the 1850s after demolishing two bays of the nave from the previous structure. While the older cathedral was built in simple romanesque style, the new one was built using the Byzantine-Roman Revival style.
MuCEM (Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean)
Located right next to Cathedral La Major, MuCEM is the national museum of France. Opened to the public in 2013, it was added to the city’s landscape with an aim to make Marseille the European Capital of Culture. It is located at a central location, surrounded by the biggest crowd-puller attractions. While Cathedral La Major sits right next to it, it is also connected to Fort Saint Jean by a footbridge. There is one more footbridge that connects it to Saint Laurent Church.
Fort Saint Jean
This fortification was built on the entrance to Old Port by King Louis XIV. This can be easily reached by using a footbridge from MuCEM.
This is of great historic importance and as per historical records, in the 12th Century, it was the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem. Infact, in 1660, it was built on a site that was originally used by the Military Order of the Knights Hospitaller of Saint John.
It is now a part of MuCEM and has a chapel, hospital, a church and the palace of the commander.
Saint Laurent Church
This church dates back to the 12th Century which makes it one of the oldest churches in Marseille. It dominates the pass of the Old Port and though the architecture is simple yet refined, it has a soothing effect. It is located on the hilltop so you will be able to enjoy great views of the city below.
Old Port of Marseille
It will not be wrong to state that the Old Port of Marseille is the most popular attraction of the city. Why? You will have to walk its docks to know for yourself. There is also a fish market in case you are interested. Other than that, it is also popular for the traditional Provencal market which appears on the weekends and is a great place to buy Marseille soaps and other regional products, and even souvenirs.
Place aux huiles
It is one of the best places to have a bite, so in case you are looking for a place for lunch, this is the place you should try, you will not be disappointed. If you already have had lunch or don’t feel like eating anything, you can still visit for a quick coffee or ice cream break.
The jardin de la colline Puget
This is the perfect spot to end your day tour of Marseille. It is the oldest park in the city and it sits on the hilltop and offers the best views of the city over the Old Port. But the journey doesn’t end here, yet, continue climbing to the nearby Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, another great marvel you will love exploring. If you are upto it, many people rent bikes to do the hike as it is comparatively less tiring.
Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde
It is another place in Marseille which people visit for the panoramic views of the city. It is a much loved city landmark and is nicknamed “Good Mother” by the people of Marseille. From a height of 160 meters, you will be able to see everything (from the Old Port, Fort Saint-Jean to even the archipelago of Frioul) that you have already explored on your day tour.
It is known that Garde Hill was always an observation post and have remained so since the 15th Century. Before Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, there were a few chapels and has always been a place of pilgrimage, a military structure and a surveillance post. It has a Roman-Byzantine style architecture just like all other projects that were ordered by Napoleon III.
Where to have dinner in Marseille?
The most popular restaurant in Marseille is 29 Place aux Huiles and we are sure you will love to try this place for a special dinner. Provencal specialties made with fresh market produce are the main highlight of its menu.
Where to stay the night in Marseille?
Hôtel Le Corbusier, Maison Dormoy and Hôtel Sylvabelle Marseille are a few hotels and accommodation options that you may consider for your one night stay in Marseille.