Marseilles is the second-largest city in France and one of the major cities in the Mediterranean. Many people know Marseilles. The first thing that comes to mind is Alexandre Dumas and his world-famous novel The Count of Monte Cristo. The story's main hero was born in Marseilles, which is also the location of the legendary Chateau d'If fortress.
Another association is less pleasant. Marseilles is known as the most criminal city, not just in the south of France, but in the whole country. There are districts where you can be robbed day or night.
That said, it's a city worth visiting. It's not as famous as Paris, but there are still many beautiful and unforgettable places to see. It's the oldest city on the French Riviera, boasting a world-class museum of fine arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts) and countless new museums. We also recommend the Natural History Museum of Marseille, which has many fascinating exhibits.
Tourist attractions include beautiful narrow streets (full of street art and live music) and an old harbor (the Old Port of Marseille) that looks over the Mediterranean Sea toward North Africa. For all these reasons, Marseille was named the European Capital of Culture in 2013. If you're considering a visit, keep reading.
Marseilles Travel Tips
1. There's an excellent tourist office that should be visited by all guests of Marseilles at La Canebière Street. Here, you can take a map of the city center for free, choose an excursion, and learn about possible cultural events. It's one of the best places to get more information about the city. You can also buy tickets (travel cards) for public transport.
2. July and August are considered the hottest months of the year; pleasant, cool days may still occur that can be perfect for walking through this port city. There's a significant increase in tourists during the summer, so booking a hotel or hostel in advance is best. Booking rooms in popular neighborhoods like Le Panier or the Cours Julien may be challenging.
3. Many museums and sightseeing spots may change their working hours depending on the season. Before taking an excursion, confirm the opening hours in a tourist agency (an excellent place to start when planning any outing) or with the staff at your accommodation.
4. It's customary to leave tips in Marseille's restaurants and cafes, usually about 5 – 10% of the bill. In some prestigious establishments, the payment for the service is already included in the bill. You'll see a note "service compis," a signal you don't need to leave extra money. It's also proper to leave tips for drivers, hotel maids, and hairdressers.
5. To rent a car, you must show your passport and a driver's license of international standard. You'll need to leave your credit card as a deposit. A person under 21 years old can be refused a car rental. Also, you can be denied if you obtained your driver's license less than a year earlier.
6. Car enthusiasts should remember that any road traffic offense involves a hefty fine. Exceeding the speed limit and parking incorrectly are among the most severe offenses. Children 12 years old and younger must travel in the back seats, and small children must be in special car seats.
7. In some museums and famous sightseeing places, photos and videos may be forbidden or only allowed if you pay a fee. Knowing all the rules before an excursion starts is best to avoid surprises.
8. If you want to save money, consider that some museums have no entrance fee, but only on certain days of the month. Planning can save you a lot, as you don't need to take a guide.
For example, Notre Dame de la Garde, a stunning cathedral on a hill that towers over the city, is a great place to visit for free. It offers an excellent way to learn about Marseilles' long history and is one of the top things to do on your trip.
You could also consider a day trip to the Chateau d'If (or Château d'If) and Fort Saint-Jean, which offer some of the best things to do and see in Marseilles.
9. The best way to see the beauty of Marseilles is to travel on foot through the city. You won't need to drive as most destinations are easily accessible on foot. In some cases, you can take a bus, and it can also be convenient to travel by tram. There's no need to use a taxi as you'll waste your money, and it's not as safe either.
10. Avoid walking alone at night in the city, and avoid walking in unknown and strange districts, as this can be dangerous. Stay in crowded places.
11. Finally, before going to Marseilles or any other city in France, it's best to learn some French phrases to order something or understand the locals. The French don't like to use English. It can be easy to learn French if you use an online platform where you can easily choose your native French-speaking teacher.
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This article was published in partnership with Preply.
