France

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Marseille

France's oldest city, on the Mediterranean

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Best time to visit: May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Currency: EUR
Time zone: UTC+1
Country: France

Photo: Earth777, CC BY-SA 4.0

A big, lively port founded by the Greeks, with a hilltop basilica, a striking Mediterranean museum and the wild Calanques on its doorstep.

Largest cities

Paris
Marseille
Lyon
Toulouse
Nice

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: France
Capital: Paris
City population: 880,000
Population of France: 68.6M
Country area: 551,695 km²
Official language: French
Currency: Euro (EUR) · 1 USD ≈ 0.8929 EUR
Time zone: UTC+1
Calling code: +33
Drives on the: Right
Elevation: 12 m
Plugs: C / E · 230V
Emergency numbers: 112
Best time to visit: May, Jun, Sep, Oct

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	12°	13°	16°	19°	23°	27°	30°	30°	26°	21°	16°	12°
Low	3°	3°	6°	9°	13°	16°	19°	19°	16°	12°	7°	4°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$74
HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$152
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$360

Plan a trip to Marseille

Top things to do

Free
Vieux-Port and the fish market
The old harbour, with the morning fish stalls on the quay and the mirrored Ombrière canopy.
- Half day
- Vieux-Port
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
Notre-Dame de la Garde
The golden-topped basilica on the city's highest hill, with a 360° view; bus 60 or the tourist train go up.
- Half day
- Notre-Dame de la Garde
- Good in the evening
≈ $12
MuCEM and Fort Saint-Jean
The museum of Mediterranean civilisations in a lace-like cube, joined by a footbridge to the old fort; closed on Tuesdays.
- Half day
- Le Panier
- Good for kids
- Indoors
- Closed: Tuesday
Free
Le Panier quarter
The oldest part of the city: steep lanes, street art, soap shops and the Vieille Charité courtyard.
- Half day
- Le Panier
≈ $35
Day trip: the Calanques
White limestone cliffs and turquoise coves in a national park, by boat from the Vieux-Port or on foot. Some trails close on high fire-risk days in summer.
- Full day
- Calanques
≈ $25
Château d'If and the Frioul islands
A boat to the island prison of The Count of Monte Cristo, with swimming coves on the neighbouring islands.
- Half day
- Vieux-Port
- Good for kids

Before you go

Entry and visas

France is in the Schengen area: stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Many nationalities need a Schengen visa (france-visas.gouv.fr). Visa-exempt visitors are registered at the border in the EU Entry/Exit System (EES).

Official website

From the airport

Marseille Provence Airport is about 25 km away; shuttle buses reach Saint-Charles station in about 30 minutes. TGV trains from Paris take about 3 hours 15 minutes.

Getting around

Metro, trams and buses (RTM) plus ferries across the Vieux-Port; the centre is walkable but hilly.

Local tips

Check the Calanques access map in summer: some areas need a free reservation or close on high-risk days.
Try bouillabaisse at a place that shows its price; it is an expensive dish when done properly.
Watch for pickpockets around the Vieux-Port and Saint-Charles station.
The mistral wind can be strong and cold, even on sunny days.