Travel to Marseille

Travel to Marseille

The second largest city in France located on the Mediterranean, Marseille is Frances largest commercial port. Rich with history and having many historic buildings mixed with a metropolitan feel, the city also boasts many charming sandy beachesto allowholidaymakers to soak up the sun.

Transportation to Marseille

As a major regional air hub, Marseilles international airport, Aroport de Marseille Provence, is always busy. Located in Marignane, itreceives many direct flights from over 80 destinations worldwide. Marseille also boasts its centenary railway station, Saint-Charles, that operates between Marseille and other major cities in the region.These includeParis, Barcelona, Madrid, Milan, Genoa and Geneva. TGV provides 12 high-speed trains to Paris everyday with the journey taking three hours. Alternatively, you can also take a local train which runs almost every hour along the Cte dAzur.

What to see

The historical Vieux Port is perfect for wandering around to check out cruise boats and fishing vessels. Also toadmire the Bas Fort St Nicholas,which datesback to the 13th century and islocated at the entrance of the port. Museum-goers will be delighted to find a great number of museums in Marseille. The most notable ones include Muse Cantini, boasting its fascinating modern art, Muse Grobet Labadie, showcasing royal furniture and objects dart, Muse de Beaux Arts, housed in the Palais Lonchamps which is the first museum in Marseille and Muse de la Faience, showcasing its porcelain collections. Also visit Muse dHistoire de Marseille where you can find out more about the history of the town.

Day trips

Thereis a lot to see and do outside Marseille. With the gorgeous Cte dAzur only a short drive away, you can visit one of the many beautiful sandy beaches and enjoy some quality time in the sun. Plage du Prado and La Corniche are two of the most popular beaches in the area, where you can indulge in sunbathing whilst enjoying the backdrop of the Marseille cliffs. The Frioul Archipelago, in the bay, is also worth checking out if you want to laze around on the beaches. There are four islands with picturesque landscapes, quiet, peaceful beaches and many pretty walking and cycling trails. If you are up for some adventure, hop on a boat and head to Calanques, further along the mainland coast, where you can discover an underwater cave system displaying prehistoric paintings.

Activities and leisure

La Canabier, near the port is home to many restaurants, dodgy bars, cheap hotels, youth hostels and tourist shops. It is quite sleazy but fun to check out,being full of tourists and backpackers who want to live cheaply and enjoy Marseille at its peak. This area is known as the liveliest part of town especially where La Canabiere crosses cours Belsunce. The nightlife here can be a bit onthe liberal and wild side but the locals are friendly and welcome visitors with their French hospitality.

Safety issues

Visitors should be extra careful of pickpocketing as it seems to be the main concern in Marseille particularly at the bars at night. Driving to unfamiliar areas and doing water sports are prone to accidents. Taking out travel insurance for you and your family is strongly recommended.