4.9
4.6About Marseille
Founded as a Phocean Greek colony around 600 BC and originally known by the name Massalia, Marseille these days is an important harbour city as well as a multi-cultural, cosmopolitan metropolis. Having been under rulings from various empires through the ages - including Roman, which saw rapid development in the city’s importance as a trading harbour - the city is known for its vibrant atmosphere and beautiful shorelines. The majority of visitors come to the Marseilles between June and August, the best time of year to enjoy the pleasant beaches in the south of the city. If the weather isn’t warm enough to go for a dip shoreline walks such as La Corniche are still a great way to take in the stunning coast. For those looking to explore the city’s history the Musée des Docks Romains displays artifacts and remains from the Phocean and Roman eras of the harbour. For a modern oceanic offering head to le Vieux Port. Although referred to as the “old harbour” you can still witness the fishermen auctioning their catches here, as well as catch a scenic sunset ferry ride across the waters. The city’s maritime heritage is on show in many of the attractions, including the Notre Dame de la Garde, a large church overlooking Marseille. Fishermen used to have their boats blessed here and hang models of them in the church, some of which can still be seen. Unsurprisingly, all of this heritage has amounted to the city’s signature cuisine of seafood, which can be enjoyed in abundance at many of Marseille’s fine restaurants. The area of Cours Julien is well-known for its affordable offerings.
Host City of the UEFA EURO 2016
Getting to Marseille
 | Flights | Over 8 million passengers pass through Aéroport de Marseille-Provence’s two terminals annually. As France’s fifth largest airport numerous major airlines operate from here, including Air France, easyJet, Ryanair, British Airways, Iberia, HOP! and Aer Lingus. Some of the most poplar destinations serviced are London, Lisbon, Madrid, Paris, Brussels, Marrakech and Istanbul. |
 | Train | Since its opening in 1848 this facility has grown to become the largest train station in the south of France, with approximately 11.5 passengers passing through here each year. Available direct connections include Paris, Lyon, Brussels, Frankfurt and Barcelona. The station is situated on a plateau above the city centre, with the grand entrance stairs classified as a National Heritage Site. SNCF trains operate from here. The station is located very close to the train station which can be accessed via RTM buses (lines 533, 582, 82, 521, 33, 34, 49, 97 and 52), RTM tramway (line T2) and by RTM Metro (lines 1 and 2). Lots of taxis can be found in front of the station entrance. |
 | Bus | This bus station is a central hub for numerous regional and national lines. International destinations are also served from here, especially those within southern Europe. The station also serves journeys to Geneva, Milan and Barcelona. The station has been a part of the Marseille-Saint-Charles train station mentioned above since 2008. Eurolines and iDBUS operate here. |
How to Get Around in Marseille
Public Transport in Marseille
Many locals, as well as visitors, use the reliable public transport on a daily basis. Régie des transports de Marseille (RTM) are the local provider who serve the city with around 80 bus lines, 2 metro lines (covering 28 stations) and 2 tram lines (also covering 28 stations).
- Public Transport Provider: RTM
- Cost of a Ticket: Prices start at 1.50 Euro for a one way ticket. 10 tickets cost around 14 Euro, or a 24 hour pass is around 5.20 Euro. There are various other ticket available for alternative timeframes, such as 72 hours and a week. Monthly tickets not eligible for discount cost approximately 46 Euro.
Discounted Ticket Types: Monthly student/intern tickets cost around 40 Euro or less per month if an annual pass is bought (the amount equates to around 19 Euro/month). City Passes give tourists access to the transport system and free access to various museums and attractions. They can be purchased to cover various amounts of time, including 24 hours (at a cost of 24 Euro), 48 hours (31 Euro) and 72 hours (39 Euro).
Availability of Public Transport at Night: From midnight to 4:30 a.m. a night network of 12 bus lines is in operation.
Cycling in Marseille
Cycling is not as common in Marseilles as it is in other French cities, partly due to a lack of cycle lanes, and partly because of the city’s hilly landscape. The municipal rental company Le Vélo was launched in 2007 and has provided 130 bike stations across the city and 1000 bikes. Alternatively hiring from an independent company will cost between 10-40 Euros per day, along with pay a deposit.
- Official Municipal Bike Provider: Le Vélo
- Rental Costs: A ticket for 7 days of access to the bicycles will cost 1 Euro, or 5 Euro for year long access. Once in possession of a valid ticket bicycles can be accessed free of charge for journeys under 30 minutes and are then charged a 50 cents per hour thereafter.
Taxis in Marseille
With nearly 2000 taxi drivers in the city taxis are easy to track down in all of the expected locations. Outside of popular transport hubs such as airports and train stations will have taxis readily available, as well as busier areas within the city. You can find out more information via the app Taxi Marseille, or calling local taxi firms Les Taxis Marseillais (+04 91929292) or Taxis Radio Marseille (+04 91022020).
- Base Minimum Fare: The minimum price of a ride is around 6,86 Euro.
- Cost: Rides begin at 2 Euro/hour and are then approximately 1 Euro/kilometre.
Driving in Marseille
Lots of locals drive in the city centre which, although largely convenient, can lead to traffic jams. These are especially prevalent around the morning and afternoon rush hours. Parking in the city centre can cost up to 32 Euro for a whole day, or just over 2 Euro per hour if paying by the hour. Parking on the streets outside of the city centre can be a cheaper option at around 1.50 Euro/hour.
Walking Around Marseille
Walking is not uncommon in the city, particularly in the pedestrian zones around the "Vieux Port" district in the city centre. It can however take some time to walk around due to the city’s size.
UEFA EURO 2016 Host City
The stadium was already host for every football tournament that took place in France (World Cup 1938, European Nation's Cup 1960, UEFA EURO 1984 and the World Cup 1998). Besides the matches of Olympique Marseille, it hosts lots of Rugby matches and tournaments. For the UEFA EURO 2016 the capacity was extended from 60.000 to 67.000 and a new roof was built that covers all stands.
Matches in Toulouse
England v Russia 
France v Albania 
Iceland v Hungary 
Ukraine v Poland 
Other Host Cities of the UEFA EURO 2016
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About Marseille
The majority of visitors come to the Marseille between June and August, the best time of year to enjoy the pleasant beaches in the south of the city. If the weather isn’t warm enough to go for a dip, shoreline walks such as La Corniche are still a great way to take in the stunning coast. For those looking to explore the city’s history the Musée des Docks Romains displays artefacts and remains from the Phocean and Roman eras of the harbour. For a modern oceanic offering head to le Vieux Port. Although referred to as the “old harbour” you can still witness the fishermen auctioning their catches here, as well as catch a scenic sunset ferry ride across the waters.
Quick Guide to Marseille
- Must Know: Public transport in Marseille is very well organised and readily accessible, although trams are best equipped for wheelchair users, as are the batobus boat shuttles which operate on the coast.
- Must See: Visit Vieux Port and Le Panier, the oldest parts of the city, if you love history and browsing in arty cafes.
- Must Do: The Notre Dame basilica occupies the highest part of the city and you might like to consider a private tour of the scenic Aix-en-Provence - prices start at 35 euros.
- Did You Know: French cuisine and wines are renowned around the world and visiting Marseille gives you the opportunity to sample both - L'Arome is the current hot favourite for trendy tourists.
Host City of the UEFA EURO 2016
Travel to Marseille
| Flights | Over 8 million passengers pass through Aéroport de Marseille-Provence’s two terminals annually. As France’s fifth largest airport numerous major airlines operate from here, including Air France, easyJet, Ryanair, British Airways, Iberia, HOP! and Aer Lingus. Some of the most poplar destinations serviced are London, Lisbon, Madrid, Paris, Brussels, Marrakech and Istanbul. |
| Train | Since its opening in 1848 this facility has grown to become the largest train station in the south of France, with approximately 11.5 passengers passing through here each year. Available direct connections include Paris, Lyon, Brussels, Frankfurt and Barcelona. The station is situated on a plateau above the city centre, with the grand entrance stairs classified as a National Heritage Site. SNCF trains operate from here. The station is located very close to the train station which can be accessed via RTM buses (lines 533, 582, 82, 521, 33, 34, 49, 97 and 52), RTM tramway (line T2) and by RTM Metro (lines 1 and 2). Lots of taxis can be found in front of the station entrance. |
| Bus | This bus station is a central hub for numerous regional and national lines. International destinations are also served from here, especially those within southern Europe. The station also serves journeys to Geneva, Milan and Barcelona. The station has been a part of the Marseille-Saint-Charles train station mentioned above since 2008. Eurolines and iDBUS operate here. |
How to Get Around in Marseille
Public Transport in Marseille
Many locals, as well as visitors, use the reliable public transport on a daily basis. Régie des transports de Marseille (RTM) are the local provider who serve the city with around 80 bus lines, 2 metro lines (covering 28 stations) and 2 tram lines (also covering 28 stations).
Cycling in Marseille
Cycling is not as common in Marseilles as it is in other French cities, partly due to a lack of cycle lanes, and partly because of the city’s hilly landscape. The municipal rental company Le Vélo was launched in 2007 and has provided 130 bike stations across the city and 1000 bikes. Alternatively hiring from an independent company will cost between 10-40 Euros per day, along with pay a deposit.
Taxis in Marseille
With nearly 2000 taxi drivers in the city taxis are easy to track down in all of the expected locations. Outside of popular transport hubs such as airports and train stations will have taxis readily available, as well as busier areas within the city. You can find out more information via the app Taxi Marseille, or calling local taxi firms Les Taxis Marseillais (+04 91929292) or Taxis Radio Marseille (+04 91022020).
Driving in Marseille
Lots of locals drive in the city centre which, although largely convenient, can lead to traffic jams. These are especially prevalent around the morning and afternoon rush hours. Parking in the city centre can cost up to 32 Euro for a whole day, or just over 2 Euro per hour if paying by the hour. Parking on the streets outside of the city centre can be a cheaper option at around 1.50 Euro/hour.
UEFA EURO 2016 Host City
The stadium was already host for every football tournament that took place in France (World Cup 1938, European Nation's Cup 1960, UEFA EURO 1984 and the World Cup 1998). Besides the matches of Olympique Marseille, it hosts lots of Rugby matches and tournaments. For the UEFA EURO 2016 the capacity was extended from 60.000 to 67.000 and a new roof was built that covers all stands.
Matches in Toulouse
Other Host Cities of the UEFA EURO 2016
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