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.
![]() | 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. |
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).
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 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.
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).
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 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.
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.
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.
![]() | 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. |
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 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.
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).
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.
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.