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Things to do in Marseille

As the second largest city in France, there are plenty of things to do in Marseille to keep you entertained when you visit.

Marseille, the second-largest city in France, is a must-visit destination with an incredible mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. If you’re planning your next trip to the French Riviera, there are countless things to do in Marseille to keep every traveller entertained.

From exploring historic districts to relaxing on beautiful beaches, discovering Marseille is perfect for families, solo travellers, or couples looking for a vibrant yet sophisticated escape.

If you’re travelling by car, consider upgrading to one of our Flexi tickets for added peace of mind. Both our Standard Flexi and Fully Flexi options let you adjust your return time, giving you the freedom to take the scenic route home and discover even more of France without worrying about missing your Dover to Calais ferry crossing.

 
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DVR

Dover

CQF

Calais

Morning

02:00

04:25

06:50

09:15

Midday

11:40

Afternoon

14:05

16:30

Evening

18:55

21:15

23:40
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Departure time
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Day trip
From: Dover
To: Calais
 
 
Day trip
 
Day trip
Vieux Port in Marseille, France

Things to do in Marseille

Best Things to see in Marseille

One of the most fascinating things to do in Marseille is to explore some of the impressive buildings scattered around the city. Due to its age, Marseille offers examples of a whole range of different types of architecture from a number of periods, which makes it especially interesting.

Notre Dame de la Garde sits on top of a hill overlooking both the city and the sea, so not only is the building impressive itself, but the views it offers are simply amazing, too. The interior of the basilica has been decorated with mosaics, murals, and coloured marble, plus there is a 9.7m tall gilded statue of ‘La Bonne Mère’ on a 12 m-high pedestal to admire, making it one of the best places to visit in Marseille.

One of the most popular things to do in Marseille is visit its well-known cathedral. Marseille Cathedral, or Cathedrale de la Major, is a national monument in France and the only cathedral built in the country during the 19th century. The building is fascinating as it is made from two combined buildings: Old Major and New Major. Old Major was built in the 4th century and has survived for many years. The cathedral can hold 3,000 people, which tells you just how large and impressive the building is.

Cathedral Saint Mary Major in Marseille

Marseille Port in France

Places to visit in Marseille

Marseille’s rich history means that every part of the city has a story to tell, and you can easily immerse yourself in its culture by visiting some of its most vibrant and energetic areas.

No trip to Marseille is complete without a trip to the Vieux Port, the old port, which is the perfect place to sit and relax while you watch the world go by. Each day, you will see fishermen bringing in their haul to be sold at the seafood market, and there are plenty of lovely places to eat in Marseille where you can indulge in delicious seafood dishes that have been expertly cooked for you.

Another place to visit in Marseille is Le Panier, a lively and atmospheric place that claims to be the oldest urban quarter in Marseille. Spend time wandering around boutiques and craft shops, exploring museums, admire impressive street art, and even see where Napoleon used to live.

Things to do in Marseille with families

Marseille is a popular destination for families as it has many museums that offer plenty to see and explore. One of the most interesting museums in the city is the MuCEM, which covers everything you could ever wish to know about Mediterranean culture and history. This museum offers information through exhibitions, short films, and lectures and is spread out across three buildings, the newest of which has a modern and contemporary design.

Another thing to do in Marseille with kids who love art is visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts. This museum is full of paintings, drawings, and sculptures created between the 16th and 19th centuries, including work by some of the greatest Italian and French Masters. The museum also has a number of temporary exhibitions and a park, which is one of the few green areas great for the family to get outside in between visiting the city’s top exhibits.

Parc Longchamp in Marseille

Piana Calance in France

Best Places to visit in Marseille

Marseille has something for everyone, from history lovers to nature enthusiasts. Here are some of the best things to do in Marseille:

  • Visit the Vieux Port (Old Port) – Enjoy watching the daily fish market and relax at waterside cafés.

  • Explore Le Panier district – Wander through Marseille’s oldest neighbourhood with boutique shops, street art, and historic charm.

  • Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde – Climb the hill to see this iconic church and enjoy panoramic views of the city and sea.

  • Plage du Prado – Relax on one of Marseille’s best beaches with golden sand and clear waters.

  • Calanques National Park – Hike, kayak, or take a boat trip to this stunning coastal national park.

  • Marseille Cathedral (Cathedrale de la Major) – Explore this 19th-century national monument with its fascinating mix of old and new architecture.

  • Château d’If – Discover the historic fortress made famous in The Count of Monte Cristo.

  • Parc Longchamp – Stroll through this beautiful park with gardens, fountains, and museums.

  • MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations) – Learn about Mediterranean culture and history in a modern, interactive setting.

Noailles Market – Browse spices, fresh produce, and local delicacies in one of Marseille’s liveliest markets.

Top Ten Things to do in Marseille

With so many things to do and see in Marseille, it can be hard to pick your best places to visit. Below is our list of some of the best things to see that all the family will enjoy.

  1. Explore the Old Port (Vieux-Port)
  2. Wander Le Panier district
  3. Visit Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
  4. Relax at Plage du Prado
  5. Take a boat trip to the Calanques
  6. Discover Château d’If
  7. Stroll through Parc Longchamp
  8. Eat fresh seafood at the Fish Market
  9. Visit MuCEM
  10. Browse Noailles Market

With so many things to do in Marseille for history fans, seafood lovers, or those looking for a break on the French Riviera with a difference, book your Dover to Calais crossing today and discover it for yourself. 

Travelling by car? Why not upgrade to one of our Flexi ticket options for more freedom and peace of mind for your journey, or add access to our Club Lounge onto your ticket for some added relaxation and luxury.  Find out more about our ticket types when placing your booking!

The Notre Dame de la Garde sits on top of a hill overlooking both the city and the sea, so not only is the building impressive itself, but the views it offers are also amazing

Bascilica Notre Dame in Marseille, France
Exploring Marseille in France
Marseille in France
Old Port in Marseille
Palais Longchamp in Marseille, France
Bascilica Notre Dame in Marseille, France
Exploring Marseille in France
Marseille in France
Old Port in Marseille
Palais Longchamp in Marseille, France

Things to do in Marseille FAQs

1 Is Marseille worth visiting?
 Yes, Marseille is definitely worth visiting. With a mix of history, culture, beaches, and stunning natural scenery like the Calanques, there are plenty of things to do in Marseille for every type of traveller.
2 Where is Marseille located?
 Marseille is on the Mediterranean coast in the south of France and is the capital of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. It’s about 775 km (480 miles) southeast of Paris.
3 What are the best things to do in Marseille?
 Some of the best things to do in Marseille include visiting the Old Port, exploring Le Panier, hiking in Calanques National Park, relaxing at Plage du Prado, and seeing landmarks like Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde and the Marseille Cathedral.
4 What are the top tourist sites in Marseille?
 The top tourist sites in Marseille include Vieux Port, Les Calanques, Notre-Dame de la Garde, Château d’If, MuCEM, Le Panier, and Parc Longchamp.
5 How can I get to Marseille from Calais?

 You can drive from Calais to Marseille in approximately 10.5 hours, or take a ferry for a more relaxing and scenic route that can be part of a French road trip adventure.

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