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Things to Do in Marseille

Marseille is known to have one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in France and with so many fun things to do here, you cannot go wrong in choosing this as your next vacation. One of the best things to do in Marseille is to visit the old rectangular port which was the center of trading for over 2600 years. You can stroll around the port and witness many boats, cafes, and restaurants. Do not forget to visit La Plaine and Noailles which are the two neighborhoods of the old port and are known for their beautiful markets from Monday to Saturday. You can also indulge in some flatbreads, and kebabs and try some mouth-watering street food.

If you are looking for activities to do in Marseille, head over to the Notre Dame de la Garde and climb to reach the 19th-century neo-Byzantine church which is 150 meters above the water. Once you reach the top, you can witness the stunning views of the city and just relax next to a beautiful sunset. Marseille also has a beautiful National Park where you can climb white limestone cliffs and creeks or even indulge in many activities like hiking or kayaking. Learn more about the rich history of the city by visiting Musée d’Histoire de Marseille which is one of the best museums in the city where you can look at artifacts from over 26 centuries. Another famous museum in the city is the MuCEM which is known for its cutting-edge technology. Witness the stunning architecture and learn more about Mediterranean culture through paintings, photographs, and artifacts.

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Marseille Things To Do FAQs

What are the best things to do in marseille?

1. Visit the Old Port of Marseille: Marseille is known for its beautiful rectangular port,the Old Port of Marseille, which has been the spot for commerce and trading for over 2600 years. One of the best things to do in Marseille is to just stroll at the old port and explore the beautiful cafes, restaurants, and promenades. There is outdoor seating at most of the cafes where you can just sit and relax looking at the lovely views.

2. Click pictures at Massif des Calanques: When looking for things to do in Marseille, you cannot miss visiting the Massif des Calanques which is a beautiful wild terrain that stretches from the ninth arrondissement of Marseille to the Cassis in the east. You can witness the beautiful geological formations and the cave inscription along the way. This is one of the most beautiful places to take some amazing pictures.

3. Visit the Abbaye Saint-Victor: If you are looking to learn about the religious history of the city, one of the top things to do in Marseille is to visit the Abbey of Saint?Victor. Witness the beautiful Basilica and the crypts, which is a very popular landmark in the city and has a stunning view of the old port.

4. Explore the Calanques National Park: When looking for adventurous activities to do in Marseille, head over to the Calanques National Park where you can indulge in many activities like hiking and kayaking. You can also visit the beautiful white limestone cliffs and creeks, and enjoy the breathtaking views from the top.

5. Marvel at the Musée de la Moto: One of the most interesting things to do in Marseille is to visit the Museum of the Moto of Marseille where you can learn about the history of motorcycles from 1885 to the present. Located in an old mill, the museum is divided into 4 floors where you can see the evolution of technology throughout the years of motorcycling.

6. Explore the Marseille History Museum: Marseille is known for its rich history and culture and one of the best things to do in Marseille is to visit the Marseille History Museum which provides a fun and interactive way of learning the city's history. You can look at many unique collections from over 26 centuries through multimedia tools which will allow you a deep dive into the past.

Which are the most famous places to visit in marseille?

1. Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde: One of the most popular attractions in the city, visiting Notre Dame de la Garde is one of the top things to do in Marseille. You can climb to reach the 9th-century neo-Byzantine church which is 150 meters above the water and enjoy looking at the beautiful view of the city.

2. Canebière: One of the fun things to do in Marseille is to stroll down the one-kilometer-long old high street and indulge in some retail therapy. You must include Canebiere in your Marseille itineraries if you want to go shopping and visit lovely cafés and eateries. Here, you can find a wide variety of stores, including Zara, H&M, cosmetics, and skincare stores.

3. Château d'If: One of the most significant strongholds in France, Château d'If, was constructed to guard the city and the coast against invaders. It also served as a safeguard for the royal fleet of galleys. The fort's usage as a state prison from 1580 to 1871 is one of the most intriguing parts of its story. Include a guided tour of this magnificent fort during your trip to the city and learn more about its history.

4. Eglise Saint Laurent: One of the most popular churches in the city, it is said that the Eglise Saint Laurent was built on the site of the first Greek temple dedicated to Apollo. Admire this beautiful Gothic-style church which took over two centuries to build. The church has also gone under several alterations in the past and is now one of the most important landmarks in the city.

5. Cosquer Méditerranée: If you are looking to learn more about Mediterranean culture, one of the top things to do in Marseille is to visit Cosquer Méditerranée. Visit the Mediterranean gallery to learn about the Homo species' interaction with animals. Additionally, you can go to the Cosquer cave to see 480 carvings and primitive paintings that date back between 33,000 and 19,000 years.

6. Orange Vélodrom: Built as a venue for the 1938 football world cup, Orange Vélodrome is currently known as Stade Velodrome. The stadium, which was built in 1937 and today has more than 6,000 seats, had its inaugural game between the French team Marseille and the Italian team Torino. Visiting this stadium definitely comes under one of the most fun things to do in Marseille.

What is the best time to visit marseille?

September to November is the best time to visit Marseille as the weather is pleasant and as this is off-season, you can expect fewer crowds. This will also help you make your vacation budget-friendly as everything will be more affordable, be it the accommodation, travel or tickets to the attractions and activities.

What is Marseille famous for?

Marseille, one of France's oldest towns is famous as one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in the country. Owing to its beautiful beaches and sunset views the city is particularly well-liked by tourists.

Is Marseille worth visiting?

Marseille is home to many iconic attractions, beaches, and ports which makes the city worth visiting. Some of the best things to do in Marseille are kayaking, hiking, visiting museums, and much more.

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