5 days in Marseille

Day by day

1. Day 1: Notre-Dame de la Garde and Vieux-Port

   Notre-Dame de la Garde, Vieux-Port and Abbaye Saint-Victor, then Cours Julien in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Notre-Dame de la Garde

      Take bus 60 or the tourist train up from the Vieux-Port, then walk down through the quiet streets towards the Abbaye Saint-Victor. (1–1.5 hours, free).

   2. Late morning

      Vieux-Port

      Come before about 10am to see the fish market at its liveliest, then ride the cross-harbour ferry for a few euros. (1–2 hours, free).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Bouillabaisse

      Seafood restaurants around the Vallon des Auffes, the Corniche and the Vieux-Port; some ask you to order a day ahead.

   4. Afternoon

      Abbaye Saint-Victor

      Buy navettes at the historic bakery a few steps away, which has been baking them since the late 18th century. (45 minutes, low cost).

   5. Evening

      Cours Julien

      Explore the side streets such as Rue des Trois Rois and the stairs down to Rue d'Aubagne for the densest street art.

2. Day 2: MuCEM and Fort Saint-Jean and La Major Cathedral

   MuCEM and Fort Saint-Jean, La Major Cathedral and Château d'If, then Cours Julien and La Plaine in the evening.

   1. Morning

      MuCEM and Fort Saint-Jean

      Even without a museum ticket, cross the footbridge to the fort for sunset views; the rooftop terrace has a café. (2–3 hours, mid-priced).

   2. Late morning

      La Major Cathedral

      Visit after the MuCEM; the vaults below the cathedral esplanade hold cafés and shops. (30–45 minutes, free).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Panisse

      Kiosks along the seafront at L'Estaque and some bars and restaurants in the centre as a side dish.

   4. Afternoon

      Château d'If

      Boats do not sail in strong mistral winds; check the forecast and keep a flexible day. (2–3 hours including the boat, mid-priced).

   5. Evening

      Cours Julien and La Plaine

      Bars, live-music venues and late terraces around Cours Julien and Place Jean-Jaurès, with a young, alternative crowd.

3. Day 3: Le Panier and Vieille Charité

   Le Panier, Vieille Charité and Calanques National Park, then Vieux-Port and Quai de Rive Neuve in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Le Panier

      Start at the Vieux-Port, climb the Montée des Accoules, and finish at the Vieille Charité and La Major so you walk downhill at the end. (2 hours, free).

   2. Late morning

      Vieille Charité

      The courtyard and chapel are free to see; buy a museum ticket only if the archaeology collections interest you. (1–1.5 hours, low cost).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Chichi frégi

      Snack kiosks on the waterfront at L'Estaque, especially on weekends.

   4. Afternoon

      Calanques National Park

      Start hikes early, carry at least two litres of water per person and wear proper shoes; the limestone paths are steep and slippery. (Half a day to a full day, free).

   5. Evening

      Vieux-Port and Quai de Rive Neuve

      Bars and cocktail terraces along the south quay and Place Thiars, busy every summer evening.

4. Day 4: Day trip to Cassis

   About 30 minutes by train or bus each way. Getting there: TER to Cassis station, then a local shuttle bus to the port; or coach.

   1. Morning

      Travel to Cassis

      About 30 minutes by train or bus (TER to Cassis station, then a local shuttle bus to the port; or coach); about 30 km.

   2. Day

      Cassis

      A small fishing port backed by the Cap Canaille, one of the highest sea cliffs in France, with pastel houses, cafés and its own white wine. Best for couples, beach and food lovers.

   3. Evening

      Back in Marseille

      Dinner: try Navettes.

5. Day 5: Frioul islands and Vallon des Auffes

   Frioul islands, Vallon des Auffes and Corniche Kennedy, then Friche la Belle de Mai in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Frioul islands

      Bring water, sun protection and snorkelling gear; there is almost no shade, and the coves on Ratonneau are calmer than the open coast. (Half a day, low cost).

   2. Late morning

      Vallon des Auffes

      Walk down the steps from the Corniche at sunset, then continue to the rocks at Malmousque for a swim in summer. (45 minutes, free).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Navettes

      The historic bakery next to the Abbaye Saint-Victor and bakeries across the city.

   4. Afternoon

      Corniche Kennedy

      Walk or cycle it from Catalans towards the Prado in the late afternoon, stopping at the Vallon des Auffes and Malmousque. (1–2 hours, free).

   5. Evening

      Friche la Belle de Mai

      A former tobacco factory turned cultural centre, with concerts, club nights and a rooftop terrace in the warmer months.

Before you go

Reserve timed tickets for Calanques National Park before you travel; the rest of this plan needs no advance booking.

Where to stay for this itinerary

With 5 nights, Vieux-Port keeps most of this route within easy reach. For a calmer or cheaper base, Le Panier ($$) suits couples, culture and solo travellers. Compare every area.

Pace and daylight

The sights in this plan add up to roughly 19–27 hours of visiting over 5 days, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 9 hours in December to 15.4 hours in June, so in winter start early and keep museums for the afternoon.

More or fewer days

• One day in Marseille
• 2 days in Marseille
• 3 days in Marseille

Questions travellers ask