The gentle warmth of spring is slowly settling in, and with it, all kinds of activities are blooming. To help you keep track of what’s happening in April, Marseille Secrète has selected the best things to do for you. Fields of tulips, festivals, immersive exhibitions, concerts surrounded by thousands of flowers and candles… Follow the guide and treat yourself to one of these outings (or even several!)
Immerse yourself in the satirical and tender worldof Albert Dubout in the heart of Marseille. Among the city’s must-see cultural events, the Musée Regards de Provence is hosting a retrospective titled “Dubout, the Art of Drawing Everything.” The exhibition showcases fifty years of his work—including drawings, paintings, and side projects—and features workshops and guided tours.
Enjoy a green escape with Plantes Pour Tous
Need to refresh your decor? From April 3 to 5, Plantes Pour Tous transforms the city into an urban jungle. With over 150 varieties starting at €0.99, there’s something for everyone: rare species for experts and “hard-to-kill” plants for beginners. It’s the perfect time to find your next favorite plant, whatever your budget!
In the intimate setting of the Grotte du Cosquer, Méditerranée The Jury Experience invites you to step into the shoes of a jury member during a mock trial. An immersive experience that transforms Marseille residents into jurors for a day. Analyze the evidence, weigh the testimonies, and deliver a verdict that could change everything.
Take flight at the Martigues Kite Festival
The sky comes alive with color from April 11 to 13! For a getaway in the great outdoors around Marseille, head to Verdon Beach, which welcomes over 35 kite flyers for the Martigues Kite Festival. On the program: spectacular demonstrations and children’s workshops.
Stock up on local products at the farmers’ market
Does the arrival of sunny days make you want to sample all the region’s finest products? Presented by Les Grandes Tables, Le Marché Paysan offers a selection of local products: fruits, vegetables, bread, cheeses, eggs, honey… Come shop directly from the producers! Find them every Monday, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., in the restaurant or on the terrace of Les Grandes Tables, depending on the season.
Attend the Fonky Festival de Mars: a 100% rap music event
Don’t let the name fool you—the Funky Festival de Mars takes place in April and is entirely dedicated to Marseille rap! For its 3rd edition in 2026, the event will bring together iconic rappers and showcase various hip-hop disciplines, such as live graffiti, a breakdance contest, and a competition to crown the best DJ. And that’s not all: expect some surprises! So, are you ready to celebrate Marseille’s hip-hop culture? See you on April 25 and 26, 2026, at the Cabaret Aléatoire in Marseille!
Join a slam party on a pétanque court
When the Mediterranean spirit meets slam poetry and electronic music, the result is the astonishing show “J’ai les boules.” The artistic duo, composed of Iraka and Mila Necchella, transforms the boules court into a living stage blending poetry and electronic music. An event specially designed for pétanque courts where creativity and emotion are expressed in all their splendor.
For a getaway from Marseille, head to Aix-en-Provence: on April 11 and 12, 2026, the Collectif XY takes over the Cours Mirabeau in Aix-en-Provence for a free show featuring 33 acrobats and 12 musicians to kick off the Aix Biennale.
Visit Marseille’s best chocolatiers to celebrate Easter
Giant eggs, adorable bunnies… Easter is the perfect excuse to stock up on chocolate (without any guilt). Whether to give as gifts or to devour yourself, we’ll take you on a tour of Marseille’s best chocolatiers to discover the city’s most indulgent creations. It’s sure to turn your egg hunt into a true chocolate quest!
Want to travel in April while being eco-friendly? Forget the plane and take the train! Faster (well, not always, but sometimes yes!) and more eco-friendly, there are plenty of trains that take you straight to your destination, without long waits or taxi rides (hello, airports miles away from downtown). At Marseille Secrète, we’ve handpicked the best destinations accessible by direct train from your city. Hop on board, close your eyes, and let yourself be carried away! Discover these smooth and eco-friendly getaways today.
Candlelight evolves with the seasons. With the arrival of spring, Candlelight continues to transport you to a dreamy world by candlelight in an enchanting setting. Marvel as you listen to the greatest hits of Bad Bunny, Coldplay, and Imagine Dragons performed by a delicate quartet. A magical spring outing for this month of April.
Follow The Little Prince on an immersive visual adventure at the Carrières des Lumières starting April 6. To celebrate the 80th anniversary of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s work, this immersive show projects watercolors and texts onto massive walls, accompanied by music for a unique family adventure.
Just an hour from Marseille, amulticolored carpet of tulips transforms Provence into a little corner of Holland. For a change of scenery right at the region’s doorstep, head to the colorful tulip fields stretching between the villages of La Brillanne and Lurs in Provence. This springtime spectacle, rarely seen in France, is the perfect floral getaway for April.
Celebrate the 2026 Marseille Carnival
Among the major events not to be missed in Marseille in April, the 36th edition of the Marseille Carnival will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Old Port, under the theme “Kingdom of Extravaganza.” On the program: free face painting starting at 1:30 p.m., a grand parade at 2:30 p.m. starting from the Théâtre de la Criée, and a festive finale at the foot of City Hall.
