Even if you consider yourself a true Marseillais, it’s sometimes interesting to put yourself in a tourist’s shoes to rediscover your city from a new angle. Always on the lookout for original activities, we’ll show you that Marseille still has plenty of surprises in store! With its dynamism and boundless energy, the Phocaean city continues to amaze and move us, revealing a multitude of experiences to enjoy. Here are a few of them!
1. Admire the Notre-Dame de La Garde cathedral
A symbol of the city dear to the hearts of Marseille’s residents, the cathedral nicknamed La Bonne Mère (the Good Mother)is worth seeing at least once in your life. First, because climbing up to it on foot is a challenge worth taking on, and second, because once you reach the top, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the whole of Marseille. And don’t hesitate to visit the interior of the cathedral, where you may discover many secrets.
2. Head to the Esplanade de la Major and step inside the cathedral
Wikipedia
Also known as Sainte-Marie-Majeure Cathedral or “La Major,” La Major Cathedral is located in La Joliette. The first stone of this architectural gem in Marseille was laid by Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte based on plans by Léon Vaudoyer in 1852. It is considered one of the largest cathedrals built in France since the Middle Ages. In 1906, it was classified as a historic monument.
3. Visit the MuCEM, a mecca of architecture and heritage
It’s called the MuCEM. Inaugurated during Marseille-Provence 2013, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Popular prints, furniture, costumes, jewelry, prints… This Marseille museum attracts visitors with its cutting-edge programming and demanding exhibitions. And for a moment of respite, enjoy a coffee in the shade of the museum’s distinctive lacework.
4. Be captivated by the Cosquer Cave
Discovered in 1985 by a diver who gave it its name, the Cosquer Cave is an archaeological marvel located in Marseille’s Calanques National Park. Inaccessible to the general public (only experienced divers can access it), curious visitors and history buffs can now admire an exact replica of the Cosquer Cave! A museum that will leave a lasting impression.
5. Try a chichi fregi in L’Estaque
Is it a doughnut? Is it a churros? Neither! The chichi fregi has its own unique identity. A true Provençal institution, it is flavored with orange blossom, fried, and covered with powdered sugar. You’ll also find variations filled with chocolate, jam, or whipped cream. And to enjoy THE traditional chichi fregi facing the sea, head to L’Estaque, where three must-visit placesawait you.
6. Visit point zero, the place where all altitudes in France are calculated
The tide gauge on the Corniche in Marseille
There is indeed one thing that Mont Blanc, the Eiffel Tower, and the Millau Viaduct have in common … What is it? Their altitude was calculated in relation to a tide gauge installed on the Corniche de Marseille. It is also in relation to this same tide gauge that all heights in France are measured. As the zero point for altitude, it is thanks to this tide gauge that we know Mont Blanc is 4,810 meters high, the Eiffel Tower is 324 meters high, and the Bonne Mère rises to 162 meters. Furthermore, as Switzerland has no coastline, it uses the Marseille tide gauge for its own reference points…
7. Take a tour of France’s oldest hardware store
© Maison Empereur
Head to the Noailles district, aptly nicknamed the “belly of Marseille. “It was here—more precisely at 4 Rue des Récolettes—that Maison Empereur was established in 1827. Still open nearly 200 years later, it fully deserves the title of oldest hardware store in France. And don’t be fooled by its advanced age! Hardware, gardening supplies, weapons, cutlery, but also household goods and coffee… With over a thousand items, it still has many treasures that are worth the trip.
8. Get away from it all in one of Marseille’s Buddhist pagodas
© Travel With Marion
Pagodas are Buddhist places of worship that house relics and welcome worshippers who come to pray. Renowned for their impressive architecture, the city of Marseille has no fewer than three pagodas. Havens of peace and places of escape from the bustle of the city, Marseille’s Buddhist pagodas are a must-see.
9. Cool off near the Aygalades waterfall
© Patrick Mayan | Flickr
The Aygalades waterfall is one of Marseille’s most unusual places. Nestled in the heart of the 15th arrondissement, this 9-meter-high waterfall is located on the grounds of Château Falque. At the time, the site was reserved for the Marseille bourgeoisie of the 19th century. In the 1940s, the property was demolished to make way for the A7 motorway.This work damaged access to the stream, and the waterfall was forgotten and neglected for a time. However, since 2016, artists and the Cité des Arts de Rue (Street Arts Center)have been working to restore and preserve the Aygalades. Now, on the first Sunday of every month, you can enjoy free entertainment and food trucks!
10. Cross the longest street in Marseille
It is said that you need to take 10,000 steps a day to be healthy. To reach your goal, we suggest walking down Rue Paradis, which is 3,400 meters long. It is the longest street in Marseille, crossing no less than four districts. So put on your sneakers, and if anyone tells you that the longest street in Marseille is Rue Saint-Pierre, have them read this article for you.
11. See the Notre-Dame-du-Mont church where Frédéric Chopin played
Wikipedia
You don’t have to be religious to visit a place of worship. Passersby and onlookers can stop here to find a moment of calm. The Notre-Dame-du-Mont church is also worth a visit for two reasons. First, it gave its name to this much-loved neighborhood. Second, this church is a vestige of Marseille’s history. The composer and virtuoso pianist Frédéric Chopin came here to play on April 24, 1839, for the funeral of one of his friends. This is an anecdote that fans of music and Marseille should know.
12. Stroll through the Panier neighborhood
Le Panier is not only the oldest neighborhood in Marseille, it is also the most authentic, poetic, and popular. Overlooking the Old Port and the rest of the city, you will fall in love with its narrow streets, colorful shutters, and typical shops with a Mediterranean feel.
13. Discover the best places to visit in the Noailles district
© Jeanne Menjoulet
Located in Marseille’s 1st arrondissement, the Noailles district is one of the liveliest in the city. Close to the Old Port and La Canebière, this part of the city center thrives on its many shops (some of which are very old), which give it its dynamic atmosphere. To help you find your way around this lively district, Marseille Secrète has even put together an article with its best addresses!
14. Stroll around the Old Port
It is inseparable from Marseille! It even gave rise to the legend of the sardine that blocked the Port of Marseille. There are entertainment venues, shops, cafés, and restaurants with views of the boats… (you’ll never tire of it!)! As touristy as it is authentic, this Marseille neighborhood is a must-see for locals and visitors alike.
15. Stroll around Notre-Dame-du-Mont
The Notre-Dame-du-Mont neighborhood is said to be a village within the city,bohemian and colorful. One thing is certain: this Marseille neighborhood tends to be universally loved. While it takes its name from the church located there, Notre-Dame-du-Mont is full of great places to eat, go out, and marvel.Marseille Secrète shares with you the places to try in this neighborhood in Marseille’s 6th arrondissement.
16. Taste Marseille’s typical culinary specialties
Dreaming of a delicious bouillabaisse? Marseille Secrète has lovingly compiled a list of the best restaurants where you can sample this treasure of Marseille’s gastronomy. Would you rather try pieds-paquets, authentic Provençal aioli, panisses, or chichis frégis? Here are our top recommendations.
17. Feast your eyes and taste buds in a restaurant with a sea view
© Tuba Club
Having seaside restaurants close to home is an undeniable luxury. For a romantic dinner while admiring the sunset, a relaxing lunch overlooking the Mediterranean, or simply for a change of scenery,Marseille Secrète invites you to discover places where the sea is within reach of your plate. The Tuba Club, the Bistrot Plage, or the Tamaris… Here is our complete list of seaside restaurants in Marseille.
18. Try the pétanque ball-shaped chocolates at Chocolaterie Hubert
© Maison Hubert
At this chocolate shop, you can buy real chocolate pétanque balls, created from authentic steel balls using a mold that’s so lifelike, you could be fooled! At Maison Hubert, Marseille’s national sport is good enough to eat, with its balls, jack, rules, and Fanny.
19. Treat yourself to an evening of music with Candlelight
Among the sublime venues Marseille has to offer, the thousands of candles that light up the evening and the exceptional musicians, Candlelight is more than just a concert, it’s a sensory experience. Let yourself be carried away by the magic of live music and discover your favorite songs in a classical format!
20. Have a coffee, eat a cake, and buy flowers at La Butinerie
This little haven of peace —just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Marseille’s Old Port —is home to beautiful plants and delicious treats. More than just a café-florist, La Butinerie is a place to meet, exchange ideas, and learn values. In addition to buying bouquets of flowers and devouring delicacies, you can attend various classes and workshops throughout the year.
21. Watch the sunset
If there’s one thing everyone agrees on in Marseille, it’s the sunsets. When the horizon is tinged with shades of ochre and vermilion, many people come to admire this natural spectacle. And as luck would have it, the Phocaean city is full of breathtaking viewpoints from which to enjoy the twilight.
22. Watch the winter solstice at the Palais Longchamp
Photo on the left © @jarrivepasatoublierr (Instagram)
Let’s stay with the sunset theme with a unique phenomenon that occurs every year in Marseille. Thanks to meticulously designed architecture, the winter solstice results in a perfect alignment of the sun and the Palais’s Arc de Triomphe. A unique spectacle to experience.
23. Visit the calanques of Marseille
Because the calanques are not just beaches, they are worth visiting at least once in your lifetime. The limestone rock, the smell of the garrigue, the sometimes winding paths to get there… They are a wonder of nature that is well worth the detour. The Calanques National Park is full of little wonders and is perfect for hiking, even in winter.
