Even if you consider yourself a true Marseillais, it’s sometimes worth putting yourself in the shoes of a tourist to rediscover your city from a new angle. Always on the lookout for original activities, we show you that Marseille still has plenty of surprises to offer! With its dynamism and boundless energy, the Phocaean city continues to amaze and move us, revealing a multitude of experiences to be had. Here are just a few of them!
1. See Notre-Dame de La Garde cathedral
A symbol of the city so dear to the hearts of the people of Marseille, the cathedral nicknamed the Good Mother deserves to be seen at least once in your life. Firstly, because climbing it on foot is well worth it, and secondly, because once you’ve reached the top, you’ll be able to enjoy a dazzling view of the whole of Marseille. And don’t hesitate to visit the cathedral’s interior, which could reveal many secrets.
2. Go to the esplanade de la Major and push open the doors of its cathedral.
Also known as Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure or “La Major”, the Cathédrale de La Major is located in La Joliette. The foundation stone for this architectural gem was laid by Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte in 1852, to designs by Léon Vaudoyer. It is considered one of the largest cathedrals built in France since the Middle Ages. In 1906, it was listed as a historic monument.
3. Visit the MuCEM, a showcase for architecture and heritage
It’s called the MuCEM. Inaugurated to coincide with Marseille-Provence 2013, the Musée des Civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Folk prints, furniture, costumes, jewelry, prints… This Marseilles museum attracts visitors with its cutting-edge programming and demanding exhibitions. And if you’d like to take a break, enjoy a coffee in the shade of the museum’s distinctive lacework.
4. Marvel at the Cosquer cave
Discovered in 1985 by a diver who gave it its name, the Grotte Cosquer is an archaeological marvel in Marseille’s Parc National des Calanques. Inaccessible to the general public (only experienced divers have access), the curious and history buffs can now admire the exact replica of the Cosquer cave! A museum that won’t leave you indifferent.
5. Visit Marseille’s Musée de l’Illusion for a great family activity
Opening in June 2023 in the lively Esplanade J4/Voûtes de la Major district, the Musée de l’illusion will appeal to young and old alike. A far cry from traditional museum visits, this original venue features over 70 illusions. Funny, hallucinatory, marvelous… discover holograms, a bottomless pit, an upside-down room or an infinite room. The ideal family activity!
6. Go to Point Zero, the place where all altitudes in France are calculated
Mont Blanc, the Eiffel Tower and the Millau Viaduct all have one thing in common… And what’s that? Their altitude has been calculated in relation to a tide gauge installed on the Corniche de Marseille. This is the same tide gauge from which all heights in France are measured. As the zero point of altitude, it is thanks to this tide gauge that it has been defined that Mont Blanc measures 4,810 meters, that the Eiffel Tower is 324 meters high, or that the Bonne Mère rises to 162 meters. As Switzerland has no coastline, it uses the Marseille tide gauge for its own references…
7. Take a tour of France’s oldest hardware store
Head for the Noailles district, aptly dubbed the “belly of Marseille”. It was here – at number 4 rue des Récolettes to be precise – that Maison Empereur was established in 1827. Still open today, almost 200 years later, it richly deserves the title of France’s oldest hardware store. And don’t let its advanced age fool you! Hardware, garden centres, gunsmiths, cutlery, as well as drugstores and coffee shops… With over a thousand references, it still has many treasures worth visiting.
8. A change of scene in one of Marseille’s Buddhist pagodas
Pagodas are Buddhist places of worship that house relics and the faithful who come to pray. Renowned for their impressive architecture, the city of Marseille boasts no less than three pagodas. Havens of peace and places of escape in the Phocaean city, Marseille’s Buddhist pagodas are a must-see.
9. Cool off by the Aygalades waterfall
The Cascade des Aygalades is one of Marseille’s most unusual waterfalls. Nestled in the heart of the 15th arrondissement, this 9-meter-high waterfall is located on the Château Falque property. Back in the 19th century, it was reserved for Marseille’s bourgeoisie. In the 1940s, the property was demolished for the construction of the A7 freeway. As a result, access to the creek was severely restricted, and the waterfall was forgotten and neglected for some time. However, since 2016, artists and the Cité des Arts de Rue have taken on the task of rehabilitating and preserving the Aygalades. Every 1st Sunday of the month, you can enjoy free entertainment and food trucks!
10. Cross Marseille’s longest street
They say you need to take 10,000 steps a day to be healthy. To reach your goal, we suggest you take a stroll along Rue Paradis, which alone is 3,400 meters long. The longest street in Marseille, it crosses no less than 4 arrondissements. So get your sneakers on, and if someone tells you on the way that the longest street in Marseille is rue Saint-Pierre, have them read this article from us.
11. See the Notre-Dame-du-Mont church where Frédéric Chopin played
You don’t have to be a believer to visit a place of worship. Passers-by and onlookers alike can stop in for a moment of peace and quiet. The Notre-Dame-du-Mont church is also worth a visit for two reasons. Firstly, it gave its name to this much-loved district. Secondly, the church is a vestige of Marseille’s history. Composer and virtuoso pianist Frédéric Chopin came to play here on April 24, 1839, for the funeral of one of his friends. An anecdote worth knowing for fans of music and Marseille.
12. Stroll through the Panier district
Le Panier is not only Marseille’s oldest district, it’s also its most authentic, poetic and popular. Overlooking the Old Port and the rest of the city, you’ll fall under the spell of its narrow streets, colorful shutters and typical Mediterranean-style stores.
13. Discover the best addresses in the Noailles district
Located in Marseille’s 1st arrondissement, the Noailles district is one of the city’s liveliest. Close to the Old Port and the Canebière, this part of the city center is alive with the many stores (some of them very old) that give it its dynamism. To help you find your way around this lively district, Marseille Secrète has even concocted an article with its best addresses!
14. Stroll around the Old Port
It’s inseparable from Marseille! It even gave rise to the legend of the sardine that clogged the Port of Marseille. Here, you’ll find entertainment, shops, cafés and restaurants with views of the boats… (we can’t get enough of it!)! As touristy as it is authentic, this district of Marseille is a must-see for locals and visitors alike.
15. Stroll around Notre-Dame-du-Mont
The Notre-Dame-du-Mont district has been called a village in the city, bohemian or colorful. One thing’s for sure, though, and that’s that this Marseilles neighborhood tends to be unanimously appreciated. Notre-Dame-du-Mont may take its name from the church there, but it’s also rich in good places to eat, go out and marvel. Marseille Secrète shares with you the places to try in this district of Marseille’s 6th arrondissement.
16. Eat a half-and-half pizza
Thick or extra-thin dough? With or without pineapple? If for some, this is the kind of dilemma they face when ordering their pizzas, we’d rather ask you a real question: half-and-half pizza or half-and-half pizza? Half cheese, half anchovy, that’s how you eat pizza in Marseille. At Etienne’s, La Bonne Mère or Angèle’s, all you have to do is choose.
17. Taste Marseille’s culinary specialties
Dreaming of a good bouillabaisse? Marseille Secrète has lovingly concocted a list of the best restaurants in which to sample this treasure trove of Marseilles gastronomy. If you’d rather try pieds-paquets, genuine Provencal aioli, panisses or chichis frégis, here are our top picks.
18. Feast your eyes and taste buds in a restaurant with a sea view
Having seaside restaurants close to home is an indisputable luxury. For a romantic dinneradmiring the sunset, a relaxing lunch overlooking the Mediterranean, or simply a change of scenery, Marseille Secrète invites you to discover addresses where the sea is within easy reach. Le Tuba Club, Bistrot Plage or Les Tamaris… Here’s our complete list of seaside restaurants in Marseille.
19. Test Chocolaterie Hubert’s chocolates in the shape of pétanque balls
At this chocolaterie, you can buy real chocolate pétanque balls, created from authentic steel balls, thanks to a larger-than-life mold that could be mistaken for one! At Maison Hubert, the national sport of Marseille is up for grabs, with its boules, its cochonnet, its ruler and its Fanny.
20. Treat yourself to a musical evening with Candlelight
With Marseille’s sublime venues, thousands of candles and exceptional musicians, Candlelight is more than a concert – it ‘s a sensory experience. Let yourself be carried away by the magic of live music and discover your favorite pieces in classic format!
21. Drink coffee, eat cake and buy flowers at La Butinerie
It’s a little haven of peace – a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Marseille’s Old Port – where pretty plants and mouth-watering delicacies mingle. More than a flower café, La Butinerie is a place to meet, exchange ideas and learn about values. In addition to buying bouquets of flowers and devouring delicacies, you can attend various courses and workshops throughout the year.
22. Let your creativity flow at La Barbotyne
Looking for a friendly, creative and tasty place? You’ve got to try La Barbotyne at least once! The concept is simple: let your creativity flow by painting on ceramics while enjoying a good cup of coffee! You’ve got 2h30 to create your new decorative object and enjoy an experience you’ll never forget!