5 Best Things to do in Marseille, France

Dreaming of visiting the South of France? If so, Marseille definitely should be on your list of spots to hit! A beautiful town by the seaside with tons of beautiful beaches and landscapes… Here are our top 5 favourite things to do in this sun-filled city!

1. Hike in the Calanques

Les Calanques is a national park by the seaside of Marseille and it’s the perfect place to hike with an incredible view. From there, you’ll be able to see clear-blue water, the cutest little villages and get a workout in at the same time! There are different hikes available, so even if you’re not very athletic, you could just go for a 20-minute walk and still get the loveliest views.

2. Visit the MUCEM

The MUCEM is Marseille’sMuseum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations. They’re always featuring very interesting exhibitions and you should definitely check it out! The building itself is also a spectacular work of modern architecture, next  to the17th-century Fort Saint-Jean: even walking around the museum is a great activity. It’s close to the water, and in our opinion, also one of the best spots to watch the sunset…

3. Have a drink at R2

Speaking of sunsets, if you’re in need of a glass of wine to start your evening, we recommend going to the R2 rooftop. It’s right next to the MUCEM, so it makes for a great way to end the day. It’s one of the best views of the city and it usually stays open all night long if you fany dancing to some of the best French DJs!

4. Go for a dive/Spend the day on a boat

Marseille is no Bali that’s for sure, but its dive sites are still incredibly lively! The Méditerranée is full of its own colorful fishes and corals… If diving is a little too scary, rent a boat for the day and go snorkelling! There are splendid caves to go visit and swim in, all featuring the most beautiful water too.

5. Visit the Bonne Mère

La Bonne Mère is Marseille’s most famous monument: its official name is Notre-Dame de la Garde, but if you’re speaking to locals you probably should use its nickname… La Bonne Mère is a catholic basilica from the 19^th century and there’s no other word to describe it than breathtaking. Its architecture is beautifully detailed and was made by Italian workers, giving it a little resemblance to the Duomo Cathedral in Florence. It’s also the highest viewpoint in Marseille: definitely a must-see!

Feeling like hitting Marseille on your South of France roadtrip? We thought so too! Let us know if you ever visit, we’d love to know what’s your favourite part x