tourism News / 13.12.2023

Tour of Marseille. Excursion "Must-have in Marseille"

Marseille provides its guests with ample opportunities not only to get to know the city itself, but also the region as a whole. Numerous travel agencies and private guides offer a wide variety of excursions - from general sightseeing to thematic and non-standard ones. But first things first.

Range city sightseeing tours very big. And you can find something that suits you. So, you can become a participant in an organized bus and walking tour conducted by one of the city’s travel agencies (though it will be conducted in French or English, but it costs about 20 - 25 euros per person) or order a sightseeing tour directly in Russian from a private guide (though , the price will be much higher - from 50 to 250 euros for a group of up to 4 people). You should immediately take into account that such an excursion is usually designed for 2–3 hours, and you can save money by taking a tourist bus and armed with a guidebook. In this case, it turns out that you see all the main attractions, but it is not the guide that tells you about them, but the book. The ideal option in this case is knowledge of English or French. In this case, there will be no problems at all with understanding and choosing an excursion.

One of the most popular excursions regarding the sights of Marseille is a trip to the mysterious Chateau d'If, glorified in the novel “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas. Nestled on a small island in the middle of the sea, the castle (and also a former prison) still attracts an impressive number of tourists. The cost of such a tour, designed for 2.5 - 3 hours, with a private guide is around 120 - 150 euros, as part of an organized group you need to check.

If we talk about where you can go from Marseille, then this is, first of all, a charming town Aix-en-Provence, which is essentially the real cultural center of Provence, having absorbed its most characteristic original features. The real pride of local residents are the monuments of medieval architecture, as well as very beautiful fountains, of which there are several hundred in the city. It’s not far to go there – about 30 kilometers, and a trip with an organized group costs from 30 euros (of course, private guides are more expensive), so don’t be surprised, this excursion is very popular among tourists.

If you don’t want to limit yourself to the Provençal spirit of Aix-en-Provence, you can go on a tour "Traditional villages of Provence", able to introduce curious travelers to all the charm and cute charm of southern France. And I’ll say right away - after visiting a couple of quiet and cozy villages, built up with ancient mansions, filled with the aromas of fresh baked goods, wafting from the family bakery, and looking at the vineyards, you will completely fall in love with this amazing region, filled with the friendliness of the locals and the warmth of the climate. Of course, you can book such an excursion from a private guide and go with him to conquer the surrounding villages by car (a day of such pleasure will cost around 300 euros). But I would advise especially inquisitive and active tourists to choose a place they like on the map and rush there on their own by train or bus, wander through the quiet streets, plunge into this amazing atmosphere and return to the fan (although you can even rent a house or room and stay in such a village for a couple of days - this is for those who value peace and harmony on vacation).

Most people associate Provence, of course, with endless lavender fields. Everywhere in the markets you can buy pillows with dried lavender flowers, soap with lavender oil and much, much more. Therefore, it is not surprising that one of the excursions that you may stumble upon in the list of proposed destinations is dedicated to this particular symbol of the region. Typically, during such an excursion, which is usually called "Lavender fields" or "Blooming Provence" You will be able to see real blooming lavender fields that resemble a lilac canvas, enjoy their incredible aroma, get acquainted with the technology of preparing certain products with lavender and buy something for yourself as a souvenir. This route is designed, of course, not for 2-3 hours, but for at least 6 – 8, and will cost a private guide 300 – 400 euros per mini-group. About the excursion

In addition, you can visit one of the famous and ancient French cities located near Marseille. This could be the legendary Avignon, the place of the medieval “captivity of the popes” (6 aces, from 200 euros with a private guide), or fashionable Cannes or Nice - the pearls of the Cote d'Azur (400 - 800 euros with a private guide).

An excellent option could be an independent trip on a pleasure boat on Calanques. These are small bays located near Marseille, with headlands and cliffs jutting out into the sea, often called “French fjords”.
You can easily lose time while admiring them, and the photographs taken against their background are truly impressive. By the way, an excellent alternative to this trip can be getting to know the Calanques from the air - very often you can find offers to fly over these places by helicopter (from 300 euros per person). Well, lovers of romance can even take a closer look at the idea of looking at Provence from a bird’s eye view, or from a basket hot air balloon . In this case, you will be able to see not only Marseille itself, but also such amazing cities as Nîmes or Avignon. This air trip is designed for 4 - 5 aces, and will cost approximately 500 euros per group (3 - 4 people).

And finally, I can’t help but note thematic excursions , focused on certain aspects of life in Marseille and the region as a whole. These are, first of all, gastronomic trips that introduce their travelers to the best local cuisine, traditional recipes and interesting restaurants or farms. The cost of such a route can vary greatly, since the price is strongly influenced by the duration of the excursion (it can be from 3 days to several days if it includes visits to several cities or towns), as well as the scale of tastings and the geography of the route itself. But in general, you can focus on an amount from a modest 150 (Marseille cuisine, designed for a couple of aces) to an impressive week-long acquaintance with the culinary traditions of the region for 5,000 euros.

And finally, let me remind you that the south of France is also one of the most popular winemaking regions. So if all of the above routes do not impress you or you just want to relax, go to conquer the wineries of Provence, during which you will not only learn about the process of harvesting grapes and making wine, but will also be able to taste local products.

Happy travels!

How to get to Marseille

Marseille is one of the largest cities in the south of France; with full confidence it can be called the “gateway” to Provence, the most resort region of the country. Despite its status as a southern port city, Marseille is often visited by tourists, since it is quite difficult to overestimate its historical value. The city has been known since ancient times, and today tourists come to Marseille both by air and by water. Marseille is a frequent destination on European cruises. Today in our article we will tell you what to see in Marseille in 1 day, no matter whether it is a cruise stop or a trip to Marseille from neighboring cities.

Getting to Marseille is quite easy. In addition to the seaport where cruise ships arrive, Marseille also has its own arrival airport. True, there are no direct flights from Russia to Marseille yet, but you can fly with a transfer in Paris. The flights are operated by the French carrier AirFrance. If you want to get to Marseille, you can also make a transfer in other European countries, in which case air travel will be carried out by companies such as KLM, Brussels Airlines, Alitalia, etc. You can find out all the possible flight options from your city to Marseille on online booking services Aviasales , Buruki and other similar ones, allowing you to compare all available flights for specific dates.

Tiberio Frascari/flickr

Marseille-Provence Airport is located 27 km from the city center. You can get there from the airport by bus, train or taxi. Bus transportation is carried out by the company Navette , one way travel will cost a little more than 8 euros. Buses run throughout the day every 15-20 minutes. Trains also run from the airport with the same frequency, and they arrive at the main railway station of Marseille. The fare varies between 4-6 euros one way. The carrier is a French railway company SNCF .

At night you can get from the airport to Marseille by taxi. You can find a car upon arrival, or book a car transfer in advance, then the car and driver will already be waiting for you by the time you arrive. Travel time by taxi to the city center will take about 20 minutes. You can book an individual transfer in advance on specialized online services and other similar ones.

If you plan to travel a lot and not limit yourself to visiting only Marseille, then it may make sense to rent a car. Car rental offices can be found right at Marseille airport. To rent a car, you only need to have your passport, driver’s license and bank card to pay for services. You can view the list of all rental companies at Marseille airport in the search engine Rentalcars , you can also book the car you need in advance. Marseille Airport and the city center are connected by highway No. A7.

You can read more about how to get to Marseille from other cities in France, Italy, Spain in a separate article:. The article lists all known methods, including buses, trains, taxis and cars.

You can stay in Marseille in standard hotels of different star categories, as well as in guest houses, hostels and other budget accommodation options. Renting apartments is also popular in Marseille. As a rule, it is cheaper, but you will have to take care of your own food. You can find out more about availability and cost of living in Marseille for specific dates on booking sites Booking , Hotellook and others.

What to see in Marseille

Marseille, without exaggeration, is a very colorful city with its own unique atmosphere. But, in addition, Marseille is also a city with a rich history and architectural heritage, with gourmet restaurants, museums and art galleries, natural attractions and modern entertainment. In order to explore all the interesting places in Marseille, even a week is not enough, but in practice, most often, tourists stay in Marseille for 1-2 days and get acquainted only with its main attractions. Next, we will tell you about the main places in Marseille that are definitely worth seeing if you are in the city for the first time and for a short time.

Marseille Cathedral and Notre-Dame de la Garde

These cathedrals are two of the most significant religious monuments in Marseille. Marseille Cathedral was built in the 19th century in the Romanesque-Byzantine style. Its external appearance attracts special decorations made of white and green marble, as well as towers, each 70 meters high. Inside the cathedral you can see amazingly beautiful mosaics, sculptures and bas-reliefs. The cathedral is a functioning Catholic cathedral and is open to the public.

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de la Garde is an equally famous architectural monument. It is located on a hill, so its outline can be seen from many areas of the city. The cathedral was built in the 18th century, and its main “highlight” for several centuries has been the tower topped with a statue of the Virgin Mary and Child. The statue is gilded and its height is 11 meters. The cathedral is active, and is open to everyone who wants to visit it (subject to the dress code, clothing must be closed).

cat_collector/Marseille Cathedral

Old port of Marseille and Château d'If

Marseille is a port city, and everyone knows about it. It would be strange to find yourself in Marseille and not visit its old port, which is the “calling card” of the city. The best time to see life at the port is early in the morning when the fishermen set out to sea on their fishing boats. In the evenings, at sunset, there is also a pleasant atmosphere, fresh seafood restaurants are open, and from the windows of cafes and restaurant terraces there is a stunning view of the harbor. In the afternoon, from the port you can go on a boat trip to the mysterious Chateau d'If.

The Chateau d'If, which became widely known thanks to Alexandre Dumas' novel The Count of Monte Cristo, is located off the coast of Marseille on one of the Friulian Islands. Excursion boats go there every day, and the castle itself is always popular among tourists. The fortress was built on the island at the beginning of the 16th century and initially had defensive purposes, but ironically it was never subjected to enemy attacks. Later, the fortress began to be used as a prison, in which, according to Dumas’ novel, the Count of Monte Cristo was kept. Today the fortress is open to visitors and serves exclusively for tourism purposes.

The Chateau d'If is open daily, except Mondays, from 10 am to 5 pm (in summer - until 6 pm). The entrance ticket costs 6 euros per person, and you will also have to pay about 11 euros for a seat on a pleasure boat that runs between the old port of Marseille and the Friulian Islands.

cat_collector/Castle d'If

Longchamp Palace and Borely Palace

The palaces of Marseille amaze with their pomp and pomp. Take at least two of them - Longchamp Palace and Borely Palace; their architecture cannot be ignored. Longchamp Palace, for example, is made in a magnificent Baroque style, and it was built in the 19th century. The palace is decorated with an adjacent garden, a fountain complex, sculptures, the Arc de Triomphe and much more. On the territory of the palace there is a natural history museum, and in the garden there is an observatory.

The Boreli Palace was built in the 18th century; now there are several museums on its territory, but previously the eminent Boreli family lived here. It is not only the lush Baroque palace that attracts attention, but also its landscaped gardens. Here you can see a typical French park, an English garden, and even a botanical garden with quite rare tropical plants. The park promenade will lead you straight to the sea with its magnificent landscapes. The Borely palace and park complex is perhaps the best place in all of Marseille for long walks.

Ajay Suresh/Longchamp Palace

Abbey of Saint-Victor

If you love ancient architectural monuments, then you should definitely visit the Abbey of Saint-Victor, which was built in Marseille back in the 11th century. The monastery is no longer active and is more of a historical site, but a small Catholic church remains here, which parishioners still visit to this day. By the way, the monastery got its name in honor of the martyr Victor, who was later canonized. A crypt with sarcophagi has also been preserved on the territory of the abbey, which is also open to the public.

Museums of Marseille

There are quite a lot of museums in Marseille, most of which have a clearly artistic focus. These, in particular, include the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Modern Art, as well as the private collections of Grobe-Labadie, Borel and others. Natural science museums are also popular in Marseille, for example, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations, the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Modern Archeology and many others. There are also more “exotic” museums, for example, the Museum of Faience, which has a very impressive collection. You can find this museum in the Boreli museum complex.

Ghost-in-the-Shell/Marseille Harbor

Excursions in Marseille

If you are limited in time, but want to see all the main attractions of Marseille or want to visit its immediate surroundings, then it makes sense to take an organized excursion. Such excursions can be group or individual, walking or bus (car), city or country. A full list of proposed excursion walks in Marseille in Russian can be found on the excursion booking service.

On a note:

When going on a trip to France, do not forget to take out a travel insurance policy, which is mandatory already at the stage of obtaining a tourist visa. You can take out insurance yourself without leaving your home. There are special services for this, such as

Provence is the world's first producer of lavender oil. Thanks to this, there are such delightful landscapes that will take your breath away and make you want to admire the lavender fields for as long as possible.

museums

It is believed that the first acquaintance with Marseille - a port city, fanned by a fresh Mediterranean wind, saturated with the aromas of seafood and bouillabaisse, singing in different languages - should certainly be on foot. Only by exploring the city on your own will you truly feel its immigrant spirit and understand the peculiarities of its mixture of cultures. There are several walking tours around Marseille. The most budget option is an hour and a half walk around the city with a visit to the old port, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, the cathedral and the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations. The prices for such tours are more than affordable, and there are quite enough impressions for the first time. The basilica is built on a high hill, and its observation deck is the best place to see the whole of Marseille at a glance. From here you can clearly see its entire central part, the coastline, and in good weather you can see the island of If, the castle on which is world famous thanks to Alexandre Dumas.

A more detailed sightseeing tour takes about three hours and, of course, costs more. The route covers almost all the most important monuments of the city: the ancient Abbey of San Victor, the forts of St. Nicolas, the Old Town in the Panier district with the Vieille Charité almshouse, the “living unit” by Le Corbusier. During the tour, Marseille guides will tell you many interesting facts and legends about the city. For example, you will learn how the city became a wedding gift, when “La Marseillaise” was written, where exactly scenes from the “Taxi” trilogy were filmed, which restaurants offer real bouillabaisse and what it is eaten with, where the “national French dish” couscous comes from .

An interesting option for tourists is excursions around Marseille with visits to vineyards and subsequent tasting of real French wines. Wine tours typically take five to six hours to complete. The program is very rich and exciting. You will enjoy a sightseeing tour of the port city of Cassis, located 20 km from Marseille and famous for its rocky panoramas and wines, a walk through the town of Aix-en-Provence and a trip through the vineyards in its surroundings.

As a souvenir, take with you a bottle or two of white or rose wine; your friends will definitely come to visit you and say thank you very much!

But from an excursion to the lavender fields of Provence, tourists bring all kinds of lavender souvenirs: fragrant sachets, flower honey, ceramics, essential oils and just magnets. After all, soft purple lavender is the calling card of Provence; here it is loved infinitely and protected in every possible way. The magic of lavender fields with their fantastic shades is mesmerizing; no photographs can betray the charm of this warm air filled with aromas.

To the delight of tourists, the lavender season lasts quite a long time, from late June to mid-August.

Excursions from Marseille dedicated to the mysterious count imprisoned in the dungeons of the Chateau d'If will be of interest not only to fans of Dumas' novel. In the former military bastion, turned into a prison only in the 19th century, the real Dantes, of course, did not exist. But the museum workers diligently support the legend, showing the cameras of Edmond and his friend Faria, the “countless” treasures of the abbot. Editions of the novel and its various film adaptations presented in the exhibition will also delight loyal readers. The castle also has a small restaurant, and the rooftop deck offers a beautiful panorama of Marseille.

All popular excursions are collected in one place. Below is a list of the best excursions in and around the area that will allow you to get to know the city and see all the unique sights.

We offer a variety of excursions to choose from. Bus and walking, for the whole day or for several hours, outdoor or museum excursions.

Excursion "Must-have in Marseille"

Individual walking tour. Our journey will begin at the fortress of St. John. I will introduce you to Marcel as a person: what his “daily routine” is, how to discern his magnificence, reckless nature and beauty. I will show you the most “Marseille” places - the Longchamp and Faro parks with unique panoramic views, where you can always meet locals relaxing on a picnic or sunbathing at lunchtime, be it summer or winter. We will take a coffee break in a pleasant place. And then we’ll take a walk to the Chateau d’If, where we’ll immerse ourselves in the surroundings of the 19th century and the life of the main characters in the book “The Count of Monte Cristo.” If time permits, as part of an additional program we will visit the Saint-Jean fortress and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, which has been towering over the city for the eighth century. I will tell you how the basilica competed with the Eiffel Tower itself, thereby making the people of Marseille proud!

Excursion " Filming locations for the movie "Taxi""

Individual walking tour. The adventures of taxi driver Daniel, Inspector Emilien and Commissioner Gibert were filmed on the streets of Marseille. Spectacular episodes, light-hearted humor and soundtracks that opened French rap to a wide Russian audience - all this will come to life before you on the author's excursion. "General alarm!" - our adventure begins! Many scenes of the film were filmed in the Old Port area, so the main locations can be covered on foot. The first series was released back in 1998, since then some streets have changed their appearance and acquired new buildings, but with my help you can easily correlate the images from the movies with real places. In addition to the reproduced footage and scenes, you will also find simply beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea, the port promenade and iconic landmarks. And along the way we’ll have a cup of coffee (I’ll treat you!) in one of Daniel and Emilien’s cafes.

Excursion " Shopping the Marseille style"

Individual walking tour. Real souvenirs are, of course, not magnets and postcards, but samples of things that local residents have used for centuries. Therefore, I suggest you look at a shopping excursion as one of the ways to get acquainted with the atlas of tradition and history of the city. Did you know that soap is not just one of the symbols of Marseille, but also Fernandel’s first income before he discovered his incredible acting talent? From such details you can paint a new image of Marcel and, of course, purchase quality goods at good prices. I'll tell you what Marseille is famous for, help you find high-quality souvenirs and show you trusted places where you can take advantage of my local discount to buy a memorable gift from fashionable and delicious France. And there will be a special conversation about wine traditions - you don’t even know what kind of wine you can find in Marseille - its traditions will be the envy of the best boutiques in the country!

"Sightseeing car tour of Marseille"

Private car tour of Marseille. You can get lost in Marseille, but finding your way to the Old Port is not difficult. The people are very measured, although the long shot creates dynamics. The tops of the buildings merge into one color, and from above the golden Madonna looks at everything that is happening. The French carousel and the square with a variable name lead us to the old Bourse. And the streets in the old quarter of Panier, in their size, will remind someone of the corridors in a communal apartment. The calling card of Marseille will not allow itself to be forgotten - the Ile d'If is visible even at the entrance to the city, and an indescribable energy hovers over the island. Marseille inspired Dumas, Besson, Kuprin, Puget and many other creators of art... Conquered theater and film stars... Broke the hearts of kings and religious rulers... Maniced with his greatness and... opened a second wind to sophisticated travelers. During our excursion you will discover the main attractions of the city and hear a pleasant and interesting story, linking the entire route together: - Notre-Dame de la Garde - Saint-Victor Abbey - Cathedral de la Major - Longchamp Palace - Old Port - Faro Palace - Forts Saint-Jean and Saint-Nicolas

Excursion "Aix-en-Provence"

Individual in Aix-en-Provence.

The former capital of Provence, wealthy and bourgeois Aix-en-Provence enchants at first sight. Elegant mansions from the era of Louis XIV, narrow cobbled streets, picturesque squares where the famous Provençal markets take place in the morning, dozens of fountains of all shapes and sizes - all this gives the unique charm of Aix-en-Provence. The pearl of the city is considered to be the Cathedral of Saint Savior, which attracts an interesting combination of different architectural styles and housing one of the most remarkable works of Provençal painting of the 15th century. - Froment's triptych "The Burning Bush". Another architectural monument is the Gothic Church of St. John of Malta (Saint-Jean de Malt), located in the Mazarin quarter. Near the church there is one of the best art museums in Provence - the Granet Museum, which exhibits works by Rembrandt, Ingres, Picasso and, of course, Cezanne. After all, it was here that this outstanding painter was born, raised and spent almost his entire life. Aix-en-Provence can rightfully be called one of the most beautiful cities in the region, a walk through which will leave you with pleasant memories for a long time.

Excursion " Lavender fields + Verdon Gorge"

Individual car tour of Provence with a visit to the Verdon Gorge.

The endless beauty of lavender fields envelops Provence in a purple blanket during a very short period - from the end of June to August. Magnificent landscapes of blooming lavender combined with golden sunflower and wheat fields and a cloudless, blue sky create an indescribable picture, the memories of which will remain with you for many years. We will also be able to visit the Verdon Gorge, as it is also called - the French Grand Canyon, as well as Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a town famous for its faience. Well, we will come across boutiques with lavender products, apiaries and much more on our way more than once! The route to the fields and to the Verdon Gorge only seems difficult, but it is not. Comfortable shoes are desirable, but walking in nice sandals will not cause problems. For successful and original photos in the lavender fields, you can take with you any accessory that will harmoniously complement your image. It could be a hat, an umbrella, a plush toy - whatever your imagination tells you. You need to be careful in the fields, you can find a lot of bees.

"Excursion to the Calanques National Park from Marses. French fiords"

They are located between Marseille and Cassis, a small resort town. Calanques are fjords, that is, deep and narrow bays with rocky shores, only Mediterranean.

Sea, sun and mountains are all you need for a great holiday, so an incredible hike into the heart of the Calanques National Park will be especially interesting for you. We will walk through three of the most beautiful calanques - Port Miu, Port Pin and the charming An Vau. The length of our route is 12 km and the walk will last almost the whole day. PROGRAM - Departure from Marseille to Cassis; - A visit to the Calanques National Park will begin with the Port Miou calanque where we will get acquainted with the incredible Mediterranean nature; - We will reach the fabulous Pont Pin bay; - Next we will move on to the An Vau calanque, where we will swim in its turquoise waters (by if desired, of course); - The way back to the parking lot and return to Marseille. The program can be changed taking into account your wishes. ORGANIZATIONAL DETAILS - A hat, sports shoes and sunscreen are required! - Drinking water at the rate of 1.5 liters per person, If desired, you can have a small picnic

Excursion " Sainte-Baume, Grotto of Mary Magdalene"

This trip will be a real discovery for you. Many pilgrims from all over the world flock to this place of extraordinary power. We will visit the sacred grotto, which is more than two thousand years old, and touch the ancient biblical history.

PROGRAM - We will get to Sainte-Baume by car (1 hour one way). From Marseille, I will pick you up at a pre-agreed place. Our path will continue along the Provençal mountain range, we will overcome a small serpentine road; - The grotto is located in a steep cliff, now there is a Benedictine monastery there. The road to the grotto is exclusively pedestrian; the path goes through a dense forest. I will tell you why this place is of exceptional importance to believers and what relation it has to the Bible; - In the grotto there will be an opportunity to light a candle and pray (optional). After the grotto we will continue our route and climb to the plateau (altitude 1200 m above sea level). To say that the view is breathtaking is to say nothing! It's time to drink tea from Provencal mountain herbs, it is always with me); - We will go down to our car and return to Marseille. ORGANIZATIONAL DETAILS - Bring a hat, sports shoes and sunscreen with you! - We also recommend taking drinking water at the rate of 1 liter per person, if desired, you can have a small picnic on the top of the plateau; - Transfer from your hotel to Saint-Baum and back is included in the price of the excursion; - Be prepared for two hours of active walking.

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Tour of Marseille. Excursion "Must-have in Marseille"