Marseille, Provence, France
Marseille is the second largest city in France by population, and also the oldest, founded by Greek settlers around 600 BC. A walk through the city reveals a fascinating mix of history and modern life. The Old Port (Vieux-Port) is one of the main highlights, with its busy marina and lively waterfront atmosphere. The Old Town offers a maze of narrow streets and a glimpse into Marseille’s multicultural heritage. Noteworthy museums include the MuCEM — the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations — the Musée du Vieux Marseille, and the Marseille History Museum. Nearby attractions include the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de la Garde, the stunning Calanques with their rocky bays and turquoise waters, and the Frioul Islands — made famous by Alexandre Dumas in 'The Count of Monte Cristo'.
Marseille attracts a large number of tourists each year, which makes finding a convenient parking spot challenging during peak times. It’s a good idea to check real-time availability online, especially in summer or on weekends. Some parking garages also offer hourly or daily rates, which can vary significantly. If you plan to stay longer, look for those with maximum daily caps. Using public transportation or park-and-ride options can also be a smart move, especially if you’re heading to the busy Old Town or port area.
Parking in Marseille near the port
To park close to the Old Port and the historical center, consider using the Indigo Marseille Vieux Port Mucem parking lot (1; GPS: 43.2984775, 5.3628173), the Indigo Marseille Les Terrasses du Port lot (2; GPS: 43.3058582, 5.3653764), or the Centre Bourse parking garage (3; GPS: 43.2969483, 5.3742914). These are just a few examples — many more are available. To explore all options and their exact locations, use tools like Parkopedia or Google Maps. Keep in mind that most French parking garages are optimized for small vehicles. Parking spaces tend to be tight, so drivers of large SUVs should take extra care when maneuvering.
The port surroundings
We begin our walk at the Old Port (French: Vieux Port) (A; GPS: 43.2951662, 5.3740323), a lively marina that remains busy throughout the year. Surrounded by hotels, cafés and restaurants, it radiates Mediterranean charm and creates a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. From here, boats depart to the Calanques and the Frioul Islands — destinations popular with tourists and locals alike. Morning visitors will find fishmongers offering fresh seafood straight from the boats. And if you’re staying for dinner, don’t miss the iconic Bouillabaisse — though it's wise to check restaurant reviews first, as some may try to pass off canned soup instead of the real thing.
From the center of the port we follow Quai du Port street, where on the right side we pass the elegant Hôtel de Ville — the city hall (B; GPS: 43.2962197, 5.3699046). This historic building, constructed in the mid-18th century, once served as a courthouse. Its underground level even housed a prison, adding to its rich and complex past.
MuCEM, Tour du fanal and Cosquer cave
Continuing our route, we arrive at the MuCEM — the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations (C; GPS: 43.2948631, 5.3629876). From here, we turn left and stroll along the scenic Louis Brauquier promenade. On the right, we pass the historic Fort Saint-Jean (D; GPS: 43.2953496, 5.3615910), which offers panoramic views of the entire port. Access to this landmark is free, making it a popular spot for visitors seeking both history and stunning vistas.
Just ahead stands the 30-meter high Tour du fanal (E; GPS: 43.2956873, 5.3610668) — a watchtower built in 1644 at the tip of the Saint-Jean promontory. Originally used as a lighthouse and observation point, it now serves as an intriguing historical reminder of Marseille’s maritime legacy.
Along this route, visitors encounter not only architectural treasures but also the refreshing sea breeze and expansive views of the Mediterranean. The area is a photographer’s dream, especially during golden hour when the light transforms the port into a picturesque canvas. History enthusiasts will enjoy learning about Marseille’s evolving coastal defenses, while casual walkers can simply enjoy the relaxed pace. The combination of cultural landmarks and seaside ambiance makes this walk one of the highlights of the city. And for those with extra time, the nearby Cosquer Cave exhibition adds a fascinating prehistoric dimension to the visit.
On the left side stands the modern MuCEM building, and right next to it — the Grotte Cosquer Méditerranée. This attraction is a faithful reconstruction of the original Cosquer Cave, which contains Paleolithic wall paintings and is located on the coast near Marseille, in the Calanque de Morgiou area.
Cathédrale La Major
We leave the port and follow Avenue Vaudoyer toward the Cathédrale La Major (F; GPS: 43.2997737, 5.3646643). This site was once home to the so-called Old Cathedral, dating back to the 12th century. In the mid-19th century, construction of a new church began, and it was completed in 1896. Architecturally, the cathedral features three naves and was built in a Neo-Romanesque and Neo-Byzantine style, with five domes. The structure as a whole is truly impressive and dominates the surrounding area.
The Old Town in Marseille
Some visitors might find Marseille’s Old Town disappointing. For us, it was quite a shock. The building facades are covered in countless pieces of graffiti, which in our opinion is unnecessary and damaging. These walls should be preserved in their original condition. If someone feels the need to paint, they should get an easel and some paints — as people used to do in more cultured times — rather than defacing public walls with spray paint.
We begin our exploration of the Old Town at Place Père Pierre Saisse (G; GPS: 43.2999994, 5.3679918), where the cultural complex La Vieille Charité is located. Housed in a former shelter with a dome, it now contains museums of archaeology and art. We then walk along Rue du Petit Puits, which later becomes Rue Lorette (H; GPS: 43.3000070, 5.3693968). We turn right onto Rue Puits Saint-Antoine and reach Rue des Moulins.
The Old Town is full of narrow, winding streets with a mix of charm and chaos. It’s a district that evokes strong reactions — some admire its authenticity, while others are put off by the level of neglect. Despite the graffiti, the area holds historical value and is home to hidden gems like artisan shops and cozy cafés. It’s also a place where locals live and socialize, giving it a raw, lived-in feel that differs from more polished tourist spots. Exploring it slowly allows you to discover unexpected corners and architectural details from centuries past.
We head toward the La Maison du Petit Canard hotel (I; GPS: 43.2997503, 5.3667770), located on Impasse Sainte-Françoise. The surroundings of the hotel are quite charming — real paintings are displayed on the walls, creating a small open-air gallery. This place brings to mind Pijarska Street in Krakow, near the Floriańska Gate, where artists also hang and sell their artworks.
Palais Longchamp
The easiest way to move around Marseille is by metro. From the Old Port area, you can conveniently reach your next destination, the Palais Longchamp (J; GPS: 43.3042955, 5.3945251), by getting off at the Cinq Avenues Longchamp metro station. Alternatively, if you're driving, you can park at the Marseille Saint-Charles train station parking lot (4; GPS: 43.3030407, 5.3842041).
Palais Longchamp was inaugurated in 1869 and features a beautiful park, majestic buildings, and an iconic fountain. It's worth taking your time here — enter the palace wings, which house the Museum of Fine Arts and the Natural History Museum, stroll the shaded paths, and admire the elaborate details of the central fountain.
The entire Longchamp complex was originally built to celebrate the arrival of water to the city through the Canal de Marseille. The architectural ensemble is one of the city's finest examples of 19th-century grandeur and remains a peaceful spot for both locals and tourists. Families come here to picnic, children play near the fountain, and art lovers explore the galleries housed in the palace wings. The area also offers panoramic views of the city from certain vantage points, especially at sunset.
Boulevard Longchamp
Leaving behind the impressive Palais Longchamp, we walk along the elegant Boulevard Longchamp (K; GPS: 43.3018320, 5.3893324). This wide avenue, lined with charming tenement buildings, is one of the most pleasant streets in Marseille. Trams run regularly here, making it an important transport route. The peaceful character of the boulevard encourages a relaxed stroll — perfect for admiring 19th-century architecture.
Plac Stalingrad
The Stalingrad Square (L; GPS: 43.2994955, 5.3849440) is in fact a short stretch of street, named in memory of the Battle of Stalingrad fought in 1942–1943. Previously known as "Place des Danaïdes", the name was changed on February 4, 1946, just days after the third anniversary of the Soviet victory. One of the central features is the Fontaine des Danaïdes, a decorative fountain from 1907. On Saturdays, the square comes alive with colorful flower markets. It’s a delightful place to take a short break, enjoy a cold drink or sip a coffee at one of the nearby cafés.
The atmosphere around the square blends everyday local life with a touch of historical reverence. The square’s modest size contrasts with its rich symbolism, and thanks to its well-kept greenery and historical charm, it remains a favorite stop for both locals and tourists. Artists often stop here to sketch, and street musicians sometimes perform under the shade of the trees, adding to the place’s relaxed and slightly bohemian feel.
Towards Saint-Charles Train Station
From Stalingrad Square, we continue along the relatively narrow Grande Armée Street (M; GPS: 43.3004467, 5.3840481). After a few hundred meters, we reach Boulevard De La Liberté (N; GPS: 43.3009161, 5.3823276), then turn right onto Rue Lafayette (O; GPS: 43.3012556, 5.3816601). This path leads us directly to the iconic staircase ascending to the Saint-Charles Train Station.
Escalier Gare Saint-Charles
The grand staircase, known as Escalier Gare Saint-Charles (Q; GPS: 43.3016705, 5.3805361), makes a strong impression with its monumental scale. Opened on April 24, 1927, it finally provided direct access to the train station, which had previously stood elevated and isolated since its opening in 1848. The stairs are divided into several levels and feature decorative sculptures symbolizing various allegories. It’s one of the most photogenic spots in the city, offering great views and a sense of historical grandeur.
Calanques
The Calanques National Park stretches along the Mediterranean coast between Marseille and Cassis, known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, secluded beaches, and turquoise coves. Often called the “Mediterranean Fjords,” the name “Calanque” itself refers to a narrow, steep-walled inlet formed by erosion.
The park offers hiking routes with stunning viewpoints, as well as boat excursions along the rugged shoreline. If you plan to hike, come well-prepared — bring plenty of water, food, and sun protection. Summer heat can be intense, and the terrain is physically demanding. Exploring the Calanques by boat is an easier option and equally spectacular. No matter how you choose to discover them, these natural wonders offer an unforgettable experience and some of the most beautiful scenery on the French coast.
The park is also a sanctuary for biodiversity — home to unique species of plants and animals that thrive in this limestone environment. Because of this ecological value, some areas are seasonally closed to protect flora and fauna. Visitors are encouraged to check current access rules before heading out and to respect the delicate natural balance by following the Leave No Trace principles.
See also: