Things to Do in Marseille

Join us to explore this wonderful city of 2,600 years on a two-hour walking tour, where we will embark on an exciting journey. We will begin our adventure at the marvelous Old Port, a natural harbor and the birthplace of the city, where it all began.

Then, we will head to the new Hôtel Dieu, which opened its doors for the "Marseille Provence 2013" event, during which Marseille was the European Capital of Culture. From there, we will venture into the Le Panier District, a beautiful old town with a long history dating back to the founding of Marseille by the Greeks in the 6th century BC. Over the centuries, this neighborhood has been home to a mix of communities, including Romans, Armenians, Neapolitans, and Africans, among others, reflecting the cultural diversity that permeates its architecture and atmosphere.

We will continue our tour by visiting the impressive Marseille Cathedral, one of the architectural symbols of the city. We will conclude our experience at the entrance of the Mucem: a new icon of Marseille. The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations is one of the most visited places in the city thanks to its modern architecture that blends with the Renaissance-era Saint-Jean Fortress. Here, you can enjoy an unforgettable panoramic view of the city and capture memorable photos of the coastline.

This journey will allow us to travel through time and understand the changes that have taken place in this ancient city.

Welcome to this tour of the oldest town of France.

We'll start at the Old port, where the Greeks landed 600 BC !  from there we'll step back 2600 years ago at Le Jardin Des Vestiges, to see how Massalia was born.

Then we'll get in the oldest neighborhood of France « Le Panier »  retracing the history and anecdotes of its monuments, Hotel de Cabre, Hotel Dieu, Pavillon Daviel, Church of the Accoules.

Strolling through the charming old streets, you'll learn the area evolution, known for its spicy and colorful past, from the rue du Panier down to the renaissance beauty of La Vieille Charité.

Heading toward  the New port we'll discover: Cathedrale of la major, Mucem, Villa mediterranée...
A lively area, attracting for its view, contrast of architectures and a great cultural offerings.
 
Finally at the Old Port's entrance, you'll take in stunning views of Notre Dame, two historic fortress St Jean and St Nicolas, Eglise St Laurent and Abbaye St victor.

My goal is to provide you with a rich, enjoyable, and deep understanding of my city.  Sharing its history, stories, customs, and legends that make Marseille so special. I'll gladly answers your questions and give my best recommendations.

Let's explore Marseille together !

Join me, Florent, a passionate and experienced guide, for an unforgettable walking tour of Le Panier, Marseille’s oldest and most vibrant district! With my in-depth knowledge of the city, years of experience in tourism, and multilingual skills, I will bring Marseille’s history and culture to life. 

This tour will take you through the charming streets of Le Panier, where you'll discover: 

• The Vieille Charité, a stunning 17th-century architectural masterpiece.
• Colorful street art, showcasing the artistic soul of Marseille.
• Historic squares and narrow alleyways, filled with local stories and traditions.
• The Cathedral of La Major, one of the city's most iconic landmarks.
• Local artisan shops and cafés, where you can experience Marseille’s authentic atmosphere.
• Panoramic views from the St John Fort ( Closed in tuesday)

Whether you're a history lover, a culture enthusiast, or simply looking for an engaging experience, this tour is for you! Let me show you the real Marseille, its hidden gems, and its fascinating past in a way that only a true local can.
 

Discover Marseille off the beaten path, through an immersive journey of flavors, stories, and local culture, blending the elegance of the Belle Époque with the vibrant soul of the modern Mediterranean.

🥐 1. A Sweet Start at the Opéra

We begin in the elegant Opéra district, with its classic architecture and grand cafés. Your first treat: a fine pastry at the beloved Boulangerie Aixoise, a local favorite that embodies French savoir-faire.

Optional stop at La Vanille Noire, an award-winning artisanal ice cream shop, famous for its bold and surprising flavors (yes, there is a black vanilla flavor!).


🌿 2. Tisanes & Time Travel

Next, step into France's oldest herbalist shop, still in operation. This charming boutique is a treasure trove of Provençal herbs, infusions, and natural remedies. A true hidden gem!


🌍 3. Global Flavors in Noailles

Welcome to Noailles, Marseille’s own “souk.” This buzzing, colorful neighborhood is a melting pot of African, North African, Asian and Caribbean cultures. Sample spices, street food, exotic ingredients — all while soaking up the multicultural vibe.

We’ll stop for a quick bite: something delicious, hot and ready to eat on the go — just like locals do.


☕ 4. A Coffee Break with History

Time to slow down at Café de Noailles, a true local institution. This vintage café-bar still echoes the spirit of old Marseille, back when the Canebière was full of life and cafés.


🎨 5. Art, Cheese & Street Culture in Cours Julien

From there, we move to the alternative artsy neighborhood of Cours Julien, known for its vibrant street art, indie spirit and cool vibes. Here, you can explore:
 

• A local cheese shop, packed with regional treasures
• Optional stops for a sweet break or a wine tasting
• A visit to a traditional soap maker, where you’ll see how the famous Savon de Marseille is made — and shop straight from the workshop

 


 Budget around €20 per person for the various tastings and small foodie stops along the way. 

 

Marseille is the oldest city in France , for people Marseille is a chaos and at the same time a nice, colorful and cheerful city.

 Also known as the "Naples" of France , this city retains an important historical heritage.

 Once satisfied with the local delicacies,
 we will take a ride on the Canebière, the most important artery of the historic center of Marseille and to visit the;

• Old Port or with its monuments
•  we will also go to the Church of Saint-Laurent
• The Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore
• the MuCEM
• The Le Panier district with its streets
• La Vieille Charité

 2 hours to see the most beautiful of Marseille

Welcome to Marseille! I'll be waiting for you at the entrance on Avenue Canebière, Old Port.

On that same avenue, we'll stop by the Chamber of Commerce and also the tourist office in case you have any questions during your stay in Marseille.

We'll continue until we reach the Jardin des Vestiges, where the old port used to end. After that, we'll pass Avenue de la République, the second most important avenue in Marseille.

We'll continue on to see the town hall and its square, which will remind us of anecdotal moments from that era: the Hotel de Ville and the Hotel Dieu, which is now a major hotel, known as the Intercontinental Hotel.

We will arrive at the most beautiful entrance to the Le Panier neighborhood, Monte des Accoules, and immerse ourselves in this beautiful neighborhood until we reach La Major Cathedral.
In it we will find a square where the views will show us the Palace du Pharo, the MUCEM, Fort St Jean and the Cosquer Museum.

Finally, we'll stroll to the viewpoint of Saint Laurent Church, offering spectacular views of the Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica, the Abbey of Saint Victor, and the spectacular Old Port.

It will be a pleasure to welcome you. I look forward to seeing you!

HELLO

Welcome to Marseille!

I'm Nicolas, a physical education and health teacher. Together we'll discover the magic of this beautiful city, 2,600 years of history summarized in an interactive and fun walk.

Don't hesitate to ask me anything you want to know, I'll be happy to help!

We'll begin by meeting at the Vieux Port, where the mirrored promenade better known as Norman Foster's L'Ombrière is located. Then, we'll begin our journey towards the Hotel de Ville. There, we'll make our first stop, which includes a few surprises.

We'll then continue toward Fort Saint-Jean, the Museum of Modern Art (MUCEM), the Church of Saint-Laurent, and the Cathedrale La Major, ending in the Le Panier neighborhood with its beautiful streets full of color, history, and restaurants.

The must-sees of Marseille on a guided tour by a tourism enthusiast, teaching and enjoying these experiences alongside travelers from around the world.

I'll wait for you, look for the orange umbrella at the old port!

My Instagram @ nico.freetourmarseille

THIS TOUR IS OPERATED WITH A MINIMUM OF 5 PASSENGERS, PRIOR CONFIRMATION 12 HOURS BEFORE THE TOUR STARTS

Hello! Welcome to the city of Marseille. I will be delighted to meet you and meet you in this meeting that we will have when visiting the hidden charms of the city of Marseille.
We will make a tour of approximately 2 hours, which will begin in the Old Port, and then delve into the history and its secrets that hide the streets and monuments of this great city.
We will walk back in time to reach Port Antique where the Greeks founded Massalia. Following our tour, we will visit the old Town Hall (Hotel de Ville Municipality), and the few remaining Roman remains in this war-hit city.
We will enter the oldest neighborhood in France and the birthplace of the city, Le Panier , where the first migrants settled to start a new life.
Here, we will discover La Vieille Charité , a former hospice and incredible monument, which currently functions as a museum, laboratory and school of social sciences.
Afterwards, we will return to the edge of the Mediterranean Sea to let ourselves be impressed by the Major Cathedral , and discover the only National Museum outside of Paris, Le Mucem, connected by bridges with the old neighborhood and the Fort de Saint Jean, which belonged to the Templars of the order of Jerusalem and Malta.
Returning to the heart of Marseille, we will pass through Le Vieux Port , where people from all over the world meet in this amazing metropolis.

Then I invite you to register and if you have already been part of the adventure, do not forget to leave me your comment to improve my tour. I look forward to seeing you!