Things to Do in Marseille

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 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.

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

 
⛲ 6. A Grand Finale at Palais Longchamp

Hop on a quick tram ride (or enjoy a 15-min walk) to Palais Longchamp, a majestic 19th-century palace with fountains, gardens, and stunning views. Optional visit to the Museum of Fine Arts, located right in the palace.

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!

Enjoy a guided tour of the center of Marseille by my side. During this walking tour (2 hours), you will discover both the main sites of interest (Vieux-Port, maison diamantée, les Docks, etc.) but also all the little stories and legends that make my city the most beautiful in France!

Profitez d'une visite guidée du centre de Marseille à mes côtés. Au cours de cette visite à pied (2h), vous découvrirez à la fois les principaux sites d'intérêt (Vieux-Port, maison diamantée, les Docks, etc.) mais aussi toutes les petites histoires et légendes qui font de ma ville la plus belle de France !

We will meet in the place where everything began some twenty-six centuries ago, Le Jardin Des Vestiges , where we will go through a historical adventure together, from the founding of Massalia by the community of Phocian Greeks, until we reach the present day.
We will walk towards L a Vieille Mairie (Town Hall and Hotel de Ville ), a place of government, sometimes of nocturnal debauchery, betrayals and contrasts ( l'Hoteldieu , hospital that housed the largest number of cholera patients in the 18th century is located behind ).
Later we will ascend to Le Panier, one of the first neighborhoods of the city, there we will discover the charm that tells us about its history and evolution, we will see the most emblematic buildings, such as the church of the Acolytes and the climb that bears the same name, the observatory that crowns the house of Sainte Croix, La Vieille Charite, a former hospice that today functions as a museum.
While we enjoy a walk full of urban art and curiosities, we will head towards the Cathedral of Santa María la Mayor, its characteristics of a Byzantine basilica contain mosaics and proto-Christian art from the 4th and 5th centuries (Don't forget to look at the floor! ) What you will not be able to miss is the ORANGE BEAR that stands in the way of our final journey since our tour ends after passing through Le Mucem and the Saint Jean fort, until we reach the Church of Saint Laurent .
Let's have an unforgettable moment together getting to know Marseille.