Marseille

The port, the hill and the neighbourhoods

Marseille is the oldest city in France, founded by the Greeks around 600 BC, and it still feels like a working port rather than a showcase. The Vieux-Port is its heart, with fishermen selling the morning catch on the quay. Above it stands the basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, with views across the whole bay. Le Panier, the oldest quarter, with its colourful lanes and street art, is made for wandering without a plan. The MuCEM, beside the harbour, has bold architecture and a footbridge to the old Fort Saint-Jean.

The Calanques and the table

A short distance from the city begins the Calanques National Park, with narrow limestone inlets and clear water. In summer some of them require advance booking, and trails close when fire risk is high, so check conditions before setting off on foot. Boats also leave the Vieux-Port for the Château d'If, the prison from "The Count of Monte Cristo". At the table, try bouillabaisse, the saffron fish soup, and navettes, boat-shaped biscuits.

Getting there and when

Marseille Provence airport is about 25 km from the centre, with a shuttle bus to Saint-Charles station. The TGV from Paris takes around three hours, and connections to Nice and Provence are good. Watch for the mistral, the strong cold wind that often blows in spring and winter. The best months are May–June and September–October. From Albania we check current flights, often with a change, and put flights and hotel together for you.