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Marseille : Travel Guide

Marseille: Let yourself be enchanted by the Mediterranean essence

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General information

Marseille, France's second largest city, is an enchanting destination that combines fascinating history, rich culture and a vibrant Mediterranean atmosphere. Located on France's southern coast, this port city offers a unique blend of Provencal traditions, multicultural influences and breathtaking scenery.

POPULATION

Marseille's population is dynamic and diverse. With over 850,000 inhabitants, Marseille is a veritable cultural mosaic, attracting people of many different origins and nationalities. Marseillais are renowned for their conviviality, their passion for soccer and their love of good food.

CLIMATE

Marseille enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate all year round. Summers are hot and sunny, with temperatures often reaching 30 degrees Celsius, while winters are mild and temperate. Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures and sunny days, making them ideal seasons to visit the city.

CURRENCY

The official currency is the Euro (EUR).

LANGUAGE

The official language is French.

A bit of history

Marseille has a rich history dating back more than 2,600 years. Founded by the Greeks in the 6th century BC, the city was an important Mediterranean trading port. Over the centuries, Marseille has been influenced by Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and French, giving it an eclectic culture.

Today, many vestiges of its past can still be seen, including the Old Port, Fort Saint-Nicolas and Saint-Victor Abbey.

the old port

What to visit in Marseille

Discover Marseille's treasures by exploring its iconic sites, soaking up its vibrant culture and losing yourself in its picturesque alleyways. Here are just a few of the must-do activities not to be missed during your stay in this enchanting city:

The old Port

Our Lady of the Guard

History Museum

The Panier district

When to visit Marseille

The best time to visit Marseille is in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, temperatures are pleasant, there are fewer crowds of tourists and accommodation prices are more affordable. What's more, you can take advantage of the festivals and cultural events that bring the city to life.

In summer, although the days are sunny, temperatures can be very high, making some activities less enjoyable. Winter, although mild, can be rainy.

Things to do around Marseille

Explore the area around Marseille to discover magnificent natural landscapes, picturesque villages and historic sites. Here are just a few of the attractions not to be missed around the city:

Creeks of Cassis

Frioul Islands

Aix en Provence

Our selection of accommodation in Marseille

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Our selection of Restaurants in Marseille

Discover Marseille's lively culinary scene at some of the city's best restaurants. Here is our selection of renowned restaurants where you can enjoy delicious dishes:

Little Nice

At Michel's

Events not to be missed in Marseilles

Throughout the year, Marseille celebrates its culture and dynamism with a variety of events and festivals. Here are just a few of the city's not-to-be-missed events:

marseille festival

Marseille Festival

Every summer, the Festival de Marseille transforms the city into a place of artistic and cultural expression. For several weeks, contemporary dance, theater, music and visual arts performances are presented in different venues around the city, offering an immersive artistic experience.

Marseille Sea Festival

Sea Festival

In June, Marseille celebrates the Fête de la Mer to honor its maritime tradition and its close ties to the sea. This colorful festival includes parades of traditional boats, nautical competitions, fireworks and lively festivities on the quays of the Vieux-Port. It's an ideal opportunity to discover the city's maritime soul.

Transportation in Marseille

Subway

Marseille's metro is a convenient way to get around the city quickly. It serves the main tourist areas and is easy to use, with a simple ticketing system.

Streetcar

The Marseille tramway is a modern and practical way to get around. The streetcars are air-conditioned and offer easy access to central districts and residential areas.

Bus

Marseille's bus network is well-developed, offering extensive coverage of the city. Buses are comfortable and reliable, with a variety of routes to help you get to the sights.

The bike

Marseille offers a self-service bicycle rental system called "Le vélo", with numerous stations dotted around the city. It's an ideal option for exploring Marseille at your own pace, while taking advantage of the many cycle paths available.

ferry

Ferries are an excellent way to discover the surrounding islands and enjoy panoramic views of the coast. They also offer convenient links to other coastal towns in the region.

The cost of living in Marseille

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Average salary in Marseille
Average cost of living 60%

Discover the cost of living in Marseille and plan your budget accordingly. Here's some information on common expenses in the city:

Accommodation

Accommodation prices in Marseille can vary according to location, size and facilities. In general, there is a range of options from luxury hotels to hostels and apartment rentals.

Hotel rates vary according to the tourist season, so book in advance to get the best rates.

Food

Marseille offers a wide variety of delicious cuisine at different price points. You'll find high-end restaurants offering gourmet cuisine, traditional brasseries serving regional dishes, as well as more affordable options such as bakeries, local markets and street food stalls.

Transportation

Public transport fares in Marseille are reasonable. You can buy individual tickets or opt for day or weekly passes, which offer discounts on unlimited journeys. Ferry fares vary according to destination and length of journey.

Activities

Marseille offers a variety of leisure activities, such as museum visits, boat trips, cultural shows and sporting events. Entertainment prices can vary, but in general there are options to suit different budgets, from free activities to more luxurious experiences.

Must-do Activities in Marseille

Practical information

When visiting Marseille, it's advisable to take certain safety precautions, such as avoiding leaving valuables unattended and walking in dimly lit areas at night.

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR Marseille

Travel insurance is especially important when planning a trip to Paris or any other destination in France.

Although the city is relatively safe for tourists, it is still possible to encounter unexpected situations such as health issues, lost or stolen luggage, or transportation delays.

In such cases, travel insurance can help you resolve the issues quickly and efficiently, without having to bear high costs or additional complications. 

CASH MANAGEMENT

During your trip to France, it's important to consider banking fees to manage your financial transactions efficiently. The easiest and recommended way is to open the following bank account: Revolution Metal.

Here are the advantages of having a Revolut Metal account for your trips

  1. Currency conversion free of charge Revolut enables instant and transparent currency conversions without hidden fees. You can load your Revolut account with your local currency and convert money to Colombian pesos (COP) at the real exchange rate, thus avoiding the costly commissions charged by traditional currency exchange offices.

  2. Use without borders With Revolut, your account is usable worldwide. You can make online and in-store payments, withdraw cash from ATMs, and even use your Revolut card to pay for public transportation and taxis in Colombia. This saves you from carrying large amounts of cash and facilitates your daily transactions.

  3. Security and Control Revolut offers advanced security options to protect your account. You can easily enable and disable your card in real-time through the app if needed. Additionally, the Revolut app allows you to track your expenses in real-time, set spending limits, and receive instant notifications for each transaction, giving you full control over your finances.

  4. Budget and savings Revolut offers budgeting features that help you track your expenses during your trip. You can create budgets for different spending categories such as accommodation, food, and tourist activities. Additionally, you can round up your purchases to save money automatically in a separate savings account.

  5. 24/7 Support In case of any issues, Revolut's support team is available 24/7 to assist you. You can contact them through the app or the website for any questions or concerns related to your account or transactions.

In such cases, travel insurance can help you resolve the issues quickly and efficiently, without having to bear high costs or additional complications. 

Frequently asked questions

Marseille boasts many popular tourist attractions, including the Old Port, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, the Panier district, the Calanques and the MuCEM.

The best time to visit Marseille is generally in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), when temperatures are pleasant and crowds smaller.

Marseille's public transport network includes metro, tramway, bus and ferry services. You can also explore the city on foot.

During your visit to Marseille, be sure to sample traditional dishes such as bouillabaisse, pieds et paquets, tapenade and navette, a sweet speciality.

Marseille is home to several interesting museums, including MuCEM, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilization, the Marseille History Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Yes, Marseille has some beautiful beaches. Among the most popular are the Prado, Pointe Rouge and Catalan beaches, where you can enjoy the sun and sea.

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