Tours in Marseille and Provence
Introduction
Marseille, the capital of Provence, is the second-largest city in France. The Port of Marseille is a central hub, visited by numerous cruise ships, particularly those sailing the classic Western Mediterranean route from Rome or Barcelona. This fact has made the city one of the largest port cities in Europe.
Marseille is an immigrant city, with its one million residents including immigrants from North Africa, Turkey, Armenia, Italy, and beyond. In the past, this "immigrant city" image also lent it a reputation as a struggling, crime-ridden city. In recent years, the French government has invested massive budgets into the city to renovate the Old Port area, preserve ancient buildings, and construct new museums alongside additional cultural sites. On a day trip I recently took to the city, exploring the harbor area and neighboring districts, I was pleasantly surprised to discover an intriguing city that is delightful to explore.
The broad pedestrian promenade facing the port on La Canebière street:
Many tourists arrive in the city on a cruise ship for a full day, during which they can tour independently or join a guided excursion in this fascinating city or into Provence beyond the city limits.
Those staying in the city for several days will find a variety of interesting destinations for day trips in the region.
Recommended Hotels in Marseille
♦ Sofitel Marseille Vieux-Port
A 5-star hotel featuring spacious rooms and suites. The rate includes access to a spa, fitness center, hammam, and sauna. It offers a gourmet restaurant and terraces with magnificent views of the Old Town and Old Port. Indoor private parking is available on site. Free Wi-Fi.
♦ Novotel Suites Marseille Centre Euromed
A 4-star all-suite hotel located a 20-minute walk from the Old Port. Features a bar, fitness room, and free Wi-Fi. No hotel parking available.
♦ Villa Valflor chambres d'hôtes et appartements
A B&B offering a variety of accommodation units, breakfast, parking, and free Wi-Fi. Situated in the southern part of the city, about 100 meters from the beach.
Recommended Guided Tours in Marseille and its Surroundings
Recommended Shore Excursions for Cruise Passengers from Viator:
(Port pickup and drop-off included)
♦ Private Guided Tour in Provence to the Following Destinations - Private Day Trip to Arles Les Baux de Provence and Saint Remy de Provence
Tour duration is approximately 8 hours, including pickup and return to the cruise port.
♦ Small Group Guided Tour of Marseille -
Marseille Shore Excursion: City Sightseeing Small Group Tour of Marseille
The tour lasts 4 hours and includes pickup and drop-off at the cruise port.
Guided Bike Tour for Visitors:
♦ Guided E-Bike Tour in Marseille - Marseille Grand E-Bike Tour : "le tour du Fada"
Departure point at the Old Port of Marseille. The bike ride takes about 3 hours.
Or a Variety of Guided Tours in and around Marseille from GetYourGuide.com:
♦ Tour from Marseille Port: A 2.5-hour guided walking tour led by Sarit Sadoc in the 2,600-year-old ancient port city of Marseille! History, stories, encounters, street art, and breathtaking viewpoints: from the Old Port to Le Panier district, Cathédrale La Major, and Fort Saint-Jean. Marseille as you never knew or imagined. Not to be missed. Group discounts available. Phone/WhatsApp: 33695690781
The Port Area and the Old Town in Marseille
If you choose to explore the city, dedicate your time to the Old Port area, which forms the beating heart of the local tourist scene.
A large mirrored canopy at the Old Port of Marseille:
A fish market is also situated in the Old Port:
A massive marina filled with yachts:
In this area you will find restaurants, cafés, hotels, shops, and more. Throughout the city you can also discover additional markets selling fruits, vegetables, secondhand goods, and much more.
Near the port, you can also stroll through the city's ancient quarters, where you will find an assortment of beautiful murals:
And narrow alleyways adorned with numerous murals:
The Old Town features charming boutiques, many of which sell fragrant soaps:
The city is equally fascinating for history and art enthusiasts. Marseille is home to around twenty diverse museums covering history, archaeology, and the arts.
For example, in the heart of the Old Town stands an impressive 17th-century building called Vieille Charité Marseille, which originally served as a shelter for the city's poor and has now become a multicultural center housing the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology and the Museum of African, Oceanian and American Indian Art.
Near the Old Port is also the grand cathedral Cathédrale La Major, which is well worth a visit:
It is recommended to head up to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde atop the hill, which commands magnificent views of the city and the harbor.
The basilica's architectural style is Neo-Byzantine/Romanesque, situated atop Garde Hill—whence it gets its name. Construction began in 1853, and the structure rises to an altitude of 154 meters. At the top of the church stands a bell tower, while impressive statues greet visitors at the entrance.
Take a walk as well to the palace in Parc du Pharo (Palais du Pharo), from where you can overlook the harbor and the entire Old Town.
As noted, arriving in Marseille can also be leveraged for a day trip into Provence outside the city limits. You can join organized excursions arranged by the cruise ship if arriving on a cruise (ship tours are generally expensive) or book a private tour on your own. Compare prices and decide whether you prefer an organized group tour with many passengers from the ship or a private excursion.
In contrast to the bustling city of Marseille, the Provence countryside beyond the city is pastoral and filled with flower fields, lush vegetation, and striking scenery.
Trip to Provence
♦ Private Guided Tour in Provence to the Following Destinations - Private Day Trip to Arles Les Baux de Provence and Saint Remy de Provence
Tour duration is approximately 8 hours, including pickup and return to the cruise port.
Tours into Provence head to a variety of destinations. For example, the following 7.5-hour tour explores two picturesque and charming towns, Arles and Saint-Rémy. The itinerary includes a guided tour in both towns as well as free time in each for a light meal, shopping, and independent exploration.
The first town is Arles. The city boasts abundant Roman antiquities along with sites from later eras in the Middle Ages. In addition, the town is filled with mementos from the stay of the Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh. During the period he lived here, Van Gogh produced many extraordinary works, including "The Red Vineyard." His paintings reflect the region's quintessential landscape—the blossoms, the climate, and the serenity. Van Gogh aspired to establish an "artists' colony" in Arles and invited other artists; however, only Paul Gauguin agreed to join him. The town is very pleasant to wander through. One of its main attractions is an ancient amphitheater, which over the centuries (and up to this day) has hosted cultural events such as bullfights (in a less cruel style that does not end in the bulls' death). Admission to the amphitheater requires a fee, and the ticket also grants access to the ruins of the Roman Theater located within short walking distance. Aside from these historic sites, it is wonderful to stroll through the ancient pedestrian center among small cafés and charming shops.
Along the way, you can stop at panoramic viewpoints, such as a scenic vista overlooking a castle set against the local countryside.
The second town is Saint-Rémy. This town has also preserved its Roman heritage, reflected prominently in the Church of Saint-Martin, built in Romanesque style. In the center of town, nestled among small boutiques and cafés, sits the birthplace of Nostradamus, the French astrologer and physician of Jewish descent. The town also features numerous art galleries that art enthusiasts will relish visiting.
