Marseille – Tips
Transport
Getting There
| By Train | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| From | Via | Time | Time |
| Calais | via Dijon: A2, A26, A5, A31, A6, A7 | 9 hours | via Paris: 5:30 hours |
| Paris | A6-A7 | 7 hours | TGV: 3:30 hours |
| Dieppe | via Paris: A150, A13, A6, A7 | 9 hours | via Rouen and Paris: 6:30 hours |
| Le Havre | via Paris: A13, A6, A7 | 9 hours | TGV direct: 6:30 hours |
| Cherbourg | via Le Mans: N13, A84, A88, A28, A85, A71, A72, A47, A7 | 10:15 hours | via Paris: 7:30 hours |
Air: From both Paris airports, many flights per day, direct to Marseilles. 1 hour 15. The airport also as many international flights daily.
Bus: There are several long distance bus operators going to this city from different cities in France (and Europe). Click on one of the links below to see which departure city is covered.
Flixbus
Ouibus
Within Marseilles
There is a very good transportation system in Marseilles, with a very good and encompassing bus route and two metro lines. Prices are cheap.
Restaurants
Marseilles, particularly the old centre and harbour, has many restaurants catering to all tastes.
TIP: If you are going to eat in a restaurant in Marseilles, you will need to try a Bouillabaisse, a meal invented in Marseilles. You will not regret it. One of the top places to eat is the Miramar located at the old harbour. It’s expensive, but worth it.
Hotels
Marseille has a lot to offer in terms of accommodation, from very expensive to backpacker’s hostels.
Things To See/Things To Do
- Visit Chateau d’If (a must)
- Walk the Corniche du President John Fitzgerald Kennedy for 3.5 kms to take in the views.
- Walk around the old harbour
- Visit Fort Saint-Jean and its museums
- Visit the majestic Sainte-Marie-Majeure Cathedral
- Visit the famous Notre-Dame de la Garde church
- Eat a Bouillabaisse
WARNING: When visiting Marseilles, stay will inside the lower city. Straying out to the upper levels or suburbs is dangerous since Marseilles’ other reputation is that of a very violent city with many gang murders and shootings. Most of the drugs brought into France come via Marseilles. In the city centre and lower parts (old harbour area), you are quite safe.
