Marseille, France
Local Reading
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Information
Overview
A stunning coastline, thriving café culture and 26 centuries of history makes this port city in the South of France the perfect year-round escape.
Welcome to Marseille, France’s oldest city, beloved for its history, art, architecture and café culture. Be sure to pack a camera, swimming costume and hiking boots as Marseille has beautiful historic attractions, sun-drenched city beaches and superb hiking along its dramatic Mediterranean coastline.
Start your day at the city’s bustling center, the Vieux Port. Sample the coffee and brunches that local café owners have proudly perfected into an art form over the last century.
For some of the best sightseeing, take a stroll through the Panier, the city’s old town just north of the port. Explore the Vieille Charité museum, then visit the Hotêl de Ville to admire its magnificent Baroque-style exterior. Catch the Petit Train from the north side of the port to the magnificent Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica, where you’ll be rewarded with heavenly city views.
Visit the grand Opéra de Marseille and some of the many galleries and theaters around the bustling Canebière thoroughfare. While you are on the Canebière, stop by the tourism office to see what events and festivals are on in Marseille during your visit. In the Noailles district, experience the exotic in the bazaar-like atmosphere of the African markets.
Discover Marseille’s great outdoors by hiking or boating along the southern coastline through the exquisite limestone features of the Calanques National Park. Take a guided boat tour from the Vieux Port to Château d’If, a former prison island made famous in Alexandre Dumas' Count of Monte Cristo. Spend a lazy afternoon in Borély Park. Explore its grand chateau and its botanic garden, then head to nearby Prado Beach or Borély Beach and enjoy a drink by the sea at sunset.
Travel Tips
We can arrange a variety of transportation options throughout Europe to make your Europe vacation truly spectacular. Whether you simply need transportation between the airport and hotel, or you want to charter a private yacht or jet, we offer you choice and will manage the important details.
While traveling in the France we recommend :
- Private transfers at time of booking - All transfers include a meet-and-greet by English-speaking drivers, luggage assistance, and bottled water in modern vehicles to and from all points of entry as well as between cities.
- The Euro is the official currency of the European union and its member countries. Other European Currencies include the Swiss Franc and the British pound. Exchange rates vary by currency and economic seasonality.
- France is GMT + 1 / +2
Europe spans three time zones:
- Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) which is 5 hours ahead of Eastern standard Time.
- Central Standard Time which is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
- Eastern European Time which is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
Local Videos
Entry Requirements
- A passport is required when traveling outside of your country. If any passenger carries anything other than a Passport supplied by your home country, please contact the Consulate of the country(s) you are visiting to verify document requirements. If you do not have appropriate documentation, you will be denied entry. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return trip for international travel.