How to plan a trip to Marseille

Don’t know where to start planning your trip to Marseille? It’s your lucky day because at Passporter we have set out to help you with all the preparations, from finding accommodation to the most efficient way to get around the city. Throughout the post you will be able to find many tips that will be of great help during your trip, such as the best time to travel, how to move around the city or the dishes you can’t miss.

A good planning of your trip will enrich your experience as you will be able to buy tickets in advance and avoid queues, find the cheapest accommodation and be prepared whatever the weather. With the Passporter App you can create a detailed travel itinerary and make sure you don’t miss a thing. Read on to find out how!

1. Prepare your documents for travel to Marseille

Traveling to France from the European Union is really simple and you will only need to have your passport or ID card in order if you travel as a tourist and you do not plan to stay in the country for more than 90 days. As you know, the citizens of the Schengen area can move freely between the member countries, and it will only be necessary to show the documentation in the case of traveling by plane, train or ship.

There are also other countries that, thanks to bilateral agreements, do not need to apply for a visa. This is the list of these countries: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Vatican City, Costa Rica, Croatia, Colombia, El Salvador, United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Macao, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Panama, Peru, Paraguay, South Korea, San Marino, Switzerland, Singapore, Uruguay and Venezuela.

If you are traveling from a country other than those previously mentioned, you must apply for your visa through your country’s embassy or consulate or online.

First of all, be sure to have these documents ready to apply for the visa:

• Visa application form: you must complete the form corresponding to the type of visa you are applying for (short stay or long stay).
• Card-type photographs: you will need two recent photos that meet the photo requirements for Schengen visas.
• Valid passport: your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years, have a minimum validity of 3 months after the end of your intended stay and at least two blank pages.
• Copies of previous visas, if applicable.
• Travel medical insurance: must cover the entire Schengen territory with a minimum of €30,000.
• Complete itinerary: details of your trip, including how you plan to arrive in France and proof of your return or onward travel.
• Proof of financial means: documentation showing how you will finance yourself during your stay.
• Proof of accommodation: this can be a hotel reservation, a hosting certificate, a rental agreement, or a certificate of ownership.
• Criminal record certificate from the country of origin.
• Proof of payment of visa fee: visa processing costs €80.

When you plan a trip to Marseille, please note that it takes between 10 and 15 working days to process the visa, so we recommend that you start your visa application at least one month in advance.

We also remind you that if you wish to drive in France and you do not belong to the European Union, you will most likely have to apply for an international driving license.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to Marseille

As a Mediterranean city, Marseille enjoys a pleasant climate most of the year, however, as a beach destination, the favorite months of tourists are the summer months because of the high temperatures that invite you to swim in the sea.

Our favorite time to visit Marseille is in spring. The weather is mild, with average temperatures ranging from 12°C to 20°C that favor the outdoor activities, and there are not as many tourists as during the summer. In addition, as it is low season, you will find fewer tourists and more affordable prices in the accommodations.

Autumn can be another good time to visit Marseille, with similar prices to spring, although there may be fewer tourist options and the weather tends to be slightly cooler. It’s the best time to explore the city when we’re not so interested in the beach.

Marseille has mild winters compared to other parts of Europe, and while it is more likely to rain during these months, it is also a good time for those looking to avoid the crowds and enjoy the city at a more leisurely pace. Accommodation prices tend to be the lowest in winter, and you’ll be able to experience local life without the tourist hustle and bustle.

3. Find out how to get to Marseille

When we traveled to Marseille, we went by car as we were touring the French Riviera. However, if you plan to visit only Marseille, it will probably be cheaper and faster to go by train or plane. Also, this way you won’t have to worry about finding a place to park without having to pay.

Below we tell you about all the options available to get to Marseille and their advantages and disadvantages.

• Train: the rail network in France is really efficient, and with the TGV (high-speed train) you can move between French cities quickly. From Paris it takes 3 hours to get to Marseille. If you are traveling from Spain, you can take the train from Barcelona to Paris, and there take the train to Marseille, but this combination is less efficient than going by plane.
• Airplane: Marseille’s airport is called Marseille – Provence Airport, and receives both domestic and international flights, although direct connections tend to be a bit expensive. The airport is 25km from the center, which you can reach by taking the L91 bus from platform 6. The bus runs between 4:10am and ends at 00.50am. It runs every 15/20 minutes and costs 8,30€ for adults. Another option is to take a cab, which costs between 50€ and 60€. It will leave you at the door of your hotel in about 30 minutes.
• Bus: There are several companies at the European level that offer bus travel between different cities and Marseille. Although the price is usually cheaper than the previous options, the main drawback is the long duration of the journey.
• Car: Although a car is not a practical option for getting around Marseille, arriving in your own vehicle is a good option, especially if you plan to tour the Côte d’Azur. In the center, parking is paid and limited in time. If your accommodation does not offer parking, the best option is to leave your car in one of the free public parking lots in the city.

4. Find the accommodation that matches your expectations to enjoy Marseille

Marseille is not a particularly cheap city in terms of accommodation, however, due to its large size and the high hotel offer, you can find affordable options, especially if you look early and avoid the high season. During the summer months thousands of tourists invade the coast, and as a consequence the prices rise. That is why our recommendation is that you consult through the Passporter App the best accommodation options in Booking, from where you can make your reservations.

Throughout the city you will find a large number of accommodations distributed by different neighborhoods, so we have made a selection with the best areas to stay when we go on vacation:

• Le Vieux-Port: is the heart of Marseille, ideal for tourism with its offer of restaurants, cafes, and spectacular views of the sunset by the sea. It is also one of the most expensive areas.
• La Canebière: is another central area close to the market and with lots of nightlife, recommended for families because of its safety and proximity to major attractions.
• Cours Julien: is a bohemian enclave where artists and students converge, famous for its terraces, graffiti murals and lively cultural scene.
• L’Estaque: is a picturesque retreat that combines the sea with rolling hills, maintaining a bohemian and relaxed atmosphere, with cheaper accommodations than in the center.
• Le Panier: is the oldest district of Marseille, it offers a unique cultural immersion with its colorful pedestrian streets, restaurants and cafes with Provençal charm.
• Saint-Charles: located near the train station, it’s convenient for train travelers, though less recommended for overnight stays.

5. Choose the activities you want to do in Marseille

Although most tourists prefer to spend several days enjoying the sun and the beach, the truth is that the city can be seen in a couple of days. Here we leave you a list of the must-sees, but if you want to discover everything this beautiful destination has to offer, we encourage you to visit this post: What to see and do in Marseille France?

• Vieux-Port: this is the marina, the liveliest area and where you will find stores and restaurants.
• Notre-Dame de la Garde: This basilica, symbol of the city, offers panoramic views of Marseille and the Mediterranean Sea.
• Le Panier: this is Marseille’s oldest district, full of narrow streets, artisan stores and colorful murals.
• Museum of the Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean: is an impressive modern museum dedicated to Mediterranean culture, connected to the historic Fort Saint-Jean. Admission is 9.5€ and it is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00 except Tuesdays.
• Calanques National Park: is a spectacular national park offering stunning coves with crystal clear waters, ideal for hiking and swimming.
• La Canebière: the main avenue of Marseille, rich in history and very lively.
• Château d’If: is the famous island prison that inspired “The Count of Monte Cristo”, accessible by a short ferry ride. The entrance fee is 6€.
• La Vieille Charité: an impressive architectural complex in Le Panier that now houses museums and cultural exhibits.
• Marché Noailles: Marseille’s liveliest market, where you can sample the local food and explore a variety of products.
• Palais Longchamp: an architectural monument that houses the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Natural History, surrounded by a beautiful park.

6. Where and what to eat in Marseille

The cuisine of Marseille has a clear Mediterranean influence and its dishes stand out for their use of fish and seafood, aromatic herbs and olive oil. In town you will find numerous restaurants to eat at, but if you want to avoid overpaying, we recommend staying away from the port and the beach restaurants that are priced for tourists and will charge you for the view. Fish in the inland restaurants is just as fresh and cheaper 😉

When you plan a trip to Marseille you should also think about what you want to try there. Here are the most typical dishes in Marseille so that you know what to order when you go to a restaurant:

1. Bouillabaisse: is a traditional fish soup with various types of local fish and shellfish, served with rouille and bread.
2. Ratatouille: roasted vegetable stew, typical of the Provençal region.
3. Navettes: boat-shaped cookies, flavored with orange blossom.
4. Pieds paquets: tripe and lamb legs cooked in tomato and white wine sauce.
5. Tapenade: paste of black olives, capers, anchovies and olive oil.
6. Aioli: garlic and olive oil sauce, classic accompaniment to fish and vegetables.
7. Panisse: pancakes or fritters made of chickpea flour.
8. Chichi Frégi: fried donuts, sprinkled with sugar, typical of L’Estaque.
9. Pastis: aniseed-flavored alcoholic beverage, very popular in Marseille.
10. Pissaladière: onion tart with anchovies and olives, similar to a pizza.

7. Organize a trip with friends to Marseille

Have you ever traveled with friends? Then you might be familiar with the typical conflicts that can arise due to issues related to money, each other’s interests or schedules. On top of that, there are the pre-trip challenges, such as finding a date you can all agree on, agreeing on the destination or organizing the travel itinerary. Luckily, there are tools like the Passporter app.

Download the Passporter App and start organizing trips with your friends together today. Create an itinerary for Paris, invite your friends, get inspired by other travelers’ experiences and create your ideal tour together. You can also share your experience through the photos you take during your trip. To help you even more, we have prepared an article with useful tips for traveling with friends: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

8. Tips for planning a trip to Marseille

• The currency in France is the euro.
• You will be able to pay by card in the vast majority of stores.
• Get up early to enjoy the city with fewer people and have time to see everything.
• France uses plug type E, with voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. Be sure to bring an adaptor if your devices have different specifications.
• If you are traveling from the European Union you will not need a visa to travel to France, a passport is sufficient.
• The official language is French, but in tourist areas you will be able to communicate in English and other European languages.
• The water in France is drinkable.
• Marseille is a safe city, but it never hurts to keep our belongings in sight.
• Book flights and accommodations in advance for better prices.
• Find out about events or festivals during your visit.
• Sign up for Passporter and discover our Marseille travel itinerary. Using passporter to plan trips is free and helps you get inspiration from other travelers 🙂
• Cover yourself for medical emergencies: travel insured. Choose a good travel insurance, such as Mondo.

9. How to prepare what to see on your trip to Marseille

Download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travelers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organize your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or typology (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and information of the trip.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that most interest you, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodations, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app to always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation…
• Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travelers with your experience. In addition, you will be able to share your experience on how to plan your trip to Marseille.

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.

10. Frequently asked questions about a trip to Marseille