Marseille

Marseille, often referred to as the “Getaway to the Mediterranean,” stands as a maritime jewel on the southern coast of France. For those seeking to embark on adventures across the Mediterranean, Marseille serves as the ideal departure point, offering numerous ferry connections to idyllic destinations.

Read our guide with the best travel and ferry tips about Marseille, discover the top beaches and attractions, see the latest ferry schedules between Marseille, Corsica and North Africa, and book ferry tickets online on Ferryhopper.

Find useful information about the ferry port of Marseille and read about holidays in the city:

• Marseille ferry port
• Vacation in Marseille

Beautiful view of Marseille Vieux-Port and the Notre Dame de la Garde Cathedral

Marseille ferry port

Marseille is home to Marseille-Fos Port and Vieux-Port (Old Port).

Marseille Fos Port (Grand Port Maritime de Marseille) is the leading port in France. In fact, thanks to its geostrategic positioning, at the heart of the Euro-Mediterranean area, it is positioned as Europe’s southern gateway and serves more than 3 million passengers. Marseille Fos is also made up of 2 harbors: the eastern (for cargo and passengers) & western harbors (as an international industrial and container hub).

The Old Port of Marseille is a popular tourist spot with a marina that hosts hundreds of boats. Many of the city’s must-see attractions are located nearby. It is also home to the historic ferry that travels between the two quays of the Vieux-Port, namely the Quai du Port and the Quai de Rive Neuve.

Ferries from Marseille port: schedules and tickets

There are regular ferry routes from Marseille to Corsica, Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco. The ferry companies currently serving these routes are Corsica Linea, La Méridionale, Algérie Ferries, and CTN (Tunisia Ferries).

Find the latest info on ferry schedules between Marseille - Ajaccio, Bastia, L'ile Rousse, Propriano & Porto Vecchio (in Corsica), Béjaïa, Algiers & Skikda (in Algeria), Tunis (in Tunisia), Tangier Med (in Morocco) below:

• Ferry Marseille - Ajaccio: the ferry route from Marseille to Ajaccio is available all year round with 8 weekly crossings. It takes 10-12.5 hours to reach the port of Ajaccio in Corsica.
• Ferry Marseille - Bastia: the Marseille - Bastia ferry crossing is in operation up to 9 times a week, arriving at the port of Bastia in Corsica in around 12.5 hours.
• Ferry Marseille - L'ile Rousse: the Marseille - L'ile Rousse ferry trip is serviced 4 times a week. It takes around 10-12 hours to reach the port of L'ile Rousse in Corsica.
• Ferry Marseille - Propriano: the ferry from Marseille to Propriano usually runs up to 5 times a week. The duration of the crossing to the port of Propriano in Corsica is 13 hours. 
• Ferry Marseille - Porto Vecchio: the ferry route from Marseille to Porto Vecchio is available 3 times a week. The sailing duration is around 14 hours.
• Ferry Marseille - Béjaïa: the ferry departs from the port of Marseille and arrives in Béjaïa, Algeria in 21 hours. The ferry route served by Corsica Linea is active 2 times per week.
• Ferry Marseille - Algiers: the ferry route from Marseille to Algiers usually operates up to 6 times a week. Crossings last around 20 hours.
• Ferry Marseille - Skikda: the ferry route to Skikda, Algeria, from Marseille runs 2 times a week. Trips last around 20 hours.
• Ferry Marseille - Tunis: ferries to Tunis from Marseille operate up to 5 times per week. The ferry trip takes about 20-24 hours.
• Ferry Marseille - Tangier Med: the ferry route from Marseille to Tangier Med in Morocco is active once a week. Crossings last around 48 hours.

Check Ferryhopper’s Map of ferries for more information about ferries from Marseille.

A passenger ferry departing the Port of Marseille

Where is the ferry port in Marseille?

The ferry terminals of the port of Marseille Fos stretch all the way from the Gare Maritime de la Major, close to the Cathedral, to the Porte Beauséjour 5 km from the Old Port.

The Old Port of Marseille lies at the end of La Canebière, the major street of Marseille.

How to get to Marseille port?

Being in close proximity to the city center, the ferry terminals in Marseille are easily accessible by car and public transport. The one you need to head to depends on whether you are on a domestic route to Corsica or an international one to North Africa, as well as whether you’re traveling with or without a vehicle.

If you’re traveling to Corsica:

• Pedestrians usually head to La Joliette Ferry Terminal, located at the end of Place de la Joliette.
• Passengers with vehicles traveling with La Méridionale and Corsica Linéa vessels should go to Porte 1, Rue de Chanterac (Highway A7 - Exit #35 or Highway A55 - Exit #4). Keep in mind that passengers traveling with the Jean Nicoli vessel of Corsica Linéa should head to Gate 4 - North entrance instead (Highway A55 - Exit #5).

If you’re traveling to North Africa:

• Pedestrians should head to La Major Ferry Terminal, on the «Quai de la Joliette». In this case, you should arrive at Joliette station by bus, metro or tram.
• Passengers with vehicles traveling with Algérie Ferries' vessels should head to Gate Chanterac (Highway A7 - Exit #3 or Highway A55 - Exit #4), while those traveling with Tunisia Ferries (CTN) and Corsica Linéa should head to Gate 3 - Beauséjour (Highway A55 - Exit #5).

Ferry exiting Marseille’s picturesque Old Port

Vacation in Marseille

Marseille, the second largest city in France and the capital of Provence, is one of the country’s most multicultural and exhilarating cities. It’s both beachy and urban, modern and historic. You can spend your holidays lounging at the beach, but with its numerous museums, diverse neighborhoods, impressive architecture, and street art, there’s a lot to learn here too.

So, whether you're a history buff, a foodie, a beach lover, or an adventure seeker, Marseille has something to offer everyone. It's a must-visit destination for curious travelers seeking diverse experiences.

How to get to Marseille

You can easily get to Marseille by plane, train, ferry, or your own vehicle. If you decide to take the plane, you will arrive at Marseille-Provence airport, located 25 km north-west of the city. 

If you travel by train, you will arrive in Saint Charles station, just a 20 minute walk to the Old Port. As for ferry routes, Marseille is connected by ferry with Corsica, Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco.

Finally, if you decide to drive to Marseille, you will probably take one of the 3 motorways to enter the city: the Northern motorway (A7), the Littoral motorway (A55) or the Eastern motorway (A50).

The prestigious MuCEM National Museum floating at the entrance to Marseille's Vieux Port

What to do in Marseille

To start your day with a smile, make sure to catch the renowned daily seafood and fish market at the vibrant Vieux Port. For more than 2,500 years, the Vieux Port has been Marseille's beating heart. Besides the market, this area is also home to one of the city's most popular attractions, a 120-m mirrored canopy called the Port Vieux Pavilion, a great source of entertainment for adults and children alike.

Not far away, you can marvel at the Notre Dame de la Garde, the impressive Museum of European and Mediterranean Culture (Mucem) and the equally extraordinary Villa Méditerranée, all must-visits for history and architecture lovers.

It’s also worth strolling through the streets of the Quartier du Panier and Cours Julien. With their artsy ambience, street art, cool sun-blazed squares, and low-key cafes, these formerly rough neighborhoods are now one of the city’s trendiest places. 

For food, Noailles, the neighborhood nicknamed the “belly of Marseille” is particularly popular thanks to its diverse daily market. Speaking of food, no trip to the city would be complete without sampling bouillabaisse, Marseille's most famous and classic dish loved by seafood enthusiasts.

Aside from sightseeing, there are several opportunities to also get active here. Taking a relaxing boat ride to the beautiful Calanques National Park will reward you with some of the finest hiking and biking in France, as well as with soaring views and turquoise coves.

For some beautiful sunset views, make sure to stick around the area of the Old Port. And if you decide to post your photo on social media, #MarseilleJeTaime has thousands of selfie-in-the-sunset posts.

Beaches in Marseille

With 57 km of exquisite coastline and 300 sunny days each year, it’s no wonder why hitting the beach in Marseille is so popular among locals. From high-adrenalin sands close to the city center to completely untouched coves, there are numerous options within Marseille’s city limits.

Here are some of the top beaches in the region of Marseille for all ages and tastes:

• Catalans: the closest sandy beach to the city center (a 15-20 minute walk from the Vieux Port), it’s the place for people watching and volleyball. It has sun loungers and a wide range of snack bars and kiosks. A 100 m from the beach you’ll also find the Underwater Museum of Marseille, so make sure to bring your snorkeling gear.
• Point Rouge: a sandy, wide and shallow beach perfect for a family day out in Marseille, particularly for those who want to learn or practice water sports. Sit in one of the many restaurants in the area and take in the incomparable views over the Frioul islands and the Bay of Marseille.
• Plage du Prado: this is a spacious and wide shingle beach close to the city center. Its calm waters and variety of nautical activities make it great for children. Make sure to stay until sunset.
• Les Calanques: in this national park, a short distance from Marseille, the best known beaches are Calanques de Morgiou, Sormiou and En-Vau. These get overrun with tourists, however. If you’re looking for something more peaceful, head to Calanque de Marseilleveyre.
• Sainte-Croix: to the northwest of Marseille, this is a wide but shallow bay that gets busy in summer. It has very clean turquoise waters and is surrounded by big rocks and pines which offer shade. A small white-painted chapel is also built in this idyllic landscape.

Tip: the 83 bus and the revamped coastal bike route are one of the easiest ways to reach the seaside.

The breathtaking Calanque de Sormiou at sunrise

Sightseeing in Marseille

France’s oldest city, Marseille was also the European Capital of Culture in 2013. Its most popular attractions will provide you with a good overview of the city by showcasing its distinctive architecture, vast scale and rich history. Here are some suggestions for sightseeing in Marseille by the Ferryhopper Team:

• The Vieux Port Pavilion, a giant mirrored canopy
• The Marseille Cathedral
• The Basilica of Notre-Dame of la Garde, Marseille's most-visited icon with superb mosaics and 360° views of the city
• The Mucem (Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean), an impressive, award-winning art museum and the icon of modern Marseille
• The Musée des Beaux Arts, Marseille’s oldest museum housed in the Palais Longchamp
• The Jardin du Pharo, a great place to have a picnic, watch the sunset and admire old Marseille
• Friche la Belle de Mai, a tobacco factory–turned–cultural center that houses art studios, a skate-park, a bookstore, restaurant, and a great rooftop.
• The Fortified tower of the Abbey of St. Victor, built on the 3rd century BCE
• The Cosquer Cave, with paintings, engravings and geometric designs dating back 30,000 years
• The Château d'If, Marseille’s version of Alcatraz located on the Île d'If, a short ferry ride from the old harbor

The must-visit Cathédrale de la Major

Nightlife in Marseille

The thriving and eclectic nightlife scene in France’s second-largest metropolis attracts partygoers from around the world. With bars à vins (wine bars), lively Irish pubs, cozy bars, and pulsating nightclubs, there’s something for everyone in Marseille.

Unsurprisingly, Le Vieux Port is the heart of the city’s nightlife scene. There are bars, brasseries and cafes on both sides of the Vieux Port, with more to be found around Place Thiars and cours Honoré d'Estienne d'Orves, where the action lasts until late.

Another one of the most lively nightlife districts in Marseille is Cours Julien. This vibrant quarter is lined with amazing bars, cafes and music venues, and is perfect for those looking to experience Marseille’s bohemian side. This is also a great place to visit during the day thanks to its street art and famous farmer's market held on Wednesday mornings. For the younger crowd, La Plaine is particularly popular.

Useful info: the liveliest seasons across the entire city are spring and autumn.

Food in Marseille

Besides its beaches and museums, food is a highlight here, too. Located on the Mediterranean coast, Marseille is a great seafood destination and it has some of the most innovative cuisine on the planet, reflecting the deep-rooted influences from Spain, Italy and North Africa.

Here are some delicacies to try in Marseille:

• bouillabaisse (traditional fish stew)
• pieds paquets (stewed lamb's feet and tripe filled with parsley, garlic, onions, and salt pork)
• panisse (savory chickpea pancake)
• tapenade (spread made with olives, capers, anchovies, olive oil, and spices) 
• North African food such as leblebi (a Tunisian soup), or merguez (a spicy stew made of Moroccan sausage)
• navettes (cookies shaped like a boat or a shuttle)
• pastis (anise-flavored aperitif)
• picon (an orange-flavored bitter) 

Tip: the best place to try Marseille’s most famous dish, bouillabaisse, is at Chez Fonfon.

The traditional Marseille bouillabaisse soup

Tips

Here are 5 tips for those who want to visit Marseille:

1. The best time to visit Marseille is either April to June or September to October, when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities.
2. No one should leave the city without bringing the iconic savon de Marseille, the traditional hard soap, home. The best place to buy it and watch how it is made is Fer à Cheval.
3. It’s also worth visiting Père Blaize, the trendiest store in the city. It was founded more than 200 years ago and is still an organic herbal pharmacy offering balms, oils, and elixirs, as well as spices, tisanes, and purgatifs.
4. Interested in a day trip out of Marseille? Aix en Provence is only a 45-minute drive away.
5. Popular events in Marseille that are worth checking out are: Festival de Marseille, Dock Des Suds, Bastille Day, and the Marseille Jazz festival.

Useful information about Marseille

Marseille is a vibrant and well-organized city with a wide range of services and amenities for visitors. There are things to see and do all year round. You can travel to Marseille solo, with friends and family, as a couple, with children, or in a group.

In regards to accommodation, the best place to stay in Marseille if you want to be close to everything is around the Old Port (Vieux Port). If you’re visiting Marseille with your family, Cinq Avenues is a quieter area, and perhaps the safest to stay in Marseille. On the other hand, if you’re after a peaceful beachside holiday, check for accommodation around La Corniche.

As for hospitals, there are quite a few options in Marseille and the suburbs, so you can enjoy your vacation with peace of mind.

Useful info: co-working spaces have begun to flourish in the city center, attracting digital nomads. The majority of freelancers find apartments in St-Victor, which is home to the trendiest bars, cafés and restaurants.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Marseille

Here are some useful contacts for your trip to Marseille: 

• Marseille Port Authority: +33491394000
• Marseille police station: +33491398000
• Hospital Center Regional De Marseille: +33491380000
• Marseille tourist information office: +33826500500
• European emergency number: 112

Transportation in Marseille

Marseille’s city center is compact and can be explored on foot despite its size. 

To access further flung parts of the city, including its beaches and offshore islands, there’s an efficient network of city buses, boats, trams, and metro. Specifically, Marseille has 2 metro lines (M1 and M2), nearly 80 bus lines (including 2 electric ones) and 3 tram lines. During summer, the ideal modes of transportation are bicycles or boat-buses. 

Keep in mind that due to congested traffic lanes and challenging parking, driving is not recommended in Marseille. There’s also a Low Emission Zone which affects all motorized vehicles.

Useful info: visitors with a Marseille City Pass have unlimited access to public transportation throughout the year. This includes shared bikes.

Typical view of Le Panier, Marseille’s oldest quarter with quirky houses

Book your ferry tickets to Marseille online

On Ferryhopper, you can book Marseille ferry tickets online with just a few clicks. Read our Marseille travel guide, search for available ferry routes and connections, and book your ferry trip with ease and no hidden fees!