10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Marseille at Least Once

Marseille is a city on the up. And just like many cities undergoing massive regeneration, many of its old, disused, and unloved spaces are being reclaimed. La Friche is an old tobacco factory next to the city’s station (St. Charles) that is now a cutting-edge cultural space. It’s massive and home to a skateboarding park, a playground, startup offices, a cool bookstore, and a wonderful terrace bar and restaurant. You’ll find a different cultural event every weekend. Alternatively, head to the Cours Julien, which is one of the edgiest neighborhoods (that you want to be hanging out in). It’s full of some of the best bars, clubs, and restaurants in the city.

Marseille has some wonderful beaches. They’re a little bit harder to find and access than some of the other Riviera resorts (like Nice or Cannes, which pivot around their beaches) but this makes discovering them more rewarding. The main family beaches at Plage de Prado are wide and open and a great option for kids (there are playgrounds, climbing walls, and skate parks). But if you have older kids or no kids, then head along the Corniche Kennedy and find a beach off the beaten track. Climb out to a boulder, spread out your towel, and you’ll feel like you have your own piece of paradise. Just watch your valuables.

The Riviera is known for its fantastic Mediterranean food and Marseille has a lot of options. Head to the Old Port (le Vieux Port) for a fantastic meal with a spectacular view over the harbor. Or you can try the local delicacy Bouillabaisse in one of several fantastic locations around the town.

Marseille isn’t thought of as a green city, but it has some wonderful parks. The Parc Borély is one of the biggest with its lake and bike tracks (you can hire little four-wheeled carts). It’s where you’ll find everyone on a Sunday afternoon. The Parc Longchamp is a great pit stop after visiting the nearby Palace. Or try the small but perfect Parc Valmer along the seafront. It’s a great place to get some shade from the seaside sun.

The locals love a good party. Start your evening with an apéro (a pre-dinner drink) in one of the fantastic bars or trying the best local wines from Provençal vineyards. Alternatively, most weekends in summer, there’s a bar and DJ on the massive roof of the old tobacco factory at La Friche (by the St. Charles station).

Marseille is a melting pot of European and African culture and it’s a great place to immerse yourself in something a little different. You’ll find lots of couscous restaurants down by the Old Port and Noailles area, which offer great value. If you want to go even more local, head to one of the grill shacks by the St. Charles station for even cheaper food. The streets to the East of the Cours Julien are a great place to try a sit-down African dinner that maybe you wouldn’t have thought about trying; it has food from just about every country.