20 Unmissable Attractions in Marseille

Named after the famous US President, the “corniche” as locals call it, is the seaside avenue that skirts the coastline of Marseille, southwards. On one side are plenty of rocky beaches, where you can tuck yourself away from sight and lounge facing the sea. On the other are parks, grand hotels, restaurants and the odd shop. It’s a great place to bike along to head to the wider town beaches beyond.

This opulent church is the crowning point of Marseille; it looks down on the city from every angle because it was built at the highest point. It’s definitely worth a look but don’t take the car up there in the summer; parking is limited and it’s the most recognised point in the city. Take the little train from the Vieux Port instead.

This is one of Marseille’s coolest streets to hang out in. The Cours Julien used to be very run-down and now is full of bars, ice-cream shops, a cinema, a club and some shops. Regeneration of inner city centres at its best.

Every city has its wonderful park to stroll in when the weather’s good – and in Marseille, you get 300 sunny days a year. Head to the lake to hire a boat, the ice-cream kiosk to quench your thirst or just laze on the grass and watch the parents tow their kids out on their bikes. A great Sunday afternoon picnic spot.

Also at the Longchamps Palace, you’ll find the Natural History Museum. It’s not very big but has enough to merit a visit, with lots of fossils on permanent display as well as some interesting temporary exhibits.

If you don’t go anywhere else in Marseille – although it would be a shame – you must head here. Newly designed and built, it’s an astonishingly brave piece of architecture at the corner of the old harbour. After looking round all the different exhibitions, head to the roof for a drink and a great view.

The old Fort has had a facelift and now looks resplendent. It’s linked to the new MUCEM via a walkway that will take your breath away. It’s a great place for kids to run around the different tunnels and in and out of the old rooms.

Head to the small Parc Valmer along the seafront; it has a nice playground, tennis courts and lots of nooks and crannies to picnic. There’s also a grand old villa to visit.

This beautiful cathedral was built in the 1800s and is a great example of neo-Byzantine architecture. Check out the murals and mosaic, then head to lunch at one of the great new restaurants below.

The district of Panier is the oldest in Marseille, just behind the Old Port and the new MUCEM museum. It’s full of little winding streets and very old buildings.

This is an old tobacco factory tucked away alongside the railway tracks of the famous St Charles railway station (the main one in town). It’s a gigantic arts and community building housing bars, playgrounds and offices. You’ll find something different every weekend – a gigantic music festival, kids’ art workshops, skateboarders or people just having a coffee in the wonderful arty bookstore. A lovely place to get a feel for a lively city. Head here for drinks on the roof with DJs in the summer months.