What to See in Marseille?
The City's Essential Sights

What to see around the Vieux-Port?

• Norman Foster's Ombrière: this steel mirror plays with reflections on the quay, a favourite photo spot shared across Instagram.
• The fish market on the Quai des Belges: every morning, fishermen sell the daily catch, a tradition that goes back centuries.
• The ferry boat: the little shuttle dear to locals links the two sides of the harbour in a few minutes.
• La Canebière: the legendary avenue connecting the quay to the boulevards, lined with 19th-century facades.
• Fort Saint-Jean and the Palais de la Bourse: two landmarks guarding the maritime memory of the town.

Why wander through Le Panier district?

A few minutes away, Le Panier deserves a long stop. The oldest neighborhood in Marseille, this maze of colourful lanes has a lively atmosphere best enjoyed with no plan at all, between hanging laundry, flowered stairways and shady little squares.

• La Vieille Charité: a 17th-century almshouse turned cultural center, with a baroque chapel and museums.
• Artisan studios: ceramicists, soap makers and designers have taken over the lanes of Le Panier.
• The Major Cathedral: a striped silhouette marking the edge of the Joliette quarter.
• The Noailles market: nearby, it perfumes the streets with spices and North African influence from dawn.

Which monuments tell Marseille's history?

To understand the history of Marseille, a few sites are essential. The History Museum gathers, beneath the remains of the ancient Greek town, twenty-six centuries of stories since the founding of Massalia. Close by, the Palais Longchamp, an architectural masterpiece built in the 19th century to celebrate the arrival of the Durance, unfolds its colonnade, fountains and gardens, with stunning architecture and one of the loveliest green spaces around. A guided tour with the tourist office links these local attractions in a couple of hours and brings their stories to life.

And in the evening, what to do near the harbour?

When night falls, the quays and their surroundings change mood and invite you to linger.

• A drink by the water: the quayside terraces come alive at pastis hour, facing the lit-up masts.
• The bars of Cours Julien: a bohemian scene, live music and hidden addresses for night owls.
• A rooftop with sea views: several roofs offer a panorama over the bay at sunset.
• A drink at Louison: the Amista's bar extends the evening over a cocktail or a Provence wine, steps from the quay.
• A night stroll: the climb to the floodlit Bonne Mère and the quiet quays make a memorable walk.

Should you climb up to Notre-Dame de la Garde?

Yes, without hesitation. One of the free things to do in town is to walk up and visit the Basilique Notre-Dame, known to locals as the Bonne Mère. Built in the 19th century at the highest point of Marseille, it offers panoramic views of the city, the sea, the islands and the calanques in the distance.

• How to get up? On foot for the energetic, by tourist train or by bus to save your legs.
• Best time? Late afternoon, when the light turns the facades golden.
• Don't miss: the 360-degree panorama from the forecourt, considered the finest around.

Which museums to visit in Marseille?

For culture, two neighbouring sites hold the essentials and can be seen in the same half-day, facing the open sea.

• The MuCEM: the museum of European and Mediterranean civilisations and a must-see cultural landmark, linked to Fort Saint-Jean by a footbridge. Its concrete lattice by Rudy Ricciotti, a piece of stunning architecture, has become an iconic image of the city. During your stay at the Amista, reserve your tickets directly at our reception for preferential conditions.
• The Grotte Cosquer: housed in the Villa Méditerranée, this faithful replica of the decorated underwater cave, brought to light by diver Henri Cosquer at Cap Morgiou, displays prehistoric paintings nearly 30,000 years old. This archaeological treasure has already drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors.
• La Vieille Charité: for its archaeology and art collections, in a rare baroque setting.

Where to see another side of the city?

Lovers of heritage will continue to the abbey of Saint-Victor, one of the oldest places of worship in France, whose 5th-century crypt watches over its quarter. For a younger, more colourful mood, head to Cours Julien. Architecture fans should also see the Cité Radieuse, Le Corbusier's modernist landmark.

• The abbey of Saint-Victor: a striking view of the harbour and the Bonne Mère.
• Cours Julien: ever-changing street art, designer boutiques, lively bars and a colourful vibe.
• The Cité Radieuse: Le Corbusier's iconic building, a piece of 20th-century architecture history.

What photo spots shouldn't you miss?

Marseille is a very photogenic city, and certain viewpoints are constantly featured on Instagram.

• The square in front of the basilica: a panoramic view of the city and the open sea.
• The staircase at Saint-Charles train station: a monumental perspective over the city's rooftops.
• The colorful streets of Le Panier district: weathered facades and street art on every corner.
• The Ombrière du Vieux-Port (Old Port Shade): reflections and plays of light guaranteed at any time of day.
• The Corniche Kennedy at dusk: the sea, the islands, and the fiery sky.

How to discover the calanques of Marseille?

The Calanques National Park stretches between the city and the Mediterranean, its cliffs plunging into the clear sea. There are several ways to explore the coves, depending on your energy.

• On foot: Sugiton, reached from the Luminy campus, is the easiest for a first discovery. En-Vau, more demanding, rewards seasoned walkers.
• By boat: a cruise from the harbor combines sightseeing with a swim, the most comfortable option and ideal for families.
• By kayak or diving: to explore Sormiou, Morgiou and the seabed.
• Good to know: access is restricted in summer because of fire risk. Check the official information the day before, set off early and bring water and good shoes.

Which beaches to choose in Marseille?

The beaches are never far, from wide family stretches to hidden coves: the Amista is the ideal seaside hotel in Marseille to enjoy the coast.

• The Prado shoreline: landscaped and ideal for families.
• Pointe Rouge and Les Catalans: for a quick swim near the city.
• Vallon des Auffes: a tiny, postcard fishing village tucked into the stunning coastal scenery.
• The Corniche Kennedy: one of the finest coastal roads, perfect for beautiful sunsets facing the islands.

Where to shop and find local produce?

• The Noailles market: spices, olives, sun-ripened fruit and fresh produce.
• La Plaine: one of the liveliest squares in town, with stalls several times a week.
• Rue Saint-Ferréol: the main shopping street of the quarter.
• Notre-Dame du Mont: designers, record shops and independent boutiques for a unique find.
• The soap shops: to bring home a genuine savon de Marseille.

What's on through the year?

• Exhibitions: the Vieille Charité and the city's galleries refresh their shows regularly.
• Concerts and festivals: summer multiplies the open-air events.
• Sport: match nights at the Vélodrome set the rhythm of the calendar.
• Sundays: the quays and their terraces take on a village-fair feel, a moment to experience at least once.

Before you go, check the tourist office posts and the Instagram accounts dedicated to the city to see what's on.

Which room category to choose?

Depending on the size of your group, you will find a room suited to your needs, from the solo traveller to the large family. Every category comes with Palace bedding, air conditioning, free wifi, a flat-screen TV and a well-appointed private bathroom.

• Comfort Room: ideal for a short break or a solo traveller, at the best value.
• Superior Balcony and Deluxe Balcony Rooms: for the outdoors, sometimes facing the rooftops.
• Mansard Junior Suite: a more generous space under the rooftops of Marseille.
• Connecting rooms: for families of up to six, a rare asset for a 3-star hotel.

Good to know: for a romantic break, the Deluxe Balcony Room is the couples' favourite, with its private space and view over the city at sunset.