Marseille

About Marseille

France’s vibrant second-largest city lies on the very southern coast, but it’s more of a lively port than a seaside resort. It has some beaches but the coastline is rugged, making it a great location for watersports and scuba diving. The Calanques National Park, which stretches from Marseille to Cassis, is a natural paradise for hikers and offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean.

Marseille is home to a mix of Arab, African and French cultural influences, which gives it a cool multicultural vibe. There’s a lively nightlife scene with parties and underground raves taking over underused locations, such as the old tobacco factory La Friche. The Noailles district boasts a lively market selling street food from around the world, but Marseille’s signature dish is Bouillabaisse. Enjoy this traditional fish stew at Le Vieux Port where you can also get a great view over the harbor.

It's worth taking a guided tour around the city’s top attractions such as Centre de la Vieille Charité, Cathedrale de la Major, the iconic Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, and the historic Le Panier district. Football is also huge here thanks to the mighty Olympique Marseille, and thousands of fans come to watch this amazing team at their home ground.