Best places to stay in Marseille
AC Hotel Marseille Prado Velodrome
4 Allée Marcel Leclerc, 13008
This cool, calm Marriott hotel is right by the Orange Velodrome, home of Olympique de Marseille football club. Whether you’re visiting on business or watching a Ligue 1 match, you’ll love the outdoor pool, excellent facilities, and well-regarded restaurant.
Mama Shelter
64 rue de la Loubière, 13006
On top of its Instagram-friendly interior, this trendy hotel offers great value, friendly service and a perfect location. What’s more, the restaurant – run by a Michelin-starred chef – offers a well-executed menu of Mediterranean favourites from burrata to baba ghanoush.
Le Ryad
16 rue Sénac de Meilhan, 13001
For a taste of Morocco in Marseille, look no further than Le Ryad. Think traditional rugs, tiles and lanterns, with spacious rooms and friendly service. But the best bit is the garden – a tranquil courtyard lined with palm trees and ferns. It’s the perfect place to breakfast on Berber pancakes and mint tea.
Best places to eat in Marseille
Chez Michel
6 Rue des Catalans, 13007
You’ll find bouillabaisse – a fish, potato, saffron and tomato stew – all over the city, but nowhere does it better than Chez Michel. Here, they separate the fish from the broth after cooking and serve them in two delicious courses. It’s been a local mainstay since 1946 for a reason – the dish is cooked with super-fresh ingredients and decades of experience.
Deep
15 Rue Glandeves, 13001
Deep deals in top-notch coffee and pastries in the morning, and delicious hot dishes at lunch. It’s the perfect place to fuel up before a day in Marseille, and also a great place to rest halfway through. Expect simple but well-executed lunches like pasta with leeks and gorgonzola, and some of the best coffee in town for afterwards.
Chez Etienne
43 Rue Lorette 13002
Marseille’s love affair with pizza started when Italian immigrants introduced it to the city in the 19th century. This small but distinguished pizzeria is a local’s favourite – so arrive early to miss the queues. You’ll find perfect wood-fired pizzas, as well as squid, steak, ravioli and salads. Check out the wall of fame for some notable patrons.
Best things to do in and around Marseille
Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
Rue Fort du Sanctuaire, 13006
Towering over the city, this exceptional basilica tells the story of Marseille. Built on the site of an ancient fort, it was expanded from a medieval chapel in the 19th century. You can even see battle scars from the Second World War liberation of France. Its mix of Romanesque and Byzantine styles reflects the city’s diverse influences.
Explore Le Panier
Le Panier – or, ‘the basket’ – has everything you need for a day or night out in Marseille. There are quaint corners and bustling streets, boutiques, bakeries and bars. The city’s oldest quarter, Le Panier dates back as far as Ancient Greece. Today, it’s easy to lose yourself in its sun-baked squares.
Calanques National Park
Route du Feu de la Calanque de Morgiou, 13009
Just outside the city lie the crystalline waters of the Calanques National Park. This breath-taking destination is a great place to see the Mediterranean. Walk and climb the craggy rocks, then snorkel in the bright turquoise waters. Dive, revive, repeat.
