Holiday Accommodation in Marseille Bouches Du Rhone France

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Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhone)

Guide to Visiting Marseille

Marseille is France's second city - a destination for art and culture, that is also full of surprises.

From colourful markets that will make you feel like you are in Africa, to the Calanques (a natural area of big cliffs falling into the sea), from the Panier area to the Vieux-Port (old harbour) and the Corniche (coastal road),  Marseille has much to offer for a short stay or weekend break.

The historical Vieux Port is perfect for wandering around to check out cruise boats and fishing vessels.   Also see the Bas Fort St Nicholas located at the entrance of the port, which dates back to the 13th century.

Museum-goers will be delighted to find a great number of museums in Marseille. The most notable ones include Musée Cantini, which has fascinating modern art, Musée Grobet Labadie, showcasing royal furniture and objects d'art, Musée de Beaux Arts, housed in the Palais Lonchamps and Musée de la Faience, showcasing its porcelain collections. Also visit Musée d'Histoire de Marseille where you can find out more about the history of the town.

Worth a visit also is the Abbaye de St-Victor at 3 rue de l’Abbaye, a fascinating double-decker church and once one of the most powerful Abbeys in the South.

A steep climb, via twisting streets and steps, will take you to the city’s most famous landmark: Notre-Dame de la Garde, built in the 19th century, in rue Fort du Sanctuaire, an extraordinary neo-Byzantine extravagance of a basilica. There are stunning views over the city and the Mediterranean beyond.

Eating out and Nightlife

Marseilles is considered the seafood capital of Provence. The most famous seafood dish of Marseille is bouillabaisse, world renowned and worth the reputation. The two main varieties offered in local restaurants are Bouillabaisse du Ravi and Bouillabaisse du Pêcheur. "Ravi", the most complete and including six different types of fish, is a full meal. Bouillabaisse du Pêcher is smaller and lighter, with three types of fish. This is the recommended one for lunch, but even so, you will need a good appetite to have another course with it.

La Canabier, near the port is home to many restaurants and is the liveliest part of town for nightlife especially where La Canabiere crosses cours Belsunce.

Shopping in Marseille

Only Paris and Lyon can rival Marseille in the breadth and diversity of goods for sale. The Vieux Port and the streets surrounding it have lots of shops and boutiques which sell almost anything you might want in the way of souvenirs and local crafts.

Marseille does not immediately spring to mind as a place to shop for fashion, but the local fashion industry is booming. The fashion center is found along cours Julien, where there are lots of boutiques. Much of the clothing reflects North African influences, although there is a vast array of French styles as well.

Hotels in Marseille

Marseille offers a modest selection of hotel accommodation for weekend breaks or a short stay, so you are advised to either book early or grab late availability deals. There is a good choice of mid-range hotels and some budget hotel accommodation situated in the centre of Marseille.

Luxury Marseille hotels tend to be located nearer the beaches and picturesque Vieux Port.