The blog

Marseille, told by the people who live there

No listicle copy-pasted for the tenth time. Here, we write what we actually know: the city's history, what there is to do, how to plan your trip properly.

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History & heritage

Marseille Audio Guide: Self-Guided Walking Tour (2 Stops Free)

20 landmarks, one minute each, no app and no tour guide's umbrella to follow: see Marseille at your own pace.

7 min read
History & heritage

Fun Facts About Marseille: 15 Surprising History Stories

A rhino, an emperor who never slept in his own palace, the crazy man's house: 15 true stories to steal the show at dinner.

7 min read
Practical guide

Marseille in December: Weather and 15 Things to Do

Winter sun, mistral, mulled wine: Marseille's December weather and 15 ideas, outdoors and in.

7 min read
Practical guide

Christmas in Marseille: What to Do and What's Open Christmas Day

From December 24 to January 1: traditions, what's open on the 25th, family ideas and the week between the holidays.

7 min read
Itinerary

Christmas Weekend in Marseille: A 2-Day December Itinerary

Santons, navettes, Christmas lights, Notre-Dame de la Garde and the Corniche: two December days in Marseille, hour by hour.

7 min read
Practical guide

Christmas in Provence: Markets and Day Trips from Marseille

Aix, Aubagne, Arles, Les Baux, Allauch: the Provençal Christmas outings to make from Marseille, with the 2026 dates.

7 min read
Practical guide

Marseille Christmas Market 2026: Dates, Santons and Lights

Christmas market, santons fair, lights: what to expect in Marseille and what to verify.

5 min read
Practical guide

New Year's Eve in Marseille: Fireworks? Where to Go

No official fireworks in years: here is what to expect on December 31 and where to celebrate.

5 min read
Practical guide

13 Desserts of Provence: The Christmas Tradition Explained

The Provençal Christmas dessert tradition: the list, its meaning and where to find it in Marseille.

5 min read
Practical guide

Santons of Marseille: History, the Fair and How to Choose

Hand-painted clay figurines: history, the Vieux-Port fair and tips for buying one.

5 min read
Practical guide

La Chandeleur in Marseille: Procession, Navettes, Abbey

February 2: dawn procession, the black Virgin of Saint-Victor and blessed navette biscuits.

5 min read
Practical guide

Marseille Souvenirs: Christmas Gift Ideas Made Here

Soap, navettes, santons, olive oil and more: souvenirs worth taking home, and how to buy them.

5 min read
Practical guide

What to Do in Marseille When It Rains: Indoor Ideas

Museums, the Cosquer replica, the Cité Radieuse and cozy stops for a wet day.

5 min read
Practical guide

Mistral Wind in Marseille: What It Is and How to Cope

A cold, dry northwest wind: when it blows and how it affects boats and hikes.

5 min read
Practical guide

Calanques Reservation: Sugiton Rules, Dates and Fire Closures

Free reservation for Sugiton on set dates in 2026, fire closures and what to check.

5 min read
Practical guide

Marseille in November: Weather, What to Do, What Closes

Showers and sunny breaks, fewer crowds and cheaper stays: what to expect.

5 min read
Practical guide

Airbnb in Marseille: the best neighborhoods for a weekend

Vieux-Port, Le Panier, Cours Julien: which neighborhoods to pick, and how to spot a scam listing before you book.

10 min read
Practical guide

Airbnb or hotel in Marseille: what to choose?

Budget, space, autonomy, convenience: the honest comparison, without favoring either.

8 min read
Practical guide

Self-check-in in Marseille: what to know

Key boxes banned from public street furniture since 2025: how self-check-in for an Airbnb actually works.

7 min read
Special occasion

Airbnb for a bachelor/bachelorette weekend

Budget, group size, booking timing: how to pick the right Airbnb for a weekend with friends.

8 min read
Local tips

Cooking in your Airbnb in Marseille

Got a kitchen? Here's where to shop and get breakfast by neighborhood.

7 min read
History

The History of Marseille, France's Oldest City

From a Greek trading post founded 2,600 years ago to a cosmopolitan port city: how Marseille became what it is, no shortcuts.

12 min read
Practical guide

What to Do in Marseille: the Real Guide, Not the Same 10-Item List

Vieux-Port, calanques, Le Panier, Cours Julien... what's actually worth your time, neighborhood by neighborhood, and what we skip.

14 min read
Practical guide

The Calanques of Marseille: the Complete Guide

Sormiou, Morgiou, Sugiton, En-Vau: which one to choose, how to get there, when to go.

13 min read
History & heritage

Notre-Dame de la Garde: History and Visitor Guide

The basilica watching over Marseille: history, how to get up there, what you'll see.

9 min read
Good tables

Best Restaurants in Marseille: Our Real Addresses

Bouillabaisse, neighborhood bistros, natural wine: where to eat well without falling into tourist traps.

10 min read
Practical guide

When to Visit Marseille: the Right Time for What You Want

Weather, crowds, prices, sea temperature: the best time depending on what you're after.

8 min read
Itinerary

Marseille in 2 Days: the Itinerary That Actually Works

The hour-by-hour plan to discover Marseille in a weekend, without running everywhere.

11 min read
Money-saving tips

Marseille on a Budget: Visiting Without Breaking the Bank

Free activities, transport tips, where to eat without overspending: the smart small-budget guide.

9 min read
Budget & prices

How Much Does a Trip to Marseille Cost?

Accommodation, meals, transport, activities: real prices, from a shoestring trip to a high-end stay.

10 min read
Budget & prices

Hotel Prices in Marseille: What Does a Night Cost?

Hostel, 2-3 star, 4-5 star, Airbnb: prices by category and neighborhood.

8 min read
Practical guide

Is Marseille Safe? The Honest Verdict, No Exaggeration

What's true, what's overblown, which neighborhoods and hours call for extra care.

8 min read
Practical guide

Where to Stay in Marseille: The Right Neighborhood for You

Vieux-Port, Le Panier, Cours Julien, Endoume: which neighborhood to pick for your trip.

9 min read
Practical guide

Marseille or Nice: Which City Should You Visit?

Vibe, prices, beaches, nightlife: the honest comparison, no home-town bias.

8 min read
Going out

Bars & Nightlife in Marseille: Where to Go Out

Rooftops, natural wine bars, Cours Julien: how Marseille's nightlife really works.

8 min read
Practical guide

Marseille with Kids: What to Do as a Family

Parks, hands-on museums, family-friendly coves: the real guide for a trip everyone enjoys.

8 min read
Special occasion

Bachelor Party in Marseille: Planning a Great Stag Weekend

Boat, football, rooftop, good food: the plan that actually works, without the tired clichés.

10 min read
Special occasion

Bachelorette Party in Marseille: the Program That Actually Works

Boat, calanques, rooftop, good food: how to build a bachelorette weekend people won't forget.

11 min read
Practical guide

Marseille Airport to City Centre: The Full Guide

Shuttle, train or taxi: prices, timing and our honest advice for the trip into town.

6 min read
Practical guide

Marseille in One Day: The Cruise Port Guide

Real visiting time, how to reach the centre, and an hour-by-hour plan for a cruise stopover.

12 min read
Practical guide

The Best Beaches in Marseille: Our Ranking

Le Prado, Les Catalans, La Pointe Rouge, Malmousque: our honest ranking, by what you're after.

13 min read
Practical guide

Château d'If and the Frioul Islands: The Complete Guide

Is it worth it, tickets, opening hours, and the Frioul islands as a bonus.

10 min read
Good tables

Where to Eat Real Bouillabaisse in Marseille

The classic tourist trap, what it should really cost, and where to find honest addresses.

7 min read
Practical guide

Hiking the Calanques: Trails by Difficulty Level

From an easy family walk to the multi-day GR 98-51 traverse, sorted by difficulty.

11 min read
Practical guide

Marseille or Aix-en-Provence: Which One to Choose?

30 minutes apart but barely alike: an honest comparison, and why doing both might win.

7 min read
Culture

Visiting the Vélodrome: The Complete Guide

Stadium tour, tickets, catching a match: the complete guide to Orange Vélodrome.

7 min read
Culture

Street Art in Cours Julien: Our Walking Route

The real creative pulse of Marseille, plus the Noailles market next door.

6 min read
Practical guide

Is Marseille Worth Visiting? Our Honest Take

What works, what can disappoint, and who it's really for.

8 min read
Practical guide

Marseille or Paris: Which City to Visit First?

Budget, vibe, the sea, trip length: how to choose for your trip.

8 min read
Practical guide

Getting Around Marseille: Metro, Tram, Bus Guide

2 metro lines, 3 tram lines, a seasonal water bus: how to get around without a car.

7 min read
Practical guide

Do They Speak English in Marseille?

Where English works well, and a few French words that genuinely help.

5 min read
Practical guide

Do You Tip in France?

Service is already included by law. Here's the real etiquette, no confusion.

5 min read
Practical guide

What to Pack for Marseille

Mistral wind, blazing sun, cool evenings: what we pack, season by season.

6 min read
Practical guide

Our Favorite Day Trips From Marseille

Cassis, Aix-en-Provence, the Camargue, Avignon: the best day trips.

8 min read
Practical guide

Scams and Pickpockets in Marseille: How to Avoid Them

The ring trick, the Old Port bracelet, tampered ATMs: what to know.

6 min read
Practical guide

Solo Travel in Marseille: Our Honest Guide

Neighborhoods, transit, eating alone, safety at night: the honest guide.

6 min read
Practical guide

The Noailles Market: The Real Marseille in One Visit

Spices, global produce, a one-of-a-kind atmosphere: our neighborhood guide.

6 min read
Practical guide

Real Marseille Soap: How to Spot the Genuine Article

How to spot genuine Marseille soap and where to buy it.

5 min read
Practical guide

Parking in Marseille: Zones, Rates, and Good Options

Zones, rates, free hours, covered garages: the complete guide.

5 min read
Practical guide

Internet in Marseille: eSIM, SIM Card, or WiFi

How to stay connected in Marseille without a huge roaming bill.

5 min read
Practical guide

Marseille in Winter and at Christmas: What to Expect

Weather, Christmas market, santons, fewer crowds: our honest guide.

6 min read
Practical guide

Public Holidays and Sundays in Marseille: What Stays Open

What stays open, and how to avoid getting caught out.

5 min read
Practical guide

Marseille or Barcelona: Which City Should You Choose?

Atmosphere, budget, beaches, nightlife: the honest comparison.

7 min read
Practical guide

Diving and Snorkeling in the Marseille Calanques

Visibility, accessible spots, dive clubs: our underwater guide.

6 min read
History & heritage

The Cosquer Cave in Marseille

Tickets, hours, visit length: our full take on Cosquer Méditerranée.

6 min read
Practical guide

How to Get to Marseille

TGV trains, international flights, travel time comparisons.

6 min read
Good deals

Free Things to Do in Marseille

MuCEM, the calanques, Le Panier: everything free to do.

6 min read
Practical guide

Wheelchair-Accessible Marseille

Metro, tramway, adapted beaches: what to know.

6 min read
Itinerary

3 Days in Marseille

Old Port, calanques, Le Panier: the day-by-day program.

8 min read