Marseille Old Port And Panier District Walking Tour

Marseille , France

Marseille Old Port And Panier District Walking Tour

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Your private guide will lead you from La Canebière to the Mucem, starting at the Old Port, where you'll explore the bustling waterfront and learn about its significance in Marseille's history. Wander through the narrow streets of the Panier neighborhood, soaking in the atmosphere of this ancient quarter and stopping to admire the street art and local shops. Visit the 17th-century Centre de la Vielle Charite, once an almshouse and now a cultural center, where you'll learn about its history and architecture. Continue to the magnificent Cathedrale de la Major, a stunning example of 19th-century architecture, before heading to the Mucem, a modern museum dedicated to Mediterranean culture. The tour concludes with a walk around the Fort Saint-Jean, offering panoramic views of the city and the sea.

Available options

2H Small Group Walking Tour

Duration: 2 hours

2H Private Walking Tour

Duration: 2 hours

What's included

Help from our team to book the tickets for the desired visits.

In-person: English, Spanish, French, Italian speaking Guide

Walking tour

Private or Small group tour available

Customization of the tour

Detailed itinerary

Begin your tour at the iconic Old Port, the historic heart of Marseille and a bustling waterfront area lined with cafés, restaurants, and boats. Take in the lively atmosphere and picturesque views of the harbor before exploring further.

Next, head to Le Panier, Marseille's oldest neighborhood known for its narrow streets, colorful buildings, and artistic flair. Explore charming alleyways adorned with street art, visit local boutiques and galleries, and soak up the neighborhood's unique ambiance.

Stop 3

Visit the Centre de la Vieille Charité, A stunning architectural complex that houses museums, exhibitions, and cultural spaces. Admire the Baroque architecture of the building and explore its galleries, which showcase art and artifacts from various periods and cultures.

Stop 4

Explore the Cathédrale de la Major, Marseille's impressive cathedral located near the Old Port. Marvel at its grand architecture, intricate details, and stunning interior, which features beautiful stained-glass windows and ornate decorations.

Stop 5

Discover the Mucem, a modern museum dedicated to the civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean. Explore its fascinating exhibits, which cover a wide range of topics including history, art, and culture, and enjoy panoramic views of the sea from its terrace.

Conclude your tour with a visit to Fort Saint-Jean, a historic fortress located at the entrance of the Old Port. Learn about its rich history and explore its ramparts, gardens, and exhibitions, which offer insights into Marseille's maritime heritage.

What's not included

Tips (Optional)

Entry to monuments and museums

Drink or Food

Transportations (the cost of using public transport during the tour is at your own expense)

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.7

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

It's a city tour and not a tour inside the monuments.

Please note: A minimum of 2 participants is required for the group option.

Recommended for all travelers

Meeting point

1 Quai de Rive Neuve, 13001 Marseille, France, is a vibrant address situated along the picturesque Old Port (Vieux-Port) of Marseille. With its scenic waterfront views and bustling atmosphere, it serves as a lively meeting point in the heart of the city.

About Marseille

Marseille, the oldest city in France, is a vibrant port city known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning Mediterranean coastline. With its bustling Vieux Port, historic architecture, and nearby Calanques National Park, Marseille offers a unique blend of urban and natural attractions.

Top Attractions

Vieux Port (Old Port)

The heart of Marseille, the Vieux Port is a bustling harbor surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and shops. It's a great place to start your exploration of the city.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore

Calanques National Park

A stunning coastal park with turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and hidden beaches. Perfect for hiking, swimming, and kayaking.

Nature Half-day to full day Free entry

Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

A iconic basilica offering panoramic views of Marseille. A symbol of the city and a must-visit for its architecture and views.

Religious 1-2 hours Free entry

MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations)

A modern museum exploring the history and culture of the Mediterranean region. The building itself is an architectural marvel.

Museum 2-3 hours €11 for full access

Château d'If

A historic fortress and prison, made famous by Alexandre Dumas' novel 'The Count of Monte Cristo'. Accessible only by boat.

Historical Half-day €10 for the boat and entry

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bouillabaisse

A traditional Provençal fish stew made with various types of fish and shellfish, served with rouille and toasted bread.

Dinner Contains seafood, gluten (in the bread)

Navettes

Small, orange-blossom flavored biscuits shaped like boats, a specialty of Marseille.

Snack Vegetarian, contains gluten

Tapenade

A spread made from olives, capers, and anchovies, typically served with bread or crackers.

Appetizer Vegetarian option available (without anchovies)

Popular Activities

Hiking in Calanques National Park Kayaking in the Mediterranean Scuba diving at the Riou Islands Sunbathing at Plage des Catalans Spa treatments at a luxury hotel Strolling along the Vieux Port Visiting museums and galleries Attending a performance at the Grand Théâtre de Marseille

Best Time to Visit

June to September

This is the best time to visit Marseille for beach activities and outdoor exploration. The weather is warm, and the city is lively with festivals and events.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English, Arabic, Italian
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Marseille is generally safe for tourists, but like any large city, it has its share of petty crime. Exercise caution, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps.
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night.

Getting there

By air

Marseille Provence Airport • 25 km from city center

By train

Marseille Saint-Charles

By bus

Gare Routière Saint-Charles

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and easy to use, with two lines connecting key destinations.

Taxis

Available • Apps: G7, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Le Panier La Canebière Cours Julien

Day trips

Aix-en-Provence

30 km • Half-day to full day

A charming university town known for its elegant architecture, vibrant markets, and proximity to the Luberon region.

Cassis

25 km • Full day

A picturesque coastal town known for its stunning calanques, white cliffs, and vibrant port. Ideal for swimming, hiking, and boat tours.

Arles

80 km • Full day

A historic town with Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and a rich artistic heritage. Arles is known for its connections to Vincent van Gogh.

Festivals

Fête de la Musique • June 21 Marseille Jazz Festival • July Festival de Marseille • June to July

Pro tips

Visit the Calanques early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best light for photography.
Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Provençal dishes like bouillabaisse and tapenade.
Explore the city's street art scene in the Cours Julien and Panier neighborhoods.
Try local specialties like navettes, panisse, and socca at the markets and street food stalls.
Take a boat tour to the Château d'If for a unique perspective on the city and its history.