Marseille City Highlights: Private Half-Day Tour & Viewpoints
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover Marseille’s highlights in a smooth half-day private ride, balancing historic quays, scenic viewpoints, and charming old streets. Your driver adjusts timing for photo stops and exploration, with pickup and drop-off at your hotel. Start at Vieux-Port, the city’s lively harbor, then stroll the lanes of Le Panier. Admire the striped façade of Cathédrale La Major, followed by modern architecture and sea views at MuCEM & Fort Saint-Jean. Climb to Notre-Dame de la Garde for sweeping panoramas before cruising along Corniche Kennedy to Vallon des Auffes, a postcard-perfect fishing cove.
Available options
Marseille City Highlights: Private Half-Day Tour & Viewpoints
Pickup included
What's included
Fuel and Tolls
WiFi on board
Personal English-Speaking professional Driver
Hotel pickup and drop-off
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Detailed itinerary
1
Marseille’s historic harbor is the city’s lively stage: fishing boats, café terraces, the mirrored Ombrière canopy, and constant snapshots toward Fort Saint-Jean. It’s the perfect orientation stop and an easy place to feel the city’s pulse.
2
The oldest quarter steep little streets, street art, and tiny squares sits right above the port. We’ll drop you at the edge so you can stroll a few minutes through its characterful lanes and artisan shops before rejoining the car.
3
Stop 3
This monumental 19th-century cathedral pairs striped stonework with vast interiors and a sweeping forecourt overlooking the sea. Entry is free, making it an easy in-and-out cultural stop.
4
MuCEM & Fort Saint-Jean. MuCEM’s honeycomb façade and the pedestrian footbridges to Fort Saint-Jean deliver classic Marseille views. The outdoor areas and gardens are free access during opening hours; exhibitions are ticketed if you choose to visit.
5
The city’s symbol at 157 m offers a 360° lookout over Marseille and the islands.
6
Corniche Kennedy & Vallon des Auffes. This scenic coastal drive is a balcony above the Med, dotted with Belle-Époque villas and viewpoints. We’ll pause at tiny Vallon des Auffes an old fishing inlet that’s pure postcard.
What's not included
Other beverages and meals
Tips and gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
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Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For 1–3 people: A comfortable sedan will be assigned to your group.
For 4–7 people: A spacious minivan will be assigned to your group.
Important notes
Please show this to your driver.
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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
