Self Guided Historic Marseilles Walk from Cathedral to Coast

Marseille , France

Self Guided Historic Marseilles Walk from Cathedral to Coast

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Looking for something to do beyond seaside activities in Marseilles? Explore the historic districts of Marseille at your own pace with this self-guided walking tour via a mobile app. From the grand Marseille Cathedral to the bohemian alleys of Le Panier, and from lively Old Port views to hidden gems like Vallon des Auffes, this tour blends history, culture, and coastal charm.

Along the 2-3 hour, 6 km route, you will uncover Marseille’s ancient Greek roots, its rise as a Mediterranean powerhouse, and its transformation to a modern cultural hub. You will also hear about local delicacies like bouillabaisse and a biscuit that is blessed every year!

Perfect for first-time visitors, just download the app, plug in your earphones, and let the tour lead you through Marseille’s most iconic – and unexpected – sights.

Available options

Self Guided Historic Marseilles Walk from Cathedral to Coast

What's included

Check or search your inbox for an email from “Tourific” for tour access instructions.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee: If you don’t love the tour, write to us for a full refund.

Audio and written guide included

Images to identify stops and in-app interactive map for navigation

Offline access to the tour (no internet connection needed) once tour is downloaded

1-year access on iOS & Android. Listen to the tour anytime, as many times as you like

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Find out how this grand striped cathedral was meant to rival St. Peter’s Basilica and why locals still call it “The Pyjamas.”

Wander through Marseille’s oldest neighborhood, once a Greek settlement and later a resistance stronghold turned artist haven. Discover hidden gems like La Vieille Charité.

Learn how this elegant 17th-century building survived over the ages

Walk along the port where Marseille was born and where fishermen still sell their daily catch and learn about traditional dishes in the region

Pass through some famous streets and pause at the opera house that rose from the ashes—literally.

Stop 6

Explore this fortified Romanesque abbey and hear about the boat-shaped biscuits blessed annually by the Archbishop!

Stop 7 Pass by

Discover Napoleon III’s unrealized seaside palace and enjoy sweeping views over the harbor he sought to control.

Dip your feet in Marseille’s most accessible beach, and take an optional stroll to Vallon des Auffes, a secret fishing port tucked into the cliffs

What's not included

Any physical devices or headphones

Human tour guide at location

Available languages

Audio guide

DE RU PT EN IT PL FR NL ES

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

This is a self-guided audio tour on the "Tourific self-guided tours" app. To activate the tour, check your email for instructions from Tourific or your booking platform sent right after booking. Can’t find it? Search for “Tourific” in your email inbox and spam folder. OR contact us via support.

Important notes

Know before you go :

•⁠ ⁠You will need to download the "Tourific self guided tours" app from the Google play store or App store

•⁠ ⁠Right after booking, you’ll receive an email from Tourific or the tour booking platform with instructions to access the tour.

•⁠ ⁠Having trouble finding the email? Just search for “Tourific” in your inbox or spam folder.

•⁠ ⁠For any issues - contact support@tourific.org

•⁠ ⁠The tour is valid for 1 year and can be listened to any number of times. So feel free to download tour and experience a few stops before going on the tour.

•⁠ ⁠Fully charge your phone and carry your headphones, sunscreen, water bottle and a hat for the best experience

•⁠ ⁠The tour follows a set route that we recommend that you follow. Once the tour is downloaded, the introduction will guide you to your starting point

•⁠ ⁠Change of plans? Enjoy the tour on a different day or from home

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.