Historic Marseille: Exclusive Private Tour with a Local

Marseille , France

Historic Marseille: Exclusive Private Tour with a Local

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Join a Local for a two-hour exclusive journey through Marseille, a can't-miss experience that invites you to admire historic landmarks, relive storied pasts, and dive into the city's rich culture.

• Discover Marseille’s past with the guidance of a Local.
• Uncover how Basilica of Notre-Dame of la Gard has defined Marseille's history.
• Experience a personalised tour, tailored to your interests.
• Get curated recommendations for further city discovery.
• Enjoy a private and intimate tour, exclusively for your group.

Immerse yourself in Marseille's heritage and let its history become part of your own journey.

Available options

2 Hours - Private Tour

Duration: 2 hours<br/>Exclusively for you: Multiple language options available

3 Hours - Private Tour

Duration: 3 hours<br/>Exclusively for you: Multiple language options available

What's included

Exclusive Private Tour

Tailored Itinerary

Local Host

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

A monumental symbol of Marseille's religious heritage, combining Romanesque and Byzantine styles in a breathtaking display.

The Préfecture in Marseille represents the city's administrative heart, a testament to its civic and political significance in the region.

A bustling public square, embodying the vibrant social and cultural life of Marseille.

Stop 4 Pass by

The Basilica of Notre-Dame of la Garde, perched on Rue Fort du Sanctuaire, offers panoramic views of the city and stands as an iconic spiritual guardian over Marseille.

Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy is a poignant tribute to the soldiers who served in the East Army, reflecting Marseille's historical military connections.

What's not included

Personal Expenses

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

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1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This tour is hosted by an independent local.

This is an exclusive private tour.

The itinerary adapts to travellers' interests and walking pace.

Stops may vary depending on weather conditions.

Entry tickets for transportation, museums, and monuments excluded.

Not recommended for guests with impaired mobility

Meeting point

We will meet at the Cathédrale La Major for a journey back in time through Marseille.

Important notes

Your Local Host will reach out to you within 24 hours before the experience to confirm the meeting location and discuss any further details.

The itinerary and stops may vary depending on the travellers’ preferences, walking pace, and weather conditions.

This is a walking tour showcasing city highlights and does not include entry tickets to public transportation, monuments, or attractions.

Have your ticket with you to show the Local Host at the beginning of the Experience.

Please arrive 15 min before the start of the experience. The experience starts on time, and for organisational reasons, there can be no waiting.

This Experience is performed by a Local Host. Local Hosts have in-depth knowledge and offer authentic insights into their city or area. Localbini.com is the leading platform connecting travellers with locals for authentic city experiences.

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.