National park
Calanques National Park
Marseille, France
White limestone creeks with turquoise water between Marseille and Cassis.
City · France · Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Marseille
France's oldest port city, gritty and sunny, with creeks of turquoise water on its doorstep.
about 5 h
For storytellers
Why Marseille matters
Marseille does not try to be pretty in a postcard way, and that is its charm. It is a working port with North African, Italian and Mediterranean influences, loud markets and fish stews. Then you take a short boat or hike to the Calanques, where white limestone cliffs drop into impossibly clear water.
Talking points
- It was founded by Greek sailors from the eastern Mediterranean.
- Bouillabaisse is the classic dish; ask what goes into it before you order.
- A wild coastal national park starts at the edge of the city.
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What to see in Marseille
Church, mosque or temple
Notre-Dame de la Garde
Marseille, France
Hilltop basilica watching over the city and its sailors.
Neighbourhood
Le Panier
Marseille, France
Marseille's oldest quarter of steep lanes, murals and craft shops.
Historic site · UNESCO
Cité Radieuse
Marseille, France
Le Corbusier's pioneering housing block, still lived in today.
Monument
Palais Longchamp
Marseille, France
Grand 19th-century fountain-palace celebrating arrival of water to the city.
Neighbourhood
Vallon des Auffes
Marseille, France
Tiny fishing harbour under a bridge, minutes from the centre.
Also nearby
Within about 40 km, closest first.