Villas to Rent South of France
A Complete Marseille Travel Guide
Marseille, France’s second-largest city, offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy.
Known as the gateway to Provence, Marseille captivates visitors with its stunning seaside views, rich history dating back to its founding by Greek settlers over 2,600 years ago, and a thriving multicultural atmosphere that sets it apart from other French cities.
Not only is this city enchanting, in July and August of 2024, Marseille shined on the global stage as it hosted sailing and football events for the Paris Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games. Its natural harbors and state-of-the-art stadiums made it the perfect destination for showcasing athletic excellence against a backdrop of Mediterranean beauty.
From the bustling Vieux-Port (Old Port) to the serene calanques with their turquoise waters, Marseille is a city of contrasts and surprises, perfect for a once in a lifetime trip.
Where is Marseille?
Located at the junction of the Mediterranean Sea and the Rhone River, Marseille sits roughly 775 kilometers (480 miles) southeast of Paris and just 200 kilometers (125 miles) from the Italian border. The city enjoys a prime coastal position, making it a key port and gateway to Europe for centuries. Marseille’s location also provides easy access to the picturesque Provençal countryside, nearby cities like Aix-en-Provence, and the stunning Calanques National Park.
Marseille was founded by the Greeks in about 600 B.C. It soon turned into a major trading port and continues to fulfill a similar role today. It recently emerged as an international tourist destination and its neighboring villages provide travelers with countless places to explore and activities to experience.
What to Do in Marseille
It makes sense to start your tour of Marseille in the Vieux Port –full of old charm and steeped in its history as an ancient trading port. Nowadays the Old Port still lies at the heart of the city, where the manufacture of Marseille soap began some six centuries ago. You can also where you can find lots of wonderful cafes and restaurants.
The Vieux-Port is also home to Mucem, a museum of culture and civilizations that explains the history surrounding the Mediterranean.
Wander around the Le Panier district – a cool funky artsy area that is also one of the oldest neighborhoods in . You will find plenty of café-filled squares, bistros and unique boutiques.
Stretch you legs while making the climb up to the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, which has been a long-standing symbol of the city as she presides high upon the hill overlooking the ancient city.
Where to Stay in Marseille
We recommend staying central, both in the Vieux Port area, La Canebière (a historic high street in the old quarter ), or Le Painer where, colorful murals adorn the narrow, hilly streets.
Our two favorite hotels:
Maison Montgrand
A charming concept boutique hotel in the heart of Marseille’s historic city center
Hotel Dieux, IHG Hotel – 5 star
set in a superb 18th century building in the historic quarter of Marseille, 350 metres from the Old Port
Where to Eat in Marseille
Since Marseille is a port city, seafood will be the name of the game. The most famous dish to eat is Bouillabaisse- a steaming bowl of fish soup with hints of saffron, garlic and fennel.
Café Simon: A great spot for local seafood with welcoming service.
Chez Loury: A well-known option for sampling the famous bouillabaisse.
La Boite a Sardines: Le Panier
Even if you don’t love sardines, this is an iconic spot in a trendy area. Don’t worry there are more options on the menu 🙂
Stay in Provence: Your Villa Awaits
Only Provence offers the largest curated collection of luxury villas in the region, from historic stone farmhouses to contemporary estates with sweeping views. Each property is hand-selected for character, comfort, and authenticity, with concierge services available to arrange everything from private chefs to guided tours.
Ready to experience the magic of Provence for yourself? Contact a Villa Rental Specialist today to begin planning your stay and find the perfect villa from which to explore.
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Only Provence co-founder Lydia Dean writes about their experiences raising a family, building a business in Provence, and later combining the love of travel with giving back in "Jumping the Picket Fence”. In 2021, she published “Light Through the Cracks,” a continuation of her journey, much of which has been based in Provence. Both books are available Amazon, Amazon.uk, and Amazon.Fr.