You can read about my previous trip to Lyon, France, here.
The journey from Lyon to Marseille took about five hours by bus. I had heard beforehand that Marseille was a city where travelers needed to be particularly careful about safety, so I chose a bus that would arrive around noon, allowing me to finish the journey before dark.
After arriving at Marseille Saint Charles Station, I pulled my suitcase through the city toward the hostel where I would be staying. There was still some time before check in, so I stopped at McDonald’s for lunch and waited there for a while. McDonald’s in France still feels reasonably priced, which makes it a useful option while traveling.
Marseille, a Port City with 2,600 Years of History
Marseille is said to be the oldest city in France, with a history stretching back approximately 2,600 years. Around 600 BC, ancient Greeks from Phocaea, located in what is now western Turkey, founded a settlement here called Massalia. The city later developed into an important center of Mediterranean trade.
Even today, the Old Port, known as Vieux Port, remains the heart of Marseille. Boats fill the harbor, while fish markets, cafés, and restaurants line the surrounding streets. Although Marseille has an incredibly long history, the waterfront still has the open and relaxed atmosphere of a Mediterranean port city.
Marseille Soap, the Classic Souvenir from the City
If you are looking for a souvenir, Marseille soap is one of the city’s most famous products. This traditional soap developed in the Mediterranean port city and is mainly made from vegetable oils. Traditional varieties often contain olive oil, and some are made with simple ingredients without added fragrances, coloring, or preservatives.
However, not every product sold in shops uses the same ingredients or production methods. If you want to buy a more traditional variety, it is worth checking the ingredients and the percentage of vegetable oil used.
Marseille soap is such an iconic local souvenir that it immediately catches your eye whenever you enter a souvenir shop.
I did not buy any this time, though.
La Marseillaise and the City of Marseille
The name Marseille also appears in the history of the French national anthem, La Marseillaise.
The song was originally composed as a military song in Strasbourg in 1792. During the French Revolution, volunteers from Marseille sang it as they marched toward Paris. The people of Paris began to associate it with the soldiers arriving from Marseille, and the song eventually became known as La Marseillaise.
Learning how it later became the French national anthem made me appreciate once again the important place Marseille holds in French history.
Four Nights at The People Hostel Marseille
I stayed at The People Hostel Marseille for four nights, which cost 100 euros in total. The location was excellent, with convenient access to central Marseille and many of the city’s main attractions. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to explore the city mainly on foot.
Show Google Map
The Shared Space and Terrace
When it was finally time, I headed to the hostel and checked in.
There was no shared kitchen, but the basement had a spacious area with several tables. Guests could work there or eat food they had bought elsewhere. Having somewhere to open a laptop was particularly useful for people traveling for a long period or working while moving between cities.
Drinks were available to order from the reception area on the ground floor. Outside, there was a long row of open terrace seats, and the atmosphere was especially pleasant while it was still light.
It seemed like a comfortable place to relax on days when you did not feel like going far from the hostel.
I Heard Screaming Outside on My First Night
Late on my first night, we suddenly heard someone screaming outside. Everyone in the room sat up at the same time.
I had absolutely no idea what was happening, but eventually it seemed as though there was no serious problem. Everyone somehow calmed down and went back to sleep.
I still have no idea what that was about.
The experience gave me the impression that it was better to choose busy streets at night and avoid walking alone late after dark.
Why I Stayed in Marseille for Four Nights
One reason I stayed in Marseille for four nights was that I wanted to use one day of the trip to visit Monaco.
Since my itinerary included both sightseeing in Marseille and a day trip to Monaco, I allowed myself a little extra time in the city.
Read more about my trip to Monaco in the article below.
Walking Around Vieux Port
When I visited the area around Vieux Port, rows of stalls lined the waterfront. During the daytime, the Old Port had the peaceful atmosphere of a relaxed seaside town.
Walking beside the harbor while looking at the boats and feeling the sea breeze was incredibly pleasant.
If you visit Marseille, I recommend starting your walk at Vieux Port. It is one of the easiest places to experience the distinctive atmosphere of the city.
Visiting Notre Dame de la Garde
On a hill overlooking the Old Port stands Notre Dame de la Garde, the basilica that represents Marseille.
It can be seen from many parts of the city and feels almost like a symbol watching over Marseille.
Show Google Map
From a Thirteenth Century Chapel to the Present Basilica
The first small chapel was built on this site in 1214.
The present basilica was constructed during the nineteenth century, when Marseille was developing into the largest port in France. Its foundation stone was laid in 1853, and the basilica was consecrated in 1864.
In other words, the original thirteenth century chapel has not survived unchanged until the present day. Instead, the magnificent building we see today was constructed in the nineteenth century on a hill that had already been a place of worship for hundreds of years.
Model Ships Hanging from the Ceiling
One of the most memorable sights inside the basilica was the collection of miniature ships hanging from the ceiling.
These ships were offered by sailors, fishermen, and their families as expressions of gratitude or prayers for safety at sea. They were decorations that clearly reflected the deep connection between the port city of Marseille and the people whose lives depended on the sea.
A Panoramic View of Marseille from the Hill
Because the basilica stands on top of a hill, it offers panoramic views across Marseille and the Mediterranean Sea.
Walking up the hill takes some effort, but the view waiting at the top made the climb worthwhile. If you do not want to walk, you can also reach the basilica by bus from the area around the Old Port.
Château d’If Seen from the Hill
From Notre Dame de la Garde, you can also see Château d’If rising from the sea.
It is a fortress built on an island that was later used as a prison.
Château d’If is famous as the prison where Edmond Dantès, the main character in Alexandre Dumas’s novel The Count of Monte Cristo, is imprisoned. I would like to read the novel someday.
Boats and sightseeing tours also travel to the island, so it may be worth visiting if you have enough time.
Visiting Marseille Cathedral on Another Day
On another day, I visited Marseille Cathedral, also known as Cathédrale de la Major, near the port.
This is another major example of nineteenth century architecture. Its foundation stone was laid in 1852, and construction was completed in 1893. The cathedral took approximately forty years to build.
Show Google Map
The exterior features alternating bands of light and dark stone, giving the cathedral a striking presence against the surrounding harbor scenery.
The historic Le Panier district is located nearby. Once you enter its quieter lanes, you will find narrow streets and charming buildings with plenty of character.
Instead of visiting only the cathedral and immediately leaving, I recommend exploring the surrounding streets as well if you have time.
Dinner at Splendido in Marseille
During my stay in Marseille, I went to a restaurant on only one evening.
The restaurant I visited was called Splendido. It was a relatively polished and glamorous place with a lively atmosphere.
Show Google Map
I ordered truffle pasta and wine.
At some point, without even noticing, I had developed enough confidence to walk into this kind of restaurant alone.
When you continue traveling alone, things that once required a little courage gradually begin to feel completely normal.
Final Thoughts: I Arrived in Marseille Feeling Cautious, but Found a Historic City with a Refreshing Sea Breeze
I arrived in Marseille feeling slightly nervous because I had heard that the city was not particularly safe.
However, the area around Vieux Port felt calm during the day. The harbor was filled with boats, the sea breeze was refreshing, and I was able to spend my time much more peacefully than I had expected.
At the same time, hearing screams outside on my first night left me with the impression that visitors should still be careful after dark.
I do not think there is any need to be excessively afraid, but simple precautions are worthwhile. Arriving during the daytime, choosing busy streets, and avoiding walking alone late at night can make your stay more comfortable.
Marseille has an Old Port with approximately 2,600 years of history, Notre Dame de la Garde watching over the city, Château d’If rising from the sea, and Marseille Cathedral, which took around forty years to complete.
After exploring the city on foot, I realized that Marseille is much more than simply a port city in southern France. It is a place where the histories of the sea, religion, trade, and revolution overlap.
Since I also visited Monaco during my stay, the four nights passed incredibly quickly.
There are still many places I did not have time to see. If I return, I would like to take a boat to Château d’If and try bouillabaisse, one of Marseille’s most famous local dishes.
After finishing my stay in Marseille, my next destination was Barcelona, Spain.
