What to do in the area

Climb up to Notre Dame de la Garde

It's steep, but from the top, the view is panoramic over the whole city. Climb up in the evening during the summer for the sunset. Inside, admire the mosaics and ex-votos. During the summer, a bar and a food truck (a bit expensive and crowded, but the place is magical) set up on the esplanade. It's the perfect spot for sunset drinks.

Stroll on the Old Port

Less than 10 minutes' walk away, you arrive at the Old Port. The Ferry Boat allows you to cross the port to reach the Town Hall. In the morning, there is a fish market at the end of the quay (fresh fish continuously landed by the fishing boats returning to the port).

Beware of pickpockets in the busy areas please !

Swimming in Malmousque

There are numerous rocky coves in Malmousque between the Endoume point and the Maldormé Cove (a beach completely sheltered from the mistral wind). It's very pleasant in the late afternoon in summer, with a pizza from L'Eau à la Bouche (but please, do not leave your trash on the rocks!).

The Catalans sand beach

Very lively in the summer, the popular Catalans beach is family-friendly and has fine sand. To the right, you'll see the CNM (Cercle des Nageurs Marseillais) and the luxurious building of Rudi Ricciotti, the Sea One. Off the coast of the beach, there's an underwater museum - get your masks ready!

Enjoy Villa Valmer

Public garden that was threatened with "privatization" with the construction of a luxury hotel, abandoned project. Sea view, calm, ideal for a green picnic between visits.

Mucem and the garden of Fort St Jean

Even if you don't want to visit an exhibition, you can go up to the top of the MuCEM for free. There, behind the concrete mesh, comfortably seated on the deck chairs, you can watch the boats pass by. Then, stroll through the beautiful Mediterranean gardens of the Fort Saint-Jean.

The Palais du Pharo

Watch the sunset at the Palais du Pharo. Beautiful view of the entrance to the Old Port from the gardens. Public garden with large lawns. There is also a restaurant (cash only), the Chalet du Pharo, with a view of the entrance to the Old Port, very nice in the summer.

Visit the Iles du Frioul

Take a boat to the Frioul Islands. Stop at If to visit the Count of Monte Cristo's Castle, but then continue on to Pommègues and Ratonneau for beautiful walks with a view of all Marseille and swimming in turquoise waters.

Go to L'Estaque and eat panisses and chichis frégis

In the summer, a shuttle service from RTM connects the Vieux Port to l'Estaque. The one-way ticket costs only 5€ (and is included in the weekly pass). You can also reach this area by train. Once you arrive in l'Estaque, get a cone of panisses or chichis frégis, flavored with orange blossom, and walk along the painters' trail of l'Estaque (Cézanne, Braque, Derain, etc.).