Top 6 activities in Marseille

On this dedicated page, choose the best activities in Marseille to soak up its art of living. The city of Marseille has a culture all its own! You’ll soon be learning all the secrets of making authentic Marseille soap, or sampling the city’s best culinary specialities one by one under the benevolent gaze of Notre Dame de la Garde, affectionately known as the Good Mother.

There’s something for everyone in this multifaceted city. Travellers with a passion for heritage will love visiting the historic treasures of this town in the Bouches du Rhône. Sports enthusiasts can explore the rugged outskirts of Marseille. Those with a sweet tooth will be on the lookout for artisanal shops and the best tastings in the working-class districts, the Old Port and the town hall! As you can see, when it comes to things to do in Marseille, there’s something for everyone, with a wide variety of experiences to choose from!

As well as discovering the city’s magnificent historical heritage, you can opt for more modern activities in the great outdoors. Like exploring the surrounding dry countryside. On a hike, flush out the best spots in Marseille’s calanques, swim in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean and enjoy a magnificent viewpoint as a couple, a family with children or a group of friends. The opinions are unanimous: these visits offer an unforgettable spectacle.

What to do in Marseille? 6 activities and outings to choose from

Your activities will allow you to get to grips with the controversial side of Marseille, and possibly soften the blow. Yes, generally speaking, you either love or hate Marseille! There are many reasons for these contrasting impressions, but the city’s long history gives it advantages unlike any other city in France. Public transport (bus, metro) makes it easy to get around the city. So you can visit Marseille at your own pace.

1. Try your hand at soap-making at the Marseille Soap Museum

Category: € / Unusual / Cultural

Description: Head for the quays of Marseille’s Vieux-Port opposite Fort Saint Jean to enter this historic museum with its refreshing scent. Housed in the former galley arsenal from the time of Louis XIV, your workshop will take on a whole new dimension. You’ll soon learn the secrets of France’s most famous soap. The machines from another era, the period advertisements and other unusual objects are sure to surprise you. Then it’s on to the saponification workshop, full of 100% natural floral scents. You’ll even have the chance to personalise your soap – it’s the detail that makes all the difference.

Good to know: Psst… After a visit to the Musée du Savon de Marseille, you’ll be offered a 100g piece of Provence! This is one of Marseille’s must-see museums.

2. Climbing in the calanques

Category: €€€ / Sensations / Sporty

Description: Here’s the ideal activity for combining sport and exploring the countryside. In Marseille, Cassis or La Ciotat, you can discover the calanques vertically on a via ferrata or via cordata! Accompanied by experienced instructors, you’ll enjoy a unique thrill ride along the famous cliffs bordering the Mediterranean, the ancestral pride of the people of Marseille. It’s a great way to get a breath of fresh air while admiring the scenery.

Good to know: Although every effort will be made to ensure your safety, don’t forget the essentials: walking shoes, a bottle of water and protective clothing. Shorts and tank tops are out!

3. Explore the calanques by boat in Cassis

Category: €€ / Cultural Marseille activities

Description: From the charming little coastal town of Cassis (40 minutes from Marseille’s Vieux-Port by car, 1 hour 15 minutes by bus), you will embark on a boat to discover the magnificent calanques on the Marseille coast. During a 45-minute to 2-hour trip, you’ll be in the best possible position to marvel at this unique natural heritage, with an unbeatable view of Marseille and its calanques. The calanque en vau is considered the most sublime of all. An outdoor activity to enjoy with family or friends.

4. Take a gourmet trip around the world at the Noailles market

Category: €€ / Unusual

Description: Head to 5 cours Saint-Louis in the heart of Marseille for a gourmet world tour! Accompanied by your guide, lunch will take you from shop to shop, taking in the Hautes-Alpes, Tunisia, Cape Verde, Senegal, Vietnam and Djibouti. This 3-hour tasting adventure ends in a café where you can sample desserts from all over the world. It’s the perfect way to fully experience the cultural mix that is so typical of the city of Marseille!

5. Try your hand at cocktail mixology

Category: €€ / Unusual / Gastronomic leisure activities

Description: Marseille loves to party and indulge in simple pleasures. Getting together for a drink with friends is one of them. Discover the basics of mixology during this workshop organised by barmen with a passion for cocktails. Right in the centre of Marseille, discover the key stages in creating a cocktail with rum, champagne and so much more. You’ll be blown away by the fabulous mixes on offer and the infinite possibilities of these alchemies. Make a note in your diary of things to explore when you visit Marseille!

6. Explore the calanques on a stand up paddle

Category: €€ / Unusual Marseille activities

Description: Departing from Cassis, you’ll be struck by the beauty of the Calanques National Park during a Stand Up Paddle excursion! The unique panoramas, sun-drenched translucent water and whitish rock form an extraordinary picture. At your own pace – after all, you’re on holiday – feel the gentle sensations of the waves, sail wherever you like and take a swim break in this paradise-like setting. The real bonus of this activity is that you’ll reach places that are only accessible by sea! Ideal for families and friends alike.