Le Vieux Port

One of the most picturesque areas of Marseille, France's second-largest city, is the Old Port.

From Antiquity to the Middle Ages, this location served as the centre of activity in Marseille, and it is still crowded today. Admire the view:

The Old Port is one of the most picturesque areas of Marseille, France's second-largest city. From Antiquity to the Middle Ages, this location served as the center of activity in Marseille, which is still crowded today.

Boat/People Watch:

The Old Port of Marseille has long been the center of the city's activity.

When trade from the sea was the city's primary source of income, this was the hub of maritime activity. As you stroll along the quays, you can still see both new and old boats in the port today.

Additionally, there are cafes, bars, and restaurants lining the promenades, so you can stop for a snack and take in the sights.

Stroll the fish market at Quai des Belges:

For the daily fresh fish market, vendors set up shop on the Quai des Belges every morning. This landmark in Marseille is a vital component of the Old Port neighborhood, where visitors mingle with locals who have been coming here their entire lives to buy seafood. The fish being sold is as fresh as it gets because it is caught in the early morning hours in the Mediterranean Sea.

The Sainte-Marie Phare:

The Sainte Marie lighthouse, located on the esplanade de la Joliette, was constructed in 1855 and designated the northernmost point of Marseille's harbor. The impressive 60-foot-tall cylindrical turret is wholly covered in brilliant white local limestone and has a cylindrical shape. The lighthouse, which was electrified in 1922 but is now inactive, still makes for a fantastic photo opportunity because of how the Mediterranean Sea and the cloudless sky's azure blue backdrop contrast with the white of the limestone's dazzling exterior.

Ferry Ship:

From one side of the Old Port to the other, this charming little ferry boat travels several times daily from Marseille's town hall.

Previously powered by steam, the ferry has been replaced with a more environmentally friendly model that includes a solar propeller so you can ride the waves without feeling guilty.

Taste the Cuisine:

The culinary scene in Marseille's Old Port is no exception to France's reputation for fine dining.

The edges of the port are lined with high-quality bars, eateries, and cafés, many of which have outdoor seating so you can fully enjoy the South of France sunshine. Unsurprisingly, the seafood restaurants, in particular, are excellent.

Old Marseille Museum:

The Museum of Old Marseille, also known as the musée du Vieux Marseille, is ideally located just a few streets away from the port and is housed in the 16th-century Maison Diamantée. Given its marina location, fishermen also visit this collection of unique and discarded items related to maritime customs. The rooftop café's view is equally stunning.

St. Ferreol, the Augustinians:

At the eastern end of Marseille's Old Port, on the Quai des Belges, is where you'll find this Roman Catholic church.

The Knights Templar owned the land in the 12th century when the church's history began. Since then, the structure has been expanded upon and altered, including the addition of the bell tower and the neo-baroque façade. This is a stunning addition to the already lovely Old Port, and the mash-up of styles and influences works very well.

Château d'If:

Although Château d'If is technically an island and not a part of Marseille's Old Port, a trip there is a must for any visitor to the region.

The island was completely uninhabited until François I recognized its strategic value and authorized plans to construct a fort there in the 16th century. You can now travel to the island made famous by Alexandre Dumas's The Count of Montecristo via a 20-minute ferry ride from the Old Port.

Abbey Saint Victor:

One of the oldest places of worship in France is thought to be this Roman Catholic church, which was established in the fifth century by the Christian monk and theologian Jean Cassien. Although the church has many intriguing archaeological and architectural features, the view of the port below from the towers is probably the most impressive.

Observe the sunset:

The sun setting is the ideal time to explore Marseille's Old Port.

Take a seat on one of the bar's terraces with a drink in your hand and observe how the harbor is illuminated by the sun's final, otherworldly rays. The view from the top of the ride over the port, the sea, and the city of Marseille is spectacular if you're fortunate enough to be in Marseille when the Ferris wheel sets up here.