Choose from 33 Fun Things to Do in Marseille
ShowingFilter 21-33 of 33 listings.
MAC Contemporary Art Museum
Marseille's Museum of Modern Art is also known as the Contemporary Art Museum, which is a direct translation of the French Musee d'Art Contemporain and usually seen in print simply as MAC. The site is a bit out of the way, in Marseille's 8th arrondissement; but that's no reason to leave it out of a city itinerary. The museum is more relevant to the world of contemporary art than ever before, especially with the recent Year of Culture hosted by Marseille.
The permanent collection features works from the mid-20th century to the present, while the ever-changing temporary exhibitions highlight the work of new and emerging artists from around the world. However, there is a focus on French artists, which gives foreign visitors an excellent overview of the country's current arts scene. In addition, the complex that houses MAC also hosts concerts, conferences, panel discussions and many other events.
Practical Info
The Contemporary Art Museum (Musee d'Art Contemporain) is located at 69 avenue de Haïfa in the 8th arrondissement. Take the metro to Rond-Point du Prado and then bus 23 or 45 to Haïfa-Marie-Louise. The museum is closed on Mondays, Christmas Day and on the first of January, May and November. Otherwise, the museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets cost 5 euro for adults and are free for kids under 18. On Sunday mornings, tickets are free until 1 p.m.
Address: 69 Avenue de Haifa, Marseille 13008, France
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm
Admission: Adults €5, Children under 18 FREE
From $ 30
Marseille Museum of Fine Arts (Musee des Beaux Arts)
Marseille's Museum of Fine Arts is one of the city's main museums, and was opened in 1801 by the Consulate along with five other museums in the other large cities of France. Originally housed in the Couvent des Bernardines, it has been transferred to a wing of the lavish Palais Longchamp in 1869, a now historical monument built by architect Henry Esperandieu in 1862.
The Museum of Fine Arts' collection includes over 8,000 paintings, sculptures, and drawings dating back from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Works are from diverse European schools, including the French (which are majorly represented), Italian, Spanish and Northern (Flanders and Holland). A large collection of sculptures by Pierre Paul Puget (1620"“1694) and Auguste Rodin's masterpiece "La Meditation", a gift from the artist himself, are among the best examples of the French school on display.
Practical Info
The museum is located on rue Edouard Stephan nearby Gare Saint-Charles. It can be reached by tram line 2 or metro line 1 at stop Longchamp. It is not recommended to get there by car as there is little parking in the area. Entrance to the museum's permanent exhibition costs €5 (full fare) or €3 (reduced fare). Temporary exhibits have different fees: €10 (full fare) or €8 (reduced fare) for Category 1 exhibits, €8 (full fare), €5 (reduced fare) for Category 2 exhibits and €5 (full fare) or €3 (reduced fare) for Category 3 exhibits. These also include access to the permanent exhibition. Guided tours are also available for €4 per adult, and €2 per child (5 to 13). Family activities and special rates are also available. Entry to the museum is free on the first Sunday of the month. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am until 6pm, but it is closed January 1st, May 1st, November 1st, December 25 and 26.
Address: Palais Longchamp, 7 rue Edouard Stephan, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur 13004, France
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am until 6pm; Open Easter Monday and Pentecost Monday; Closed January 1st, May 1st, November 1st, December 25 and 26.
Admission: Permanent collection: €5
From $ 30
Musee Cantini
Located in Marseilles, the Musee Cantini specializes in modern art and focuses specifically on paintings from 1900-1950. It has been open since 1936 in a building built in 1694 for the Compagnie du Cap Nègre. It belonged to a string of notorious men before Jules Cantini bequeathed it down to the city of Marseilles in 1916, requesting that it become a museum of decorative arts.
Today, the museum holds one of France's largest public collections of art created during the first half of the 20th century. A highly diverse selection of artists is represented, including works by those who practice pointillism, fauvism, and cubism. The museum also has an important selection of drawings.
Practical Info
Musee Cantini is located on rue Grignan. It is accessible by metro line 1 (Station Estrangin / Prefecture) or by car "“ there There is an indoor parking lot two streets south on Boulevard Paul Peytral. Access to the permanent collection is €5 (full fare) or €3 (reduced fare). Access is free for children at all times, and for everyone on the first Sunday of the month. Guided tours are available Saturdays at 2pm. That same afternoon, a speaker is available to answer guests' questions at 5pm, 5:15pm and 5:30pm. Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3:30pm, a guided tour and activity for families is available (reservation recommended). Le Petit Salon, a space is also open for children accompanied by adults Tuesday to Sunday from 10am until noon.
Address: 19 rue Grignan, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur 13006, France
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am until 6pm; Open Easter Monday and Pentecost Monday; Closed January 1st, May 1st, November 1st, December 25 and 26.
Admission: Permanent collection: €5; Reduced fare: €3; Children free
From $ 30
Vallon des Auffes
With its charming jumble of fishing boats and fishermen’s cabins clustered around the small harbor, and framed by the arches of a stone-brick bridge; visiting Vallon des Auffes feels like stepping back in time. Located along the Marseille Corniche, the historic port village is a world away from the bustling city and makes a tranquil detour for those traveling along the coastal road.
Despite its diminutive size, Vallon des Auffes punches well above its weight when it comes to gastronomy and its handful of waterfront restaurants are well known for serving delicious fresh fish and seafood. Top restaurants include Chez Fonfon, L’Epuisette and Chez Jeannot, while the most celebrated dish is Provencal specialty bouillabaisse.
Practical Info
Vallon des Auffes is located in Marseille’s 7th arrondissement, just south of the city center.
Address: Boulevard des Dardanelles, Marseille, France
From $ 17
Natural History Museum of Marseille (Museum d'Histoire Naturelle)
Founded in 1819 by Jean-Baptiste Marquis de Montgrand, the Natural History Museum of Marseille holds over 160,000 fossils and zoological specimens as well as 210,000 botanical and mineral specimens. The museum is located in the Palais Longchamp in Marseilles, alongside the Fine Arts Museum.
There are four exhibition areas on the site: la salle Safari (World Fauna), la salle de Provence (Regional Fauna and Flora), la salle d'osteologie (Comparative Anatomy) and la salle de prehistoire, sur l'evolution (Prehistory and Evolution). There are also occasional conferences and temporary exhibitions.
Practical Info
The museum is located Palais Longchamp on Rue Esperandieu in Marseilles. It can be reached by tram line 2 and by metro 1 (Station Longchamp). It is not advised to get there by car as there is little parking in the area. The museum is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Admission to the permanent exhibition and temporary exhibition is €8 / €5 (full fare / reduced fare) and €5 €3 for the permanent exhibition. Admission is free to all on the first Sunday of the month.
Address: Palais Longchamp, Rue Esperandieu, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur 13004, France
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 10am "“ 6pm; Open Easter Monday and Pentecost Monday; Closed January 1st, May 1st, November 1st, December 25 and 26.
Admission: Permanent exhibition AND temporary exhibition: €8; Permanent exhibition: €5
From $ 30
Roman Docks Museum (Musee des Docks Romains)
Located in Marseille's 2nd Arrondissement, between the City Hall and the Cathedral, and built on the ruins of an ancient Roman warehouse discovered in 1947, the Roman Docks Museum features, as its name states, exhibits based on the 20 Roman shipwrecks that have been found nearby.
The museum opened in 1963, and was renovated in 1987. It is one of the only still-used today commercial warehouses from the Roman era in all of France, and is considered a Historic Monument. Fernand Benoit, a world-renowned archaeologist and historian, helped preserve some of the site's relics including 30 large jars dating back from the Roman Empire, and walls and wells from medieval homes.
Practical Info
Admission is €3 / €2 (Full fare / reduced fare) and the museum can easily be reached by public transportation, either by bus (line 83, Quai du Port stop or line 55, Caisserie Beauregard stop). It can also be reached by car, via the Rue de l'Évêche exit from A55 / Boulevard des Dames.
Address: 10 Place Vivaux, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur 13002, France
Hours: Tuesday "“ Sunday: 10am "“ 6pm; Closed on January 1, May 1, November 1 and December 1
Admission: Full fare: €3; Reduced fare: €2
From $ 30
Place aux Huiles
Marseille is known as a vibrant city, and it's mostly with good reason. Even on the winding back streets of the Old Town, there are raucous conversations taking place among locals, and it seems like there's always something going on at every hour. Between the active port and the souk-like markets, it can all get a bit overwhelming, and when that's the case, visitors can head to the Place aux Huiles for a wonderful respite from the daily hub-bub.
Translated, the Place aux Huiles is Oil Square, which refers to the old canal that led from the Old Port to a shipping point for barrels of olive oil. In the early 20th century it was filled in, and later on the Place aux Huiles was built and named in honor of its past.
Today the L-shaped square, designed to resemble an Italian piazza, is just off the Quay Rive Neuve on the Old Port and is lined with some of the best restaurants and bars in town. But because it is off the main drag and only open to pedestrians, the area is relaxing, quiet and the perfect place to while away a lazy afternoon after sightseeing in the morning.
Practical Info
Place aux Huiles sits near the Old Port of Marseille.
Address: Place aux Huiles, Marseille, France
From $ 30
Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology
The Vieille Charite in the heart of Old Town Marseille houses not one, but two museums "“ the Museum of African, Oceanic and American-Indian Art (Musee d'Arts Africains, Oceaniens et Amerindiens) and the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology (Musee d'Archeologie Mediterraneenne). Formerly a poorhouse and then an orphanage throughout its four-century history, the structure's restoration in the mid-20th century was championed by architect Le Corbusier. The site has since served as a fun destination for fans of art and history, as well as those who simply want something a bit off the beaten path.
Unlike its sister museum, the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology focuses on the history of the immediate area and features items found in the region and specifically in and around Marseille. With that, the museum not only tells the history of Marseille, but of Mediterranean Europe in general, and can be an enlightening take for visitors from around the world.
Moving from the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology to the Museum of African, Oceanic and American-Indian Art is an easy transition, as both complement one another. There are temporary exhibits as well, and the most recent featured works by Picasso. For cruise day trippers, the Vieille Charite is an easy stroll from the cruise port.
Practical Info
The Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology (Musee d'Archeologie Mediterraneenne) is located at the Vieille Charite, 2 rue de la Charite, in the 2nd arrondissement. The museum is closed on Mondays, Christmas Day and on the first of January, May and November. Otherwise, the museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets cost 5 euro for adults and are free for kids under 18. On Sunday mornings, the permanent collections are accessible for free until 1 p.m. Take the Metro line 2 to Station Joliette or the tram line 2 to Arrêt Republique Dames.
Address: 2 Rue de la Charite, Marseille 13001, France
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm
Admission: Adults €5, Children under 18 FREE
From $ 30
Iles du Frioul
The Iles du Frioul is a collection of 4 islands off the coast of Marseilles. They are Pomègues, Ratonneau, If and Tiboulen. Until the 16th century they were largely uninhabited although visited by passing sailors needing a rest from trade or war. But in 1516, Francois the Ist visited Marseille and decided the islands were the perfect place for a fort to defend Marseille, hence the Ile d'If was developed as a fortress and later, prison.
From the 17th to the 19th century, they were used as a place of quarantine for people suspected of carrying plague or cholera. Sea birds and rare plants thrive on these tiny islands, each about 1.25 miles (2.5km) long, totalling 500 acres (200 hectares), which are sprinkled with the ruins of the old quarantine hospital, Hôpital Caroline and Fort Ratonneau (used by German troops during WWII).
In 1974, the small village of Port Frioul was established as a base for exploring the flora, fauna, beaches and clear-waters of the islands. It has restaurants and around 700 mooring points for boats.
There is a regular ferry service to the Ile d'If. To visit the others look to hiring a private boat, or go by organized tour.
Address: Marseille, France
Admission: Free
From $ 30
Marine Museum
Marseille's connection to the sea goes back millennia, and even today the city has one of the largest, busiest ports in Europe. While perhaps not the hottest ticket in town, the Maritime and Commercial Museum of Marseilles (Musee de la Marine et de l'Economie de Marseille, or simply the Marine Museum) should still be a stop on any visitor's agenda, as it is dedicated to what Marseille is all about.
Housed in the Palais de la Bourse, the former Chamber of Commerce, the Marine Museum charges 2 euro per ticket, which is definitely within any traveler's budget. The exhibits focus mostly on modern maritime history, which spans the last 500 years or so, and provide a fascinating look into what has made Marseille a major player in the worldwide maritime economy.
The stars of this show are the to-scale boat models from centuries past, and the nautical maps are works of art in and of themselves. There are also items from the early days of scuba diving, which show modern divers just how much the equipment has changed.
Practical Info
The Maritime and Commercial Museum of Marseilles (Musee de la Marine et de l'Economie de Marseille) is located at Palais de la Bourse 9, in the Canebière neighborhood in the 1st arrondissement. It is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day, and entrance costs 2 euro per person.
Address: 9 La Canebière, Marseille 13001, France
Hours: Daily 10am-6pm
Admission: Adults €2
From $ 30
Marseille History Museum (Musee d'Histoire)
Following extensive renovations back in 2013, the Marseille History Museum is now one of the largest history museums in Europe and it's a fitting homage to France's oldest city, showcasing a fascinating array of archaeological finds. Exploring the interactive exhibitions and multi-media displays, visitors can follow the evolution of Marseille from its founding by the Greeks back in 600BC, to the early Christian settlers, through to medieval times and the redevelopment of the city under Louis XIV.
Notable highlights include an impressively preserved 3rd-century Roman cargo boat, a remarkable collection of 13th century pottery and a series of architectural works by Pierre Puget. Also worth a visit is the open-air Jardin des Vestiges, which displays excavated remains, including a paved Roman Toad, necropolis and antique Greek walls.
Practical Info
The Marseille History Museum is located in central Marseille, close to the Vieux-Port and is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Admission is €5.
Address: Centre Bourse, 2 Rue Henri Barbusse, Marseille 13001, France
Hours: Tues-Sun 10am-6pm
Admission: €5
From $ 30
Museum of African, Oceanic and American-Indian Art
With its ancient roots, Marseille is the perfect city to host the Museum of African, Oceanic and American-Indian Art (Musee d'Arts Africains, Oceaniens et Amerindiens). And the Vieille Charite, with its fascinating architecture, is the perfect place to house it.
The Vieille Charite may not look like much from the outside, as it was originally a poorhouse dating back to the late 17th century. But inside, visitors are treated to a massive courtyard with symmetrical rows of beautiful arches, where light plays over the pinkish stone from nearby quarries. At the center of the courtyard is a jewel box of a chapel; all in all, it would be a worthy sightseeing destination even if it didn't house a museum.
Or should it be museums, plural? In addition to the permanent exhibitions of the Museum of African, Oceanic and American-Indian Art, which features striking ethnographic pieces and ancient artifacts, there are several temporary exhibits in other gallery spaces, as well as the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology (Musee d'Archeologie Mediterraneenne).
The museum and its exhibits provide a wonderful, off-the-beaten path activity that's perfect for the whole family. Note that the site is widely known as the greater Vieille Charite, rather than the specific museum names.
Practical Info
The Museum of African, Oceanic and American-Indian Art (Musee d'Arts Africains, Oceaniens et Amerindiens) is located at the Vieille Charite, 2 rue de la Charite, in the 2nd arrondissement. The museum is closed on Mondays, Christmas Day and on the first of January, May and November. Otherwise, the museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets cost 5 euro for adults and are free for kids under 18. On Sunday mornings, tickets are free until 1 p.m.
Address: Rue de la Charite, Marseille 13002, France
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm
Admission: Adults €5, Children under 18 FREE
From $ 30
St Vincent Church (Eglise St-Vincent)
Located at the heart of Les Baux de Provence, St Vincent Church (Eglise St-Vincent) is one of the village’s most charming historic landmarks and a fascinating remnant of its troglodyte past. Dating back to the 12th century, the beautifully preserved church is most notable for its unique rock-cut design, partially carved into the hillside and retaining a unique cave-like atmosphere.
Behind its humble stone-brick façade, the small church offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, with its three cave chapels, rock carved baptismal font and striking stained glass windows. Still an active church, St Vincent’s hosts daily services throughout the year, but the most popular time to visit is for Midnight Mass on December 24th, when the church hosts a traditional Pastrage ceremony.
Practical Info
St Vincent Church is located on Place Saint-Vincent in the centre of Les Baux-de-Provence and is open daily. Admission is free.
Address: Place Saint Vincent, Les Baux-de-Provence 13520, France
Hours: Open daily
From $ 69