Marseille
Overview
Marseille's majestic Italianate Old Port is a focal point for nightlife and restaurants. Board a ferry to the offshore Frioul islands. Climb through the alleys of the historic Le Panier district, and follow broad La Canebière avenue to the Palais Longchamp museums. For beach life, travel the coast road to South Marseille.
Background
Marseille, though probably France's oldest city, seems to sweep you up in its explosive energy. A vibrant arts and music scene centred on the powerfully fortified Old Port reflects the city's unique fusion of Mediterranean cultures. Close to the harbour, visit ruins dating to the ancient Greeks. Explore Le Panier, site of the original Marseille. You'll find chic shopping and stylish bars off the impressive La Canebière avenue that slices through the city centre.
First-time visit
Gaze at the rectangular expanse of the Vieux Port, or Old Port, enclosed by Italianate 17th-century buildings and guarded by twin fortresses. Sip a pastis, Marseille's anis-flavoured aperitif, before you explore the intriguing narrow streets on the south side, studded with unpretentious fish restaurants specialising in classic Marseille bouillabaisse chunky fish stew. Make your way up the steps and alleyways of Le Panier, the city's oldest neighbourhood. For fashionable bars and stylish shopping, turn off Le Canebière, the wide, arrow-straight central avenue.
Return visit
Linger over the 16th- and 17th-century paintings of the Fine Arts Museum in the ornate Palais Longchamp in eastern Marseille. Or if you prefer Impressionists and modern art, head to Musée Cantini near the main city-centre shopping street of Rue St-Ferréol. Explore the lovely bays and harbours on the corniche road as it edges the South Marseille shoreline, especially the picture-book harbour of Anse des Auffe, with its excellent fish restaurants.
airports
Marseille Provence Airport
Essentials
France's fourth largest airport, Marseille Provence Airport transports around 6 million passengers a year to over 91 cities in 37 countries. Frequent shuttle buses take you to Marseille Saint-Charles train station in downtown Marseille in 25 minutes.
Airport Facts
- Airport code
- MRS
- Airport website
- Marseille Provence Airport website
- Airport tel
- +33 (0) 4 42 14 14 14
- No. of terminals
- Two
- Distance from city centre
- 19 miles (30km) northwest of Marseille.
- Transport between terminals
- International and domestic terminals are located in the same building which is a 5–10 minute walk from the newer mp2 terminal used by low–cost airlines.
- Airport parking
- There are nine car parks and around 6,000 parking spaces. Parking is free for up to 40 minutes in some car parks. Advance booking is not possible but you can call +33 (0)4 42 14 29 27 or email parcsautos@marseille-provence.aeroport.fr for information on rates and access. Valet and car–washing services are also offered.
- Time zone
- GMT + 1 (+2 in summer)
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