Marseille: Getting there & around

Orientation

France's second city is 782km (484mi) south of Paris, perched on the Mediterranean's Golfe de Lion. Marseilles' major icon and main thoroughfare is the very grand La Canebière, which stretches eastwards from the waterfront and Vieux Port (Old Port). The train station is north of this famous boulevard, linked by a monumental flight of steps and Blvd d'Athènes. The harbour is lined by quai du Port, to the north, and quai de Rive Neuve on the south. The ferry terminal is around 1km (half a mile) northwest of the Vieux Port, just west of place de la Joliette and a few minutes' walk north of the bubble-headed Nouvelle Cathédrale de la Major. The old Le Panier quartier (or what's left of it) is north of the Vieux Port, and Plage du Prado, the city's main beach, is around 5km (3mi) to the south via corniche Président John F Kennedy - you'll know you're there when you spot the outsized statue of David. Overseeing all is the high-domed and golden Virgin-topped Notre Dame de la Garde basilica, perched south of the port on the city's highest hill. Marseille is divided into 16 arrondissements (districts); most visitors find themselves in the first (1er), second (2e), sixth (6e) and seventh (7e).

Marseille has some of the cheapest and dodgiest accommodation in France - for more reputable choices head to the area north of La Canebière, the streets surrounding place de la Préfecture and (if price is no object) the coastal corniche Président John F Kennedy. To sample the city's fabled bouillabaisse and other fishy treats, head straight to quai du Port and quai de Rive Neuve; the latter is flanked by the pedestrianised place Thiars, whose surrounding streets overflow with wining and dining opportunities. You'll also find plenty of bars and cafes on cours Julien, south of La Canebière.

Getting There

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Getting Around

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