Are you thinking about visiting Marseille, France? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Marseille worth visiting?
Yes, it's worth visiting this city for two to three days because of the many great activities. Marseille is a well known port city in southern France along the French Riviera. It has a fascinating old town and a long running history. There are many historic attractions and a lot to explore as a touristy. It's often mentioned as one of the best places to visit in major publications, such as in BuzzFeed's Most Under-rated Travel Destinations For 2023.
Vegetable Market in Marseille, France
Reasons to Visit Marseille
Food
It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.
Nightlife
Much of the city's nightlife is centered around being outdoors. Whether you're on the beach or hanging out at a rooftop bar, Marseille is a magical place.
Historical Sights
The Old Port is filled with shops and boutiques, and is the most scenic part of the city. It dates back to the Middle Ages and is filled with history and character.
Shopping
The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.
Beaches
The city has nice beaches that offer both culture and diversity, which may be lacking some other coastal parts of the French Riviera.
Christmas Markets
The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.
Is Marseille worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the high season for travel in Marseille, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is quite touristy, so in the high season it's busier than usual. You'll see larger crowds and longer lines, as well as higher prices. On the other hand, there's plenty to see and do at this time of year because everything is open. Summer is a popular time to visit Marseille.
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 24°C (75°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 29°C (84°F).
You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to lounge on the beach, browse around the old town, and dance the night away.
Summer Weather in Marseille
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| August | 23°C (74°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| September | 20°C (69°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
Is Marseille worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Marseille. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 16°C (61°F).
Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. During this season it's fun to experience the gorgeous scenery, the historic old town, and the quaint atmosphere. Also, you'll be able to revel in the Christmas markets.
Autumn Weather in Marseille
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 16°C (61°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| November | 11°C (51°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| December | 7°C (45°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
Is Marseille worth visiting in the Winter?
The weather in Marseille can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 7°C (44°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
The low season for travel in Marseille is during the winter. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices. Marseille is filled with culture, so even in the cooler winter months, there's plenty to do.
This is a great time of year to enjoy a meal at a restaurant, admire the historic sights, and take advantage of the local nightlife.
Winter Weather in Marseille
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 7°C (44°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| February | 8°C (46°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| March | 10°C (50°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
Is Marseille worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Marseille. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 13°C (56°F).
The city this time of year is absolutely beautiful. Admire the gardens, parks, and fantastic architecture, too. Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, admire the quaint atmosphere, and take in the beautiful scenery. Also, you can browse around the old town and enjoy an evening out.
Spring Weather in Marseille
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 13°C (56°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| June | 21°C (69°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Marseille
Not As Family-Friendly
While there are some family activities, it's not as child-friendly as other destinations.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Marseille might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Marseille here or see if Marseille is expensive here.
Related
What is Marseille most famous for?
Marseille is most famous for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. People visit this impressive city for its great food, nightlife, and historical sights. Also, it's known for shopping. Many people love the beaches and christmas markets, too. It is often described as energetic and vibrant.
What is the most famous sight in Marseille?
The most popular sight in Marseille is The Vieux Port. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Marseille on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Vieux Port and other attractions here.
How touristy is Marseille? Is it a popular city to visit?
Marseille is a popular city for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Cassis : Two Calanques Tour by Electric Mountain Bike: $43
- Calanques National Park Kayak Day Tour: $112
- Lavender Tour Sault from Marseille: $158
- Vintage Guided Tour of Marseille: $38
- Marseille Old District : Private Walking Tour: $190
- Rope Climbing Adventure and Hiking in La Ciotat: $60
- Guided Tour in Vieux Port & Old City: $55
- 2H: City-Tour Marseille: $274
How long should I spend in Marseille?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Marseille is two to three days. Since Marseille has a variety of activities such as dining, nightlife, and historical sights, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Marseille? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Marseille?.
More Things to Do in Marseille
- Is Parc National des Calanques Worth Visiting?
- Is Château d'If Worth Visiting?
- Is Le Panier Worth Visiting?
- Is The Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde Worth Visiting?
- Is Fort Saint-Jean Worth Visiting?
- Is Parc Borély Worth Visiting?
- Is Vieux Port Worth Visiting?
- Is The Marseille History Museum Worth Visiting?
- Is MuCEM Worth Visiting?
- Is La Vieille Charité Worth Visiting?
- Is Marseille Cathedral Worth Visiting?
- Is Palais Longchamp Worth Visiting?
- Is The Abbaye of Saint-Victor Worth Visiting?
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.