Marseille

Mediterranean escape

When you think of Marseille, you think of the singing southern French accent, the bouillabaisse and the picturesque old town quarter of Le Panier. But the cultural capital Marseille with its new old harbour and the MuCEM has become a trend destination. Surrounded by picturesque bays and azure sea, Marseille cannot be compared to any other city.

The TGV takes you from Geneva directly to the city centre. Book the train, your hotel and even the Marseille City Pass for your excursions and visits on our website with just a few clicks. If you have any questions, we will be happy to advise you. Have a good trip to Marseille with railtour!

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Highlights

The old harbour at the end of the Canebière is still today the heart of the city. The fish market, the fishing boats and yachts, the bars and restaurants along the quays create an vibrant atmosphere. Access to the port is guarded by two fortresses, Fort Saint-Jean and Fort Saint-Nicolas. After an extensive renovation of the port, the promenade became a pedestrian zone in 2013. Particularly noteworthy is the elegant steel pavilion designed by architect Norman Foster, which reflects the coming and going of tourists from all over the world.
Marseille, the oldest city in France, was built 2'600 years ago on three hills. "Le Panier" is the site of the first settlement of Marseille and thus the oldest quarter of the city. Its village character and its steep alleys are reminiscent of Montmartre in Paris. Despite many renovations, it has retained its authentic charm and enchanted by its maze of alleys, its quiet squares and tightly packed houses. Small bistros, cafés, restaurants, boutiques and studios make for lively activity. A museum and cultural centre is located in the Vieille Charité, a former hospice for the poor.
La Major Cathedral, a majestic blend of Byzantine, Romanesque and Gothic styles, is as gigantic as St Peter's Basilica in Rome. At the port it welcomes cruise tourists in the new Euroméditerranée district, one of Europe's largest urban renewal projects: the "Halles de la Major" market halls are a true temple of gastronomy, terraces and shops are being built on the docks, and the two skyscrapers by Jean Nouvel and Zaha Hadid are now shaping the skyline. Right opposite, the Basilica Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, affectionately called "Bonne Mère", continues to watch over the city on its hilltop.
The MuCEM, Museum of the Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean, has changed Marseille's appearance, improved its image and made the city an important cultural metropolis. It displays collections and special exhibitions dedicated to Mediterranean civilizations. The cubic and glazed building with its filigree concrete structure is situated on an artificial peninsula in the Old Port and is already one of the most visited museums in the world.
In Marseille, a metropolis located directly on the waterfront, a city trip can be perfectly combined with a weekend by the sea. Discover the calanques, majestic fjords and small bays with unique flora and fauna, which have been declared a National Park on a boat trip. Or small islands at the gates of Marseille, such as the rock island with the Château d'If, famous for Alexandre Duma's novel "The Count of Monte-Christo". The Plage du Prado beach with its park extends 3 km to the south and can be reached by metro, the sandy beach Les Catalans is in the middle of the city.

Insider Tips

«Cité Radieuse» by Le Corbusier

This residential complex, built by Le Corbusier between 1947 and 1951, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The public called the imposing building with 337 flats resting on concrete pillars the «Maison du Fada»; for Le Corbusier, it was his «vertical city». With his innovative concept, he wanted to encourage the collective use of the living space: he created a street in the building with shops, a bar, restaurant and hotel. Even the roof terrace is used and freely accessible. Would you like to see the inside of a flat? Then take part in a guided tour.

Bouillabaisse

«Chez Fonfon» in the small harbour of Vallon des Auffes is THE restaurant for bouillabaisse in Marseille. For three generations, the traditional fish soup, which is part of the city's culture, has been cooked here according to the classic recipe. The history of bouillabaisse dates back to the 18th century when it was a fisherman's dish. Today, bouillabaisse is a gastronomic speciality. The «Charta der Bouillabaisse» was founded to distinguish it from the cheap version. The real bouillabaisse is made with freshly caught seafood and fish, such as gurnard, scorpion fish, conger eel and red mullet, cooked in a fine broth and served with croutons, «Aïoli» (garlic mayonnaise) and«Rouille», the oldest sauce in European cuisine. A true Mediterranean delight!

Boat trip to the Calanques

A short trip to Marseille without a boat trip from the Old Harbour to the Calanques National Park would be unthinkable. You won't be disappointed! Between Marseille and Cassis, the coastline consists of fjord-like crevices where the emerald green and turquoise blue sea contrasts with white limestone cliffs. Admire the natural spectacle in the light of the south, the tiny fishing harbours and hidden coves at the foot of the cliffs. One of the most beautiful natural paradises in Provence, which also delights hikers, swimmers and divers.