Sightseeing in Marseille

The Vieux Port is located in central Marseille. It is the oldest port in the city as well as the cultural and historical center. There are numerous cafes and restaurants where you can taste the famous bouillabaisse. At the Quai des Belges, there is a fish market. From the Vieux Port there are regular tourist boats to the islands Îles du Friuli, to Château d'If and the Calanques. The Vieux Port is served by the Metro M1 (station Vieux Port).

A visit to the "Frioul archipelago" is considered as one of the highlights for the Marseille-visitors! The "Ile d'If" is a small, uninhabited island, about 1.5 kilometers from the coast of Marseilles and belongs to the Frioul islands. It is about 80 meters wide and 280 meters long. The island is well known because there is the famous "Château d'If" on her. In addition, the views over the Mediterranean Sea and Marseille is impressive! From the "Vieux Port" in Marseille is a regular ferry service to the "Ile d'If." Cost: Single fare: EUR 5.60; Return trip: EUR 10.80 The entrance to the "Ile d'If" cost> 26 years EUR 5.50 for adults.

The "Cathédrale de la Major" is one of the main attractions of Marseille. The cathedral in the Romanesque-Byzantine style is right next to the port of Marseille. The interior is rather spartan and reminds du to numerous drooping from the ceiling banners with Provencal crest more like a knight's hall than a church. Impressive is mainly the dimension of the cathedral, it is 145 meters long, the main dome is 70 meters high and has a diameter of nearly 18 meters. The "Cathédrale de la Major" is considered as one of the finest late medieval cathedrals in France and should therefore be visited! Opening times: May to September from Tuesday to Sunday 10:00-19:00h October to April from Tuesday to Sunday 10:00-18:00h To get to the Cathedral, use a bus from the station "Vieux Port": bus lines 60, 82 or 49 to the station "Fort Saint-Jean".

The "Palais du Pharo" is a magnificent palace which Napoleon III gave his wife Eugénie as present. The palace was named after the bay and the cape "Pharo". Today the "Palais du Pharo" is used as a convention center and is home of some parts of the city council. The palace is part of a nice park (Jardin Emile Duclaux), from where you can enjoy a great view of Marseille. Best reached by bus number 83 from "Vieux Port". Exit at "Fort Saint-Nicolas".

The "Vallon des Auffes" is a very nice little harbor in the middle of the big city. There are many brightly painted fishers boats and many (mostly expensive) restaurants. Best reached by bus number 83 from "Vieux Port". Get off at the station "Vallon des Auffes".

A visit to the "Frioul archipelago" is considered as one of the highlights for the Marseille visitors! The "Ile de Ratonneau" is a 2.5 kilometer long and 500 meter wide island of Frioul archipelago. It is very popular for tourists and locals, therefore it is often very crowded, especially in summer. A small supermarket and several restaurants are available, but it is recommended that you already buy some food on the mainland. From the "Vieux Port" in Marseille is a regular ferry service to the "Ile de Ratonneau". Prices Single fare: EUR 5.60 Return trip: EUR 10.80