Travel 4 Days in Marseille: Best Vacation Spots in Marseille

Day 1 | Morning

Chateau d'If

Opening Hours: Open from 5/19-9/30,10:30am-6:00pm;Closed from 10/1-3/31,Mon;Open from 10/1-3/31,Tue-Sun,10:30am-5:15pm

Ticket Price: 6 EUR

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-1 Hours

Location: Frioul If pier, 1 Quai de la Fraternite, 13001 Marseille

Located on a 3-hectare limestone island 3.5 miles from the old port of Marseille, the Château d'If is a square fortress with a side length of 28 meters. In 1516, King François I of France came here, fully aware of its defensive value, and ordered the construction of a fort here, which is the symbol of Yves: Fort Yves. Chateau Yves has the advantage of natural danger, the defense is extremely tight, and it is almost impossible for prisoners to escape, and Alexandre Dumas is based on the experience of the only two escapees, Father Faria and Edmond Dantès. The world famous book "The Count of Monte Cristo", Château Yves is also famous because of this novel. Today, the cell in Château Yves has deliberately dug a passage according to the layout in the story. The Château d'If was originally an impregnable fortification in Marseille, and later became a national prison, where many princes, descendants of princes and nobles, Protestants, political prisoners, revolutionaries, etc. were imprisoned. The castle's conversion to a prison dates back to 1658, when Louis XIV, in his crackdown on the heretics, turned the Château d'If into a prison for Protestants and criminals. In the 19th century, after the French bourgeois revolution broke out, Château Yves was completely transformed into a prison for the feudal dynasty to suppress political prisoners. Since the first prisoner was held in 1580, the Isle of Yves has imprisoned more than 3,000 people over the centuries.

Day 1 | Afternoon

Now we come to another great highlight in the city: Centre de la Vieille Charite.

Centre de la Vieille Charite

Ticket Price: 5 EUR

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: 2 rue de la Charite, 13002 Marseille, France

The ancient almshouse center has an artistic courtyard, the Museum of Archaeology (Muséed'Archéologie) and the Museum of African Art, Oceanic and American Indian Art (MuseumofAfrican,Oceanic&AmericanIndianArt), which is very eye-catching. In 1671, the nobles of Marseille built a sanctuary for "the poor and beggars", which is the ancient almshouse in the old town of Marseille. The main body of the almshouse is divided into two parts: the Pierre hospital and the dome church. It was designed by Pierre, the author of the Palace of Versailles in Paris, the royal architect of King Louis 14 of France. It has the style of the Italian Renaissance, but it is simpler simple. After several renovations, the current almshouse has become a comprehensive cultural center including the Mediterranean Archaeological Museum, the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, the African Art Museum, and the French Institute of Social Sciences. It is said that the completion of the ancient almshouse was not because the nobles of Marseille were merciful, but because of their peculiar mentality similar to "cleanliness". They were fed up with the poor who had been running around in the streets of Marseille for a long time. So they simply built this shelter, forced them to live in it, and were not allowed to leave at will. Unexpectedly, hundreds of years later, this building would be of great use.

Day 1 | Evening

Don’t forget to book The Address Cassis in advance, because all the tourists head to Centre de la Vieille Charite love staying at it.

The Address Cassis

A luxurious demeure, entirely renovated with a great effort to preserve its authenticity. Its character will seduce you and transport you during your stay, with high quality service, in an atmosphere where the charms of old and the comfort of modernity mix successfully and discreetly. Two juniors suites and one suite, all feature upscale furnishings, a king size bed and a spacious bathroom.Careful attention has been devoted to every detail to ensure that guests enjoy a stay devoted to relaxation and well-being.

Day 2 | Morning

Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean

Opening Hours: Open on Mon-Fri,Sun,10:00am-8:00pm

Ticket Price: 9.5 EUR

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-3 Hours

Location: 7 promenade Robert Laffont (esplanade du J4), 13002 Marseille

The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations (MuCEM) is a museum in the world with the theme of Mediterranean civilization. The global MuCEM has become a new landmark in Marseille, designed by French architect Rudy Ricciotti with a novel architectural shape. MuCEM covers an area of 44,000 square meters and has three branches, namely the new J4 museum built for the 2013 European Capital of Culture in Marseille, the historic Fort Saint-Jean, and the one located near the Saint-Charles train station. CCR branch library (CentreforConservationandResources) in BelledeMai area.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Mahri00: Mucem- The museum of European and Mediterranean Civilization in Marseille. Is a national museum. architecture of a building is just amazing, located mid doof the sea and overlooked to Old port of Marseille. the Mucem is Marseille's brand new public space. At night Mucem is transferring to the place of glittering lights. enjoy that Spectacular view with your loved ones)

Day 2 | Afternoon

Having the chance to enjoy the charming Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean, Fort Saint-Jean next to it is another great place that you will never want to miss!

Fort Saint-Jean

Ticket Price: 9.5 EUR

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Promenade Louis Brauquier, 13002 Marseille

The Fort Saint Jean (Fort Saint Jean) is located at the entrance of the old port of Marseille. It was built under the supervision of Louis XIV in 1660. The Fort Saint Nicholas, which was built at the same time, is located on the opposite bank of the old port. Louis XIV once said that "the inhabitants of Marseille are very fond of beautiful fortresses and wish to have our own castle at the entrance to this great port." ” In fact, the two forts were built to deal with local uprisings against the governor and to supervise the administrators, not to prevent foreign enemies and defend the city. The weapons on the castle are all pointed into the wall, which shows that the internal worries were taken more seriously at that time. Now it is used as a museum to record the history at that time. Visitors can also overlook the city from a high place, and the scenery is very beautiful.

Reviews from Real Guests:

TheDragonHorse: The town seems to love this place to relax, have picnics, and take a break from work. It’s a massive walkable area and definitely worth the stroll through if you happen to be in town.

Day 2 | Evening

Looking for a bed nearby after finishing your journey at Fort Saint-Jean? Hotel Château des Alpilles is one of your top choices.

Hotel Château des Alpilles

Boasting a swimming pool, Hotel Chateau des Alpilles welcomes you in a luxury setting. It is set in a 19th-century mansion in the heart of a century-old park. Chateau des Alpilles offers various accommodation spaces: stay in a room in the castle, in a suite in the Mas du Cyprès country-house or in one of the little houses set in the park. All the rooms feature a luxury decor combining tradition and modernity. The hotel’s restaurant serves delightful cuisine with typical specialties from Provence. The ideal place for a relaxing stay in the Provence region, Chateau des Alpilles offers easy access to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where you can visit the archaeological site of Glanum and the archaeological museum.

Day 3 | Morning

Musee des Beaux-Arts

Opening Hours: Open on Mon-Thu,Sun,11:00am-3:00pm

Ticket Price: 5 EUR

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-1 Hours

Location: 7 Rue Edouard Stephan, Palais Longchamp Aile gauche, 13004 Marseille

The Marseille Museum of Art was established in 1869 and is located in the north wing of the PalaisLongchamp. ; Provencal works such as The Plague of Marseilles. Here you can get in touch with the ancient history of Marseille from the birth of Marseille in 600 BC to the 4th century, which is very helpful for understanding the process of Arab civilization crossing the sea. In addition, the customs, traditions and folk handicrafts of Marseille displayed in the museum can also arouse people's interest. The PalaisLongchamp, where the art gallery is located, is a palace with a magnificent architectural style. It was built during the reign of Napoleon III. The overall style is a fusion of Baroque, Roman and Oriental architecture. It was originally a water tower, which was used to relieve the drought in Marseille in the early 19th century. In order to commemorate this project, later generations built this palace based on the water tower. There are group sculptures and fountains in the middle of the palace, and a corridor extends from each of the two wings. The neutral person in the group sculpture is the river god, and the two goddesses on the left and right hold grapes and ears of wheat, symbolizing the winemaking and agriculture of Marseilles.

Day 3 | Afternoon

Musee d'Histoire de Marseille nearby is the top choice before you leave Musee des Beaux-Arts and hit the road.

Musee d'Histoire de Marseille

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: 6 EUR

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-1 Hours

Location: 2, rue Henri-Barbusse 13001 Marseille

The History Museum of Marseille is a French city history museum with a history of 2,600 years. After the overall renovation, the Marseille History Museum has become one of the largest history museums in Europe. This building, built on the ruins of an ancient port, was renovated by designer Roland Carta with 260 meters of glass mesh throughout, and it has witnessed the changes of Marseille over the past 2,600 years.

Day 3 | Evening

After visiting the glorious Musee d'Histoire de Marseille, Villa Saint Ange nearby is the best place to stay.

Villa Saint Ange

Located in Aix-en-Provence (Sud), Villa Saint Ange is within a 15-minute walk of Cours Mirabeau and Place des Precheurs. This hotel is 2.1 mi (3.4 km) from Saint-Sauveur Cathedral and 12.2 mi (19.6 km) from Montagne Sainte Victoire. Enjoy recreational amenities such as an outdoor pool and a fitness center. Enjoy a meal at the restaurant, or stay in and take advantage of the hotel's room service (during limited hours). Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge. Continental breakfasts are available daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, multilingual staff, and an elevator (lift). Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite. Stay in one of 34 guestrooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with bathtubs or showers feature complimentary toiletries and slippers. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.

Day 4 | Morning

Stade Velodrome

Opening Hours: Open from 10:00am-6:00pm

Ticket Price: 13 EUR

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-1 Hours

Location: 3 Boulevard Michelet, 13008 Marseille

The Velodrome Stadium is the home stadium of Marseille, a famous French team. For the people of Marseille, the Marseille football team has become an undeniable part of the city's identity. Historically, the course has been rebuilt many times, the course has undergone many major renovations, as well as the installation of a canopy covering the course and an increase in the capacity of 7,000 seats, and plans to build and develop the entire area surrounding the course: hotels, student accommodation and Residential area, office building, shopping mall, etc. The current owner of the stadium, Olympique de Marseille, is a French team that has won the Champions League. And their history in domestic competitions is even more brilliant, with 9 Ligue 1 trophies and 10 French Cups rewarding fans across the country. Crazy fans and deep heritage have made the Velodrome the center of football culture in the south of France. Tour includes: football pitch, pitchside facilities, boxes, press room, locker room.

Day 4 | Afternoon

Musee Cantini nearby is the top choice before you leave Stade Velodrome and hit the road.

Musee Cantini

Opening Hours: Open on Mon-Fri,Sun,10:00am-6:00pm

Ticket Price: 5 EUR

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-1 Hours

Location: 19 Rue Grignan, 13006 Marseille

The building where the Museum of Cantini is located was built at the end of the 17th century, and the exhibition hall opened in 1936. It is one of the French museums with rich collections from 1900 to 1960. It houses representative works of France from the main periods of Fauvism and Surrealism, including paintings and sculptures, as well as works by some artists after World War II.

* All reviews in the blog are machine-translated.