Major city · France
Marseille
Give Marseille 2 nights: one for the Vieux-Port, Le Panier and Notre-Dame de la Garde, one for the Calanques or a boat to Château d'If. Skip it if you want Provence villages.
Marseille is France's second city and its biggest Mediterranean port, founded by Greeks around 600 BC and still a working, mixed, loud place rather than a postcard. Sights cluster around the Vieux-Port and Le Panier, with the sea cliffs of the Calanques to the south. Two nights covers the centre; add a third for the Calanques or a day trip.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (heat and crowds), and the mistral in winter
- Airport
- MRS
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- France and Monaco ↗France has run temporary identity checks at its internal Schengen land borders since 2015; carry a passport or EU/EEA national ID on trains and buses from Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Luxembourg.
- France and Monaco ↗Nights in France and Monaco draw on the same Schengen 90-in-180-day allowance as the rest of the area; Monaco does not reset or pause it.
- France ↗France is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors' fingerprints and photo at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- France ↗TGV (including the low-cost Ouigo) and Intercités night trains need a seat reservation: a rail pass alone does not let you board.
- France ↗Paris, Lyon and other large cities run low-emission zones that require a Crit'Air sticker on cars; check before you drive a hire car or your own car into a city.
- France ↗Carry your passport or national ID card: police can ask for identification, and hotels register foreign guests.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Marseille112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Marseille, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).France-wide
- SIM or eSIMOrange, SFR, Bouygues Télécom and Free sell prepaid SIMs in their shops and at tabacs; ID is required to register.France-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere unless signed otherwise.France-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Service is included; leave 5–10% in cash for good service.France-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/E. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.France-wide
- SafetyMarseille is fine for tourists who stay alert in the station area and on busy buses; the real annoyances are pickpockets…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsParis has free automatic public toilets (sanisettes); elsewhere use cafés (buy a coffee), museums and stations, where some charge €0.50–1 (≈ US$1–2).France-wide
- Emergency numbers112 European emergency · 15 ambulance (samu) · 17 police (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany national museums close on Monday (Orsay, Versailles, Rodin) or Tuesday (Louvre, Pompidou's temporary sites).France-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportMRS Marseille Provence (About 30 km (19 mi) northwest of the centre; shuttle bus to Gare Saint-Charles, roughly 25–30 min).MRS Marseille Provence (About 19 mi (30 km) northwest of the centre; shuttle bus to Gare Saint-Charles, roughly 25–30 min).
- Getting aroundRTM runs two metro lines, three trams and buses; single tickets allow transfers for about an hour.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a counter€1.50–3 (≈ US$2–4)
- Street or quick mealSandwich or pizza slice€5–9 (≈ US$6–11)
- Beerbar / supermarket€5–8 (≈ US$6–10)€1.50–3 (≈ US$2–4)
- Metro or bus rideMetro or tram single ride€1.70 (≈ US$2) (check)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€10–25 (≈ US$12–30)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€30 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, 3-star hotel, a night, per room€130 (≈ US$160)
- High-end bedDouble room, 3-star hotel, a night, per room€260 (≈ US$350)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €65 (≈ US$80) · Mid €120 (≈ US$140) · High €220 (≈ US$300)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MRS Marseille Provence (About 30 km (19 mi) northwest of the centre; shuttle bus to Gare Saint-Charles, roughly 25–30 min)MRS Marseille Provence (About 19 mi (30 km) northwest of the centre; shuttle bus to Gare Saint-Charles, roughly 25–30 min)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Feb
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Mar
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Apr
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
May
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jul
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Oct
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Nov
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Dec
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Jan (4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C) low), wettest Nov (7 rain days), driest Jul (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Marseille: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
6 rd
Feb
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
5 rd
Mar
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
5 rd
Apr
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
6 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5 rd
Jun
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
4 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
2 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
3 rd
Sep
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
5 rd
Oct
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6 rd
Nov
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
7 rd
Dec
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
RTM runs two metro lines, three trams and buses; single tickets allow transfers for about an hour. Metro runs roughly 05:00–00:30, most buses stop around 21:00. The free ferry across the Vieux-Port is the shortest commercial boat ride in Europe. Driving in the centre is a bad idea: park and use transport.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Aix-en-Provence
goDoor to door: About 1 h
TER or TGV from Saint-Charles, about 40 min
Cours Mirabeau, markets and Cézanne sites; easy half day.
Cassis
goDoor to door: About 50 min
TER from Saint-Charles, about 25 min, then walk to the port
Gateway to the Calanques by boat or on foot.
Arles
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
TER or Intercités from Saint-Charles, about 50–60 min
Roman arena and amphitheatre; a full day.
La Ciotat
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
TER from Saint-Charles, about 35 min
Calanques and beaches; check train times, they are sparse.
Tarascon
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
TER from Saint-Charles, about 1 h 15 min
Castle and the Tarasque legend; combine with Beaucaire.
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
cautionDoor to door: 2–2.5 h
Train to Avignon or Arles, then bus
Van Gogh sites and the Alpilles; car is easier.
Saint-Martin-de-Crau
skipDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
TER from Saint-Charles, about 50 min
Only worth it for the Camargue-edge nature reserve.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Vieux-Port / Le Panier
Walk to the harbour, Mucem and the old town; noisier and pricier.
Gare Saint-Charles
Best for early trains and airport buses; a short uphill walk to the port.
Cours Julien / La Plaine
Bars, cafés and a market; 15–20 min walk from the Vieux-Port.
Prado / Castellane
Quieter, metro-connected, good for beaches and parking.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €60–90 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- €100–160 (≈ US$120–190) excl. bed
- High
- €180 (≈ US$250)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, 3-star hotel1 × 2 nights × €130 | €260 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × €120 | €480 |
| Airport shuttle, both ways2 × €20 · check | €40 |
| RTM 24-hour ticket, one day2 × €5 · check | €10 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €82 |
| Trip total≈ €226 per person per day, bed included | €902≈ US$1,100 |
2026 estimate in euros; flights and rail passes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at a counter | €1.50–3 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Sandwich or pizza slice | €5–9 (≈ US$6–11) |
| Bouillabaisse in a harbour restaurantOften priced per person with a minimum of two. | €25–45 (≈ US$30–55) per person |
| Beer: bar / supermarket | €5–8 (≈ US$6–10) / €1.50–3 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Metro or tram single ride | €1.70 (≈ US$2) (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €10–25 (≈ US$12–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Pickpockets around the station, the Canebière and crowded buses.
- Some taxi drivers overcharge; note the driver number and complain at the tourist office.
- The Calanques close to walkers on high fire-risk summer days: check the day before.
- The mistral wind is cold and strong even in spring.
Emergency numbers
- European emergency
- 112
- Ambulance (SAMU)
- 15
- Police
- 17
- Fire
- 18
Pocket card
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MarseilleMarseille
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
À cette adresse, s'il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- European emergency112
- Ambulance (SAMU)15
- Police17
- Fire18
Embassy
The US has a consulate-general in Marseille; other countries mostly work through their embassy in Paris (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- MRS airport → Saint-Charles, shuttle bus: about €10 (≈ US$12) one way, 25–30 min (check)
- MRS airport → Saint-Charles, taxi: about €50 (≈ US$60) day, €60 (≈ US$70) night (check)
- Saint-Charles → Cassis, TER: about €6–8 (≈ US$7–10), 25 min (check)
Say or show
- Bonjour — Hello (bon-ZHOOR)
- Merci — Thank you (mair-SEE)
- L'addition, s'il vous plaît — The bill, please (la-dee-SYON seel voo PLEH)
- C'est combien ? — How much is it? (say kom-BYEN)
- Je peux payer par carte ? — Can I pay by card? (zhuh puh pay-YAY par KART)
- Où est le métro ? — Where is the metro? (oo ay luh may-TROH)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Marseille. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (heat and crowds), and the mistral in winter · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for MRS: shuttle and TER timings, taxi fallback, late arrival rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Vieux-Port and Le Panier, Mucem and La Major, Notre-Dame de la Garde, Cours Julien and La Plaine.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Mucem, Notre-Dame de la Garde, Palais Longchamp, Château d'If) and eat pages with last orders.
- Calanques access fixtures: boat, bus and closure days so gates A–D can go green.