Marseille Hotels

Vieux Port

Marseille appears to bask in its good fortune. Not only does it enjoy the tender caresses of warm Mediterranean waters, it also experiences particularly fine weather during the summer months. The picturesque harbour, Vieux Port, has been the city's focal point for more than 2,000 years. Now populated by restaurants, cafés and bars, and boats and yachts that bob up and down gently in the water, Vieux Port is a delightful pace to enjoy a stroll, particularly as the sun begins to fall.

Le Panier

Just north of Vieux Port is Le Panier, the city's Old Town which is incredibly photogenic with its slanting streets and appealingly ramshackle buildings. Here you'll find a delightful mélange of lanes which reward close inspection, yielding artisan sellers and workshops, and terraced houses festooned with drying washing.

La Canebière

The long and straight La Canebière, a historic high street opened in 1666, links Vieux Port and the modern city. Along its length you'll see the Opera House which impresses with its fusion of 18th-century neo-classicism and 20th-century Art Deco.

Notre-Dame de la Garde

A group of hills dominate Marseille, one of which features the basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde. Whether you take the bus, tourist train or walk to the top of the hill, you'll be delighted by this neo-Byzantine vision, which was completed in 1864. And from here you'll have the best views possible of Marseille as it lies before you. Venture inside to witness the sumptuous interior and be sure to check out the crypt and museum.

Shopping in Marseille

Centre Bourse and Centre Bonneveine both provide a good range of shops, while the elegant Les Terrasses du Port has three floors of big-name retailers and brands, including Lacoste, Adidas, Hugo Boss, Michael Kors and many others.  You may also wish to visit Les Voûtes, which is home to 40 trendy boutiques.

Eating and drinking in Marseille

Chez Ida serves delicious food and generates oodles of atmosphere. Tucked away in Rue Ferdinand Rey, it's very popular with the Marseille's citizens, and visitors are made to feel more than welcome. Small but perfectly formed, O'Bidul concentrates on quantity and quality. Cook, waiter and owner Frances is something of a one-man show and he'll do everything he can to make sure you enjoy the experience. If you need something quick, tasty and satisfying, then pay a visit to La Bougnette for what is probably the best pizza in Marseille.

Party and nightlife in Marseille

Immerse yourself in the spirit of Marseille with its captivating party and nightlife scene. Infamous for its pulsating nightclubs, vibrant bars, and hedonistic discos, the city never sleeps! A must-visit on your itinerary is the Riviera located near the Old Port, the heart of Marseille's nightlife. Here one can find everything from funky cocktail bars to high energy clubs like the New Cancan, known for its explosive house music and eccentric drag shows. Before the party begins, book your accommodation at one of the many top-tier Marseille hotels, such as the trendy Mama Shelter with its own lively rooftop bar, to ensure you're right in the thick of the action.

Ready to discover Marseille's trendy nightlife locales that fly under the radar? Seek out local insiders for the best kept secrets, including clandestine parties hidden throughout the city. A favourite for such gatherings is La Plaine square where every Thursday night, an impromptu party springs to life in the square's thriving bars and cafes. Also, Marseille's vibrant arts scene ignites local music venues. Espace Julien is a crowd-friendly favourite for seeing live performers and Le Molotov has earned a reputation as a hotspot for indie music talents.

Finally, experience a different beat in Le Panier, Marseille's oldest district. This area is celebrated for its bohemian vibe and houses a group of hipster-friendly bars and music venues catering to all tastes and genres. Popular establishments like the Cabaret Aleatoire and La Friche Belle de Mai frequently host parties and concert nights. If you prefer a panoramic view with your nightcap, head over to the roof terrace of Les Terrasses Du Port that offers a breathtaking skyline vista of Marseille. Bite the bullet, confirm your summer holiday and dive into the vivacious nightlife awaiting you in this sun-soaked Mediterranean paradise! Your unforgettable Marseille adventure starts here.

Where to stay to be near the popular attractions

On your exhilarating voyage to the historic city of Marseille, choosing the right place to stay is key to experiencing the best of what this city offers. Start your journey in the central area, close to the Vieux-Port (Old Port), where a myriad of Marseille hotels are primed to cater to your every need. This glittering harbourside is the beating heart of Marseille, brimming with markets, boutiques, and bistros. From luxury establishment like the InterContinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu to the budget-friendly Escale Oceania, there is something to suit every budget while keeping you at the heart of the action.

For those seeking close proximity to the top attractions, the bustling neighbourhood of Le Panier is a perfect choice. As the oldest quarter in Marseille, this neighbourhood exudes an unmistakeable French charm. Its narrow, winding streets take you on an adventure every time you step out of your hotel. Top attractions such as the Vieille Charité cultural centre, featuring a host of museums and galleries, and the Cathédrale de la Major, a stunning Neo-Byzantine cathedral, are but a short walk away from most accommodations in this neighbourhood. Hotels, such as the Hotel Hermes or Hotel Bellevue, provide a comfortable stay while immersing you in the quintessential Marseille experience.

If you're a sun-lover who finds joy in golden sand beaches and clear waters, consider staying in the Prado area of Marseille. The district is named after its main thoroughfare, the Prado Avenue, which leads straight to the Prado beaches, a well-loved hub of water-sports and sun-basking. The upscale district is peppered with a variety of accommodations, from lavish sea-view apartments to cosy bed and breakfasts. Hotels like Mercure Marseille Centre Prado Vélodrome and Novotel Marseille Centre Prado assure a well-appointed stay in the vicinity of beaches, parks, and the iconic Vélodrome Stadium. So, don't delay! Secure your summer in Marseille, the city that promises a holiday like no other!

Where to stay with your family

Looking for the perfect family-friendly accommodation in Marseille? Look no further! Marseille offers a variety of options for families looking to bask in the Mediterranean sun and explore this enchanting city. The neighbourhoods of Prado, Vieux-Port, and Le Panier are all excellent choices for families, offering a mix of charming old-world buildings, bustling streets, and plenty of activities for children.

For those seeking a hotel experience, there are numerous Marseille hotels that cater to families. The InterContinental Marseille is a great choice for families, with spacious rooms and a prime location near the Vieux-Port. The Radisson Blu Hotel Marseille is another excellent option, with a kids' club, outdoor pool, and family suites available. And for a more budget-friendly choice, check out the Best Western Marseille Bourse Vieux Port, which offers connecting rooms and complimentary breakfast for children.

If you prefer a more local experience, consider one of Marseille's many Airbnb rentals. From cosy apartments in Le Panier to spacious villas in Prado, there are plenty of options that will make your family feel right at home. Plus, staying in an Airbnb gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and discover the hidden gems of Marseille.

No matter where you choose to stay in Marseille, your family is sure to have a delightful time exploring this alluring city. So don't wait, book your summer holiday now and start feasting on the delectable sights, sounds, and flavors of Marseille!

Where to find cheap hotels

Looking for affordable accommodation in Marseille? Look no further! Marseille offers a variety of budget-friendly options in both its bustling city centre and its charming outskirts. For a cost-effective stay in the heart of Marseille, check out the many cheap hotels scattered throughout the Vieux-Port area. This lively neighbourhood is known for its picturesque harbor, delicious seafood restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. Staying in the Vieux-Port area will not only save you money on accommodation, but also keep you close to all the action.

If you're looking for a more tranquil and pastoral setting, consider staying in one of Marseille's low-budget neighbourhoods such as Le Panier or La Joliette. These quaint areas are filled with charming streets, traditional bakeries, and local markets, all while offering affordable hotel options. You'll get to experience the authentic Marseille lifestyle without breaking the bank.

For those on a tight budget, Marseille also has several cheap hotel chains to choose from, such as Ibis Budget, Premiere Classe, and B&B Hotels. These budget hotel chains offer comfortable and convenient stays at a fraction of the cost of luxury hotels. With multiple locations across the city, you can easily find an affordable option close to your desired destinations.

Don't let budget constraints stop you from experiencing all that Marseille has to offer. Plan your summer holiday now and take advantage of the many cheap hotel options available in this enchanting city. Book your stay in the Vieux-Port, Le Panier, or La Joliette area, or opt for a budget hotel chain for a comfortable and cost-effective stay. Don't wait too long, as these affordable accommodations are in high demand during the summer months. Start your Marseille adventure today!

Going shopping in Marseille

Marseille is not just about azure skies, picturesque landscapes, and fantastic Marseille hotels; it's equally famous for unique shopping experiences. Explore the city streets, teeming with a broad spectrum of idiosyncratic boutiques, trendy fashion outlets, antique shops, and lively marketplaces, perfect for a fulfilling retail therapy session. Whether you are an ardent fashion enthusiast or a bargain hunter, the city's diverse shopping prospects are sure to quench your shopping thirst.

Rue Paradis and Rue Sainte are two streets deserving a visit for fashionistas out there. They are popularly known as the prestigious fashion hubs of Marseille, stocking a vast selection of high-end fashion brands and luxury boutiques. Amid the beautiful architectural surroundings, shop for exuberant couture or ready-to-wear outfits, finely-crafted accessories, luxurious perfumes, and more. The festive ambience, coupled with warm and welcoming shopkeepers, will help you soak up the city's vibrant shopping culture.

If you're on a tighter budget, fret not as there are ample affordable shopping alternatives in Marseille. Marché du Prado, a lively market located on Avenue du Prado, offers everything from fashionable clothes and accessories to fresh local produce at bargain prices. For native craft lovers, Atelier 159 on Avenue de Mazargues is a haven filled with local creations from Marseille artisans. Shopping in Marseille is not just a leisure activity, but a cultural immersion that will leave you entranced. So, while planning your summer holidays, don't forget to add these retail rendezvous to your must-visit list.

Where to buy holiday souvenirs

Start your souvenir hunt in Marseille, France's sun-drenched jewel on the Mediterranean, at La Compagnie du Midi. This shop is renowned for selling iconic Marseille soap, a local item that dates back to the Middle Ages. Traditionally made from local olive oil, this soap also incorporates other regional ingredients like lavender and pine. La Compagnie du Midi offers high-quality Marseille soap in various forms and scents, perfect as stylish and practical souvenirs. Prices range from as low as three euros for a petite soap bar to around twenty euros for a larger, finely crafted block.

While staying at Marseille hotels, it's easy to discover a variety of artisan shops nestled among the city's vibrant streets. One standout is Delphine-Creations, where you'll find handcrafted ceramics inspired by the Mediterranean. Expect to pay anywhere from fifty to several hundred euros for these exquisite pieces, each a brilliant canvas of the artist's love of the region. If fashion is more your forte, head to Rue Paradis. Known as the Champs-Élysées of Marseille, here you'll find everything from high street brands to independent boutiques. Seek out Jiji la Palme d'Or, a local boutique known for its exotic print beachwear made from luxury fabrics, with prices starting at around forty euros for hand-stitched headbands or up to hundreds for kaftans and bikinis.

One can't speak of the shopping experience in Marseille without mentioning the vibrant Noailles Market. This bustling centre is a mélange of colours, scents, and sounds - evoking the strong, multicultural essence of Marseille. It's a brilliant spot for buying everything local - from dried herbs and spices, fresh produce, local delicacies, to inexpensive, kitschy souvenirs like a Marseille fridge magnet or keychain. While prices often start from just a couple of euros, the conversations with the vendors, the intoxicating atmosphere, and the unique sensory experience make this market a must-visit. Pack your basket with the spoils of your souveniring, and you'll certainly have stories to share when you display these treasures back home.

So whether you're looking for a high-quality artisan piece or something a bit kitsch, Marseille's diverse range of shopping opportunities makes it ideal for picking up that perfect, memorable souvenir. Hurry and book your summer holiday at one of the many Marseille hotels and discover the joys of shopping in this vibrant coastal city. Remember, the perfect souvenir isn't just about the item - it's about the memories you create collecting them.