Europe, France, Gap Year, Travel

A Weekend in Marseille

Posted by Madeleine Reinhard on

Being in Paris longterm, I was looking to spend my weekends exploring other parts of France. I have spent some time in Cannes, hence my initial attraction to France’s southern coast, but was looking for something new. That’s when I came across Marseille! Just a 3 1/2 hour train ride from Paris, Marseille is a beautiful port town and makes for a great weekend get-away. Although the weather in Paris was already becoming cold and rainy by mid-October, Marseille was still warm and beautiful, perfect! Keep reading for an itinerary of my highlights from Marseille:

  • The stairs from the train station into Marseille
  • Le Vieux Port (the old port)

Day One

Stay at Grand Hôtel Beauvau Marseille Vieux Port … a nice hotel, perfect for a weekend away and centrally located right in the heart of Marseille

Le Grand Hôtel Beauvau on the left

Visit le Musem, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations … although we could not go, it came highly recommended and is definitely something I wish I could have done

Check out the Marseille’s port-side markets … we went to one offering goods ranging from macarons to jewelry to clothing – you never know what you’ll find!

Dinner at Le Bouchon Provençal … delicious dining with the option to sit outdoors!

Our appetizers, yum! (featuring my travel companion, Mia)

Walk around Marseille’s port to explore its vibrant nightlife

Day Two

Breakfast at L’Infusion … great casual breakfast restaurant, with a particularly special selection of teas

Delicious tea and treats

Explore the shops of Marseille … look out for the opéra district for some lovely, more high-end shopping

Lunch at O’Bar à Crêpes on the port … not bad!

Afternoon boat ride through the Calanques with les Compagnies Maritimes … we opted for the Essentiel des Calanques trip, which was about 2 hours

  • A view of the port from the boat
  • The Mediterranean Sea
  • A town on the French coast

Dinner at la Brasserie du VII ième … great food, but we felt a little isolated on the walk over and were the only people in the restaurant on a Saturday night. Might recommend something more central if you are not already nearby

Drinks at le Sofitel rooftop bar … beautiful view of Marseille at night, and a nice atmosphere for a glass of white wine. The Sofitel is also a nice hotel option, and although slightly distanced from the center of Marseille’s port, it offers great views and more quiet.

Heading back to the train station