Marseille tours

Things to do in Marseille

Marseille is a city where the Mediterranean's pulse is palpable, with azure waters meeting the sunlit coast. The scent of bouillabaisse drifts through Vieux-Port, a nod to its rich maritime heritage. A local guide transforms Marseille tours into a journey through the city's cultural and historical mosaic. Picture strolling through Le Panier's ancient streets, or enjoying a private tour that grants you swift access to Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. Whether exploring markets or enjoying local dishes, your time in Marseille unfolds in a city as vibrant as it is steeped in history. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Marseille. Explore Marseille your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Marseille tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Marseille for every interest, including: History tours: On a private history tour, walk Le Panier with your guide, step into the Abbey of Saint‑Victor, and climb to Notre‑Dame de la Garde for harbour views and sailor tales. Add Fort Saint‑Jean and the Roman Docks Museum, or take a quick boat to Château d’If if sea conditions allow. Layover tours: Get picked up at Marseille Provence Airport and fit in the Vieux‑Port, a stroll through Le Panier, and a photo stop at Notre‑Dame de la Garde before your next flight, with timing planned around security and traffic. Your guide can handle luggage in the vehicle and suggest a quick bouillabaisse or panisse stop. Marseille’s centre around the Vieux‑Port and Le Panier is walkable, and the metro, trams, and buses connect key sights, but hills and distances can add time. For longer hops or Calanques and vineyard routes, ask your local guide about chauffeured tours or tours with private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Marseille inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods A guided walking tour in Marseille allows you to explore its diverse neighborhoods and uncover the city’s unique maritime charm. Let these popular areas be part of your itinerary. - Le Panier: As Marseille's oldest district, Le Panier is perfect for cultural tourists and families. Its narrow streets and colorful buildings offer a glimpse into the city’s past, with artisan shops and cozy cafes adding to its charm. - Vieux-Port: The Old Port is the bustling heart of Marseille. Ideal for those seeking a lively atmosphere, it’s a great place to watch the boats and enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants. - La Corniche: Families and groups looking for stunning coastal views will love a walk along La Corniche. This scenic seaside promenade offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and access to beaches and parks. - Cours Julien: Known for its artistic flair, Cours Julien is a haven for creatives and those interested in street art. The trendy cafes and boutiques make it a vibrant area for anyone seeking a hip, urban vibe. Day trip ideas from Marseille Look beyond Marseille’s harbour to nearby towns, coast, and countryside for easy day trips, and shape your day with your tour so you get the balance of nature, history, and food you like. - Cassis and Calanques National Park: Hike or boat between bright limestone coves, swim in clear water, and wander Cassis’s small port for a relaxed lunch; great if you want coastal views, light walking, and time for photos, with your tour setting a pace that suits you. - Aix-en-Provence: Tree-lined boulevards, fountains, and lively markets make a laid-back day, and the Cézanne story adds a simple art thread; if cafés, local produce, and elegant streets are your thing, your tour can time market hours and keep travel easy. - Arles and the Camargue: Check Roman ruins like the amphitheatre, see spots tied to Van Gogh, then roll into the Camargue for wetlands, flamingos, and wide horizons; this pairing fits history fans and wildlife watchers, and your tour can split the day between town and nature without rush. - Avignon: Walk the city walls, cross the famous bridge, and explore medieval lanes with plenty of places to taste Provençal flavours; if you like architecture, street life, and a compact city centre, your tour can keep things flexible or add nearby village stops. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Marseille most travellers miss.