Marseille energizes the Mediterranean coast with its fort-flanked port, artsy atmosphere and buzzing beaches. Once a trading post for the ancient Greeks and Romans, France’s exhilarating port city still finds itself at the crossroads of cultures, welcoming waves of visitors from all over. Delight in the diversity as you explore the city's burgeoning districts, world-class restaurants and edgy art centres.
Visit Marseille: get started
Make the most of your trip to Marseille with a tour of its most exciting attractions. Take a waterfront stroll through the Old Port to Marseille beaches on the Mediterranean. Walk around Le Panier, the oldest neighbourhood of Marseille, or take a day trip to the Calanques National Park. Select from the best Marseille hotels or go for flight and hotel packages from Canada.
Marseille travel guide
Destination facts
Language
French
What to bring back
The locals’ fave drink, Pastis, jams or tapenades, handmade soaps and boat-shaped cookies called les navettes de Marseille.
What to eat
Bouillabaisse, sailor mussels, pieds et paquets (an offal-based local specialty…not for the faint-hearted!), tapenade with crostini, and seafood in general.
Fun fact
Seafood is obviously very important in seaside Marseille—it even laces the city’s myths. One claims that a giant sardine once blocked the port of Marseille. The port was temporarily blocked during the 18th century, but by a ship named Sartine, not a giant sardine. The tale inspired a French expression (“c'est la sardine qui a bouché le port de Marseille”), used to refer to an exaggerated tale.
Important info
For more information on all necessary travel documents and more, check Air Canada’s Travel Requirements page and the Government of Canada’s Travel and Tourism website.
On your horizon: nautical bliss when you set sail from Marseille!
Marseille itineraries*
Western Mediterranean: 3 to 7-night itineraries including stops like Barcelona, Genoa, Naples, Sicily and more.
Cruise lines
The following cruise line departs from Marseille: Costa Cruises. These cruise lines stop in Marseille: Azamara Club Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International.
How to book
Cruise on over here for our latest sea-bound deals and more info on how to book a Marseille cruise.
