11 Must-Do Experiences in Marseille

Nestled amidst the captivating landscapes of rural Provence, Marseille is the oldest city in France. It has recently become a popular international tourist hub, with its surrounding villages offering travelers a wealth of exploration and activities.

While the neighboring villages of Provence have remained a hidden gem for many throughout history, notable figures, including Catholic popes and artists such as Van Gogh and Matisse, chose to call this place home.

Strategically positioned at the confluence of the Mediterranean Sea and the Rhone River, Marseille was established by the Greeks around 600 B.C. It quickly evolved into a significant trading port, a role it continues to play today. The city's historic landmarks draw visitors from every corner of the globe.

Wander through charming buildings and narrow alleyways, as if you are journeying back in time by hundreds or even thousands of years. Provence is also an excellent destination to taste and purchase local products, from wines and cheeses to lavender oil, thanks to its rich agricultural heritage in this fertile area.

Like any other European cruise, our travel specialists have compiled a list of fantastic activities you can enjoy while you cruise to Marseille. These excursions help you maximize your vacation experience. Most can be done through guided shore excursions, which often include free time for personal exploration as well.

Here’s our curated list of the top 11 activities to experience in Marseille, France.

1. Explore the City Highlights

The Old Port, located near your cruise ship in the harbor, serves as the primary tourist hub in Marseille. Consider joining an Easy Tour of Marseille & Free Time, where you’ll hop on a motor coach for a narrated journey along the Corniche J.F. Kennedy, passing through the Old Port and beyond, offering stunning views of the offshore islands along the coastal road.

Your motor coach will then journey from the heart of Marseille, passing by the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde. This basilica, built in stunning Byzantine architecture with gold and multicolored stones, is perched atop Garde Hill.

You’ll have the chance to capture photographs of this historic military lookout and revered pilgrimage destination, adorned with a statue of the Virgin Mary atop its bell tower. The basilica is believed to safeguard sailors, fishermen, and the entire city of Marseille.

You’ll also encounter Longchamp Palace, an impressive and ornate monument that was inaugurated in 1869 to commemorate the creation of the Canal de Marseille. This canal, which brought water from the Durance River to the city, was crucial in the mid-1800s, providing Marseille with a vital water supply and new trade opportunities.

After exploring the monument, return to the Old Port and enjoy some leisure time for shopping.

2. Savor Cheeses and Wines

No trip to Marseille and Provence is truly complete without indulging in a wine and cheese tasting experience. During the shore excursion, Aix en Provence, Cheese & Wine, you’ll visit a cheese shop located above a restaurant in Aix, right after exploring this captivating Provencal town. You’ll sample six varieties of cheese and three exquisite wines.

Prior to your tasting, enjoy a leisurely walking tour of the Cours Mirabeau. This broad avenue, lined with magnificent old mansions and shaded by trees, was constructed in the 1600s atop the medieval ramparts of the city.

You’ll come across a fountain that dates back to 1743, which flows with water at a temperature of 93 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to admire the diverse architectural styles of the Saint Sauveur Cathedral, which span from the fifth to the 17th centuries.

3. Stand Beside an Ancient Roman Aqueduct

The Pont du Gard is an iconic Roman aqueduct bridge, constructed around 40 A.D. It once transported an astounding 44 million gallons of water each day. During an excursion called Avignon, Pope’s Palace & Pont du Gard, you’ll travel to the aqueduct and marvel at this remarkable feat of ancient engineering from a nearby viewpoint.

Next, you’ll head to the nearby town of Avignon for a stroll through this charming historic area, which is enclosed within its well-preserved 14th-century walls, featuring stunning ramparts and bell towers. Explore the expansive galleries and grand halls of the Palace of the Popes, the largest Gothic edifice globally and the residence of nine Popes from 1309 to 1378.

Take some time to explore Avignon’s boutiques, art galleries, and shops offering crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. After the tour, you’ll make your way back to Marseille via the highway, passing through picturesque vineyards, orchards, and rows of cypress trees in the beautiful countryside.

4. Relish a French Lunch

On the excursion titled A Day in Provence With Lunch, you’ll first travel to Roussillon, a charming village perched on the highest hill between the Coulon Valley and the Vaucluse Plateau. The stunning hills are composed of ochre rock in various shades, which are also reflected in the local architecture.

You’ll explore the ochre quarries and then enjoy some leisure time in the village. Afterward, hop aboard your motor coach for a brief ride to a countryside restaurant to savor a traditional French lunch.

Next, you’ll head to Gordes to stroll through this historic Medieval village, beautifully nestled between a rocky cliff and the charming inlets and sandy beaches of the coastline. Don’t miss the chance to browse the many craft shops and art galleries.

5. Explore the Birthplace of Nostradamus

During a shore excursion named Beautiful French Towns: Arles & St. Remy, you’ll visit the historic Roman city of Arles, where the renowned artist Van Gogh lived and created art in the late 1880s. Your journey will then take you to Saint Remy de Provence, the birthplace of the 16th-century seer Nostradamus.

You’ll depart by motor coach for a 75-minute ride to Arles, an ancient Roman-Gallo town located along the Rhone River. Here, you’ll see the impressive Roman amphitheater and the stunning Romanesque St. Trophime Church. Enjoy a delightful lunch featuring French cuisine at a restaurant in Arles.

Next, you’ll travel to the charming town of Saint-Rémy de Provence. Before entering the town, you’ll pass by the St. Paul Mausoleum and Sanatorium, where Van Gogh painted many of his works in 1889.

6. Discover the World of Lavender

On another excursion, titled Luberon Villages and Lavender Museum, you’ll begin your journey in the charming provincial village of Lourmarin. Stroll along the cobblestone streets and enjoy stunning views of a nearby castle.

Next, you’ll embark on a guided tour to explore the distinctive architectural features of Roussillon. These structures, unlike anything you’ve seen, are crafted from beautifully colored rocks in a range of ochre hues.

In the final part of this excursion, you’ll reboard the motor coach and head to Coustellet to admire the picturesque lavender fields. A visit to the fascinating Lavender Museum will allow you to learn about the history and uses of lavender. You’ll also have the chance to try beauty products like lavender oil and purchase some if you’d like.

7. Visit a Charming Fishing Village

Fishing plays a significant role in traditional Provencal culture. During the shore excursion named A Magical Day at Cassis, you’ll drive along the stunning coastline and through Calanques National Park.

From the park, a shuttle train will take you to the heart of Cassis, a lively fishing village.

Your guide will lead you on a tour of the town that has inspired renowned painters like Matisse, Vlaminck, and Dufy. After the tour, you’ll have the chance to grab a bite to eat, explore independently, shop, or relax on the local beach for some sunbathing.

8. Explore a Winery

During the shore excursion Châteauneuf du Pape and Avignon, you’ll visit a local winery to savor a selection of three exceptional wines. In Châteauneuf du Pape, the vineyards were originally established on land owned by the popes of Avignon, who enjoyed summers there during the 14th century. Today, these vineyards continue to produce some of the finest wines globally.

Following the winery visit, you’ll embark on a guided tour of Avignon. Perched on a prominent rock above the town is the papal palace of Avignon, accompanied by a stunning cathedral that showcases a blend of Baroque and Byzantine architectural styles. The church is crowned with a St. Mary lantern, emitting a light visible for miles at night.

9. Experience the Best of Two Worlds

On the excursion Arles & Aix en Provence, immerse yourself in the distinct vibes of two Provencal villages in just one day. In the ancient Roman town of Arles, you'll visit the impressive Roman amphitheater and the stunning St. Trophime Church.

In Aix en Provence, the former capital of the Provence region, wander along the Cours Mirabeau, a broad avenue established in the 1600s on the site of the city’s medieval fortifications. Don't miss the fountain from 1743, renowned for the healing qualities of its warm waters.

10. Discover a Historic French Fortress

Another fascinating activity during your cruise to Marseille is visiting Fort Saint Jean, a 17th-century fortress built by King Louis IV to safeguard the entrance to the Old Port. At Fort St. Jean, you can enjoy free attractions such as a Mediterranean botanical garden, breathtaking panoramic views of the Old Port, and the chance to explore the ramparts along with some historic structures, including the 15th-century King René’s Tower.

The upper terraces of the fort are linked by aerial walkways to a museum and various buildings within the city. Among these attractions is the Eglise St.-Laurent, a modest Romanesque-style church that was constructed during the 12th and 13th centuries.

From the St.-Laurent church, it’s a short stroll to the lavishly adorned La Major Cathedral, which dates back to the 19th century, as well as to the Quartier du Panier, often referred to as “la butte.” This area was first inhabited over 2,500 years ago by the Greeks and is now characterized by a maze of narrow streets filled with small shops, restaurants, and street vendors.

11. Refresh Yourself at a Modern Park

Marseille is nestled between the sea, hills, and the Calanques, a striking white limestone region that has been designated a national park, showcasing deeply carved inlets. Nearly half of the city is composed of natural spaces, including 400 hectares, or almost 1,000 acres, dedicated to public parks and gardens.

Not everything in Marseille is steeped in history. Established in 2001 on the grounds of a former train station in the city center, the 26th Centenary Park offers a lovely spot to relax during your cruise to Marseille.

The park features a lake surrounded by four themed gardens: Provencal, Asian, Oriental, and African. From above the lake, you can enjoy a stunning aerial view of St. Cyr and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde. The park symbolizes Marseille’s 2,600 years of history with 26 sequoias among its 1,500 other trees. At a buvette, or small café, within the park, you can take a break in the shade with a refreshing drink.

When you cruise with Dinogo^®, finding excursions that cater to everyone in your group is effortless. Whether your interests lie in culinary delights or historical explorations, Marseille has a plethora of options to choose from. It’s no surprise that this destination continues to draw thousands of visitors each year!