Top 15 Souvenirs to Purchase in Marseille

Often likened to New York City, Marseille is celebrated as the Mediterranean’s melting pot. When you embark on a cruise to Europe, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Marseille, France’s second-largest city nestled in the Provence region.

Over the years, Marseille has experienced a renaissance, evolving into a premier travel destination. With a mix of upscale retailers, quirky boutiques, and traditional shops alongside vibrant street markets, you’ll discover an abundance of charm and perhaps some delightful gifts as you wander the cobblestone streets of Marseille.

From local treasures to timeless delicacies, here’s our curated list of 15 must-have items to take home with you.

1. Nautical-Themed Souvenirs

Given that Marseille is a major port and coastal city, you’ll encounter nautical-inspired items at every turn.

From apparel and equipment to model ships, you can also find prints, posters, and even vintage maps to take home and display.

2. Savon de Marseille

You’ll find stunning bars of soap crafted in Marseille throughout the city. There’s even a museum dedicated to the soap-making process. Marseille has a long-standing reputation as a hub for master soap artisans who create exquisite soaps.

Crafted from local olive oils and a variety of Mediterranean plant-based ingredients, these artisans produce some of the finest soaps in the world.

Currently, a small group of artisans still creates this soap, referred to as Savon de Marseille, adhering to traditional crafting techniques.

While it’s one of the most readily available items in Marseille, it is also highly valued as a thoughtful gift to bring back home.

3. L’Espérentines

European chocolates are exquisite, and in Marseille, you’ll encounter L’Espérentines. This unique chocolate was created in 1999 to honor the city’s 2,600th anniversary.

This chocolate is a masterpiece, beautifully shaped like an olive leaf and filled with almond, orange, and mint. Just remember to ensure that any food you bring back to the ship is properly packaged and sealed to meet regulations.

4. Santons

During the holiday season in Provence, displays of santons, or "little saints," are a cherished tradition. These charming, hand-painted figurines often wear cheerful smiles, reflecting their grace.

According to locals, each santon is crafted with great care, using regional Provencal clay sourced from Marseille or Aubagne.

5. Pastis

Take a leisurely walk along the Old Port of Marseille and grab a bottle of Pastis, an anise-flavored spirit. This invigorating aperitif is made from star anise, a spice sourced from China.

Although quite sweet, its unique flavor can also be found in various dishes across Provence.

Keep in mind that you can purchase only one duty-free liter per adult, which will be securely held by your Dinogo cruise staff until your journey concludes.

6. A Pétanque Boules Set

Bring some excitement to your backyard gatherings with a Pétanque set. This traditional Provençal game involves teams tossing ‘boules’—metal spheres about the size of a baseball.

The game begins with one team throwing a wooden ball into an open area, and the objective is for both teams to throw their metal balls as close as possible to this wooden target. The team with the most balls nearest to the wooden ball claims victory!

Pétanque boules sets are incredibly durable and are regarded in Marseille as one of the most relaxing games to enjoy, regardless of athletic ability.

7. Couture

Marseille also boasts Parisian-style couture. Be sure to explore boutiques featuring collections from top designer brands.

Alongside clothing, you'll discover designer accessories like handbags and shoes, allowing you to embrace Parisian chic without needing to travel to Paris.

8. Madeleines

A local delicacy in Marseille is madeleines, delightful shell-shaped sponge cakes. These vanilla-flavored treats are a beloved favorite across France, so make it a point to seek out the freshest ones available.

Ensure that any food you plan to take back on the ship is properly packaged and sealed.

9. Navettes

In Marseille, the nautical spirit is celebrated with traditional boat-shaped cookies known as navettes. The distinctive taste of navettes is highlighted by the inclusion of orange blossom water.

While these treats are especially popular during the Christmas season, they're available throughout the year. Remember to keep any food you take back on the ship packaged and sealed to meet regulations.

10. Spices

The open-air markets in Marseille are a treasure trove of exotic and fragrant spices, largely thanks to the influence of the city's vibrant African community. You'll find spices displayed in barrels, with plenty to share. Various teas are also available for purchase.

11. Lavender

If you have the opportunity to visit the Lavender Museum during a shore excursion, you can discover a variety of lavender-infused beauty products in their gift shop to take home with you.

The Lavender Museum is nestled in the charming village of Coustellet, surrounded by sprawling fields of lavender that bloom seasonally.

Typically, lavender fields reach their peak bloom from mid-June to mid-July.

12. French Ochre Pigments

The charming little town of Roussillon, just a short motor coach ride from the port of Marseille, features soil rich in vibrant orange ochre hues, making it a photographer's paradise. This unique clay color comes from the ochre deposits beneath the town.

If you visit the quarry during a shore excursion, you're sure to leave with a souvenir featuring ochre pigments, such as shoes or clothing. For artists or those seeking authentic souvenirs from Marseille, consider stopping by an arts and crafts shop or art gallery to find genuine, richly colored ochre pigments for your own projects.

13. Olive Oil

Olive oil ranks among the top souvenirs to bring back from Marseille. The Greeks introduced olive trees to the area thousands of years ago, and today, you can find beautifully packaged olive oils perfect for your kitchen or as thoughtful gifts for friends and family.

14. Fabrics

Fabric is another must-buy in Marseille. Known for their vibrant colors that reflect the sun-drenched landscapes of Provence, these fabrics are among the most beautiful and budget-friendly souvenirs to take home.

Traditional prints, referred to as “les indiennes,” are characterized by vibrant colors and intricate patterns that represent sunflowers, lavender, vines, olive branches, lemons, and other natural beauties. These patterns were introduced to France from India in the 17th century.

If you're into sewing, upholstery, quilting, or any crafting, these stunning fabrics will surely catch your eye.

15. Wine

While in France, don't miss the chance to buy some wine. A visit to Avignon could take you to one of Marseille's local wineries in Châteauneuf, where you can tour historic vineyards. Be sure to purchase a bottle as a memorable keepsake from this unique experience.

Keep in mind that Dinogo permits only one duty-free liter of alcohol per adult, which the cruise staff will store for you until the end of your journey.

Most shops in Marseille are typically closed on Sundays, and many may also take a break during lunchtime for an hour or more on weekdays. Shore excursions in Marseille include free time for ample shopping opportunities.

Alongside your departure from Barcelona, you'll also have the exclusive chance to explore renowned ports in Italy, as well as Kotor or Dubrovnik.

Dinogo cruises are meticulously planned to handle all the details, allowing you to fully enjoy the ancient and sophisticated charm of European ports like Marseille.