Marseille: what to do, what to see...

Marseille is a Mediterranean metropolis that is dynamic and bursting with exceptional heritage, making it a city where it is a pleasure to live. Notre Dame de la Garde overlooks this ancient city whose epicentre is undoubtedly the bustling Old Port that was founded by the Greeks; ideal for sampling the famous bouillabaisse. But the stunning Calanques National Park lies just a few minutes from the busy city centre, allowing visitors to escape into nature and enjoy a refreshing dip.

WHAT TO SEE

• Le Vieux-Port, the oldest in France and the vibrant heart of the city
• "Le Panier" quarter, a quiet and trendy part of the old town
• Le Mucem museum dedicated to Mediterranean and European civilizations
• Château d'If, home to the Count of Monte Cristo, 20 minutes by boat from the Vieux-Port
• Notre Dame de la Garde basilica overlooking the city and the bay

WHAT TO DO

• Walk, swim, climb or dive in the Calanques National Park
• A bouillabaisse cooking lesson at the fish market with the chef of Mirmar restaurant
• Jogging or cycling on the Corniche above the Mediterranean Sea
• Petanque and a glass of pastis, the local aniseed beverage
• A party on the R2 rooftop bar with views out to sea

WHAT TO TASTE

• The rosé and white wines of Provence
• Tasty sea urchins in winter
• Navette biscuits flavoured with orange blossom from the city's oldest bakery
• A pizza from Bonne Mère near Notre Dame de la Garde
• The charming La Cagole local beer

WHAT TO BRING BACK

• A cube of Marseille soap
• A bottle of pastis with special glasses
• A dozen Navettes biscuits in a steel box
• Aromatic spices from Noailles in the Arabina district
• A "triplette" of petanque balls from La Boule Bleue

Getting to Marseille