MARSEILLE
Though Marseille is France’s oldest city, the capital of the Provence and the European Capital of the Culture 2013, it now offers the visitor a face that combines modernity and conviviality. Climate, light and sunshine are also some of the city’s strengths.
The dynamism and the recent improvements to the second city of France, in relation with the easy access and the transport facilities, the increase of the hotel capacity and the new image of a Euromediterranean city combining modernism, charm and authenticity, converge to a great touristic success.
Let’s imagine a weekend in Marseille, where everything is peace, authenticity, and pleasure…
First time in Marseille? Climb up to Notre Dame de la Garde to admire the city and the islands and visit the 19th Century basilica. The interior is dazzling, with its thousands of mosaics that make up the Byzantine décor and the many ex-voto offerings on display.
Admire also the view of the “Vieux Port”. In the distance, the Saint-Jean and Saint-Nicolas forts reflect the pink of the rising sun, while fishing boats come and go on the water and a few yachts are already heading out towards the Iles du Frioul and the Château d’If.
Take a walk round the fish market to find out which species are used to make the bouillabaisse that you’ll enjoy for dinner one evening.
Near the “Vieux Port”, it’s time for shopping in the many streets of the city centre. You’ll find all the big names in rues Paradis, Grignan, Montgrand and Sainte, which are semi-pedestrian streets, ideal for a gentle stroll. If you’re looking for a younger atmosphere, try rue Saint-Ferréol, where you’ll find all the “trendy” boutiques as well as Galeries Lafayette, which was given a new look in 2005, a mix of design and minimalism.
In rue Grignan you can also visit the Cantini museum, which is in a 17th Century former private mansion and presents collections of modern art. This charming museum houses works by Braque, Dubuffet, Cézanne and Picasso.
But if you prefer a quieter atmosphere, find your way to the Cours Estienne d’Orves, a superb Italian-style square lined with cafés, restaurants and shops, and have a cup of tea at the Arcenaulx, an establishment that combines a bookshop and restaurant.
Back to the Vieux Port to enjoy one of the sunny terraces facing Notre Dame de la Garde or the old part of Marseille, which the locals call Le Panier.
Set off on a tour of the district that the Greeks chose to found Marseille over 2600 years ago. Between the Town Hall, the Vieille Charité museums, the Place des Moulins and the Accoules church you’ll discover 26 centuries of history. There are also a large number of craftsmen who will be delighted to welcome you in and show you their skills.
If you like natural landscape, go to the Calanques massif, with its creeks nestling between limestone cliffs, are just a few minutes from the city centre and can be easily reached on foot or by boat. A truly thrilling environment!
But it is already the end of your stay … you come back soon …
Marseille is really the best destination for a city break!
WHAT’S ON...
Audi Med Cup Circuit
2009 – June
The Audi MedCup Circuit second leg will begin in Marseille in June. The vieux port, the rade sud, the Mistral, the islands, cliffs, blus sea and bouillabaisse - Marseille promises to be again an exciting venue for the Audi MedCup Fleet.The famous "rade de Marseille" has an history of attracting some of the most prestigious regattas and it offered an outstanding backdrop to the America's cup class in 2004 where the first act of the 32nd course puts Marseille up among the best rendez-vous for the greatest sailors. So the Audi Med Cup Circuit family is looking forward to mooring up in the vieux port for the second event of this season.
www.medcup.org
Jazz des 5 continents Festival
2009 - End of July
In 2009, it will be the 10th birthday of the Festival de Jazz des 5 continents. Best artists from the world of jazz will be invited in Marseille during 5 evenings in the beautiful gardens of Longchamp Palace. Voices and music from Africa, America and France have rendez-vous to celebrate this birthday.
www.festival-jazz-cinq-continents.com
SPECIAL OFFERS
Weekend Break in Marseille
All year round from Friday to Sunday or Saturday to Monday
3 days/2 nights, from Friday to Sunday or Saturday to Monday
105 € per person on the basis of a double room. Hotels ranging from 0 to 4 stars
Included:
2 nights accommodation (including vacation tax)
2 breakfasts
1 Marseille City Pass, good for 2 days (per person)
Guide visit of the city
Free entry to 14 museums
Discounts on visits, shows and leisure activities
Discounts at the Tourist Office boutique and in participating stores
Free tastings and samples at participating shops: biscuits, épiceries, soaps, souvenirs...
Transport to Marseille, insurance and personal expenses not included.
With this package, you create your stay according to your desires: enjoy urban excitement with guided visits of the city and its museums, relax at the seaside, journey by boat to the island fortress of Château d’If, ride the tourist train to Notre Dame.
Head towards adventure as you discover the oldest town of France during a weekend break in the sun-kissed south of France!
The Marseille City Pass makes visiting Marseille easy thanks to an all-inclusive formula. Valid for 2 days, the pass gives access to many tourist and cultural offerings.
As for transportation, your Marseille City Pass allows you free unlimited access to Marseille’s entire transportation network (Tram, Bus, Métro), including the ferry boat to the Château d’If (or the Frioul islands in the event of bad weather), and the tourist train of Notre Dame.
Reserve your weekend break with one click: www.marseille-tourisme.com
Contact our central reservation desk
Tel.: + 33 (0)4 91 13 99 78 everyday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Email: booking@marseille-tourisme.com
BY AIR: 25 km from the Old Harbour, Marseille-Provence airport offers is directly linked to England with British Airways, Easy Jet and Ryanair.
www.marseille.aeroport.fr
A shuttle bus to Saint Charles station every 20 min.
BY TRAIN
Linking the main stations in France and Europe, Saint Charles station, only 2 subway station from the Old Harbour, now offers 17 journeys a day to Paris in 3 hours only to Gare de Lyon or Charles de Gaulle Airport. www.sncf.fr
BY CAR
3 motorways A7, A50 and A55 lead to Marseille city centre.
Car rentals are available at the airport and at the station.
CRUISES
30 cruises companies stop in Marseille
The SNCM proposes also regular link to Corsica www.sncm.fr
PUBLIC TRANSPORT NETWORK
2 subways, 79 bus lines and 1 tramway
Marseille from the Seaside
All year long
3 days/2 nights, from Friday to Sunday or Saturday to Monday
120 € per person, based on a double room. Hotels ranging from 0 to 4 stars
Included:
2 nights accommodation (including vacation tax)
2 breakfasts
1 Marseille City Pass, good for 2 days (per person)
1 walking tour of the calanques (October – June) or 1 swimming tour with flippers (July – September) on the Friday afternoon
Transport to Marseille, insurance and personal expenses not included.
Marseille, founded in 600 BC by the ancient Greek Phocaeans, offers a true haven of peace. Step back in time, and enter natural surroundings of exceptional beauty Ð rugged calanques that plunge into a turquoise sea and form hidden coves, traditional fishing villages, sandy beaches and coastal islands. Come explore Marseille, a breath of fresh air!
The Marseille City Pass makes visiting Marseille easy thanks to an all-inclusive formula. Valid for 2 days, the pass gives access to many tourist and cultural offerings.
As for transportation, your Marseille City Pass allows you free unlimited access to Marseille’s entire transportation network (Tram, Bus, Métro), including the ferry boat to the Château d’If (or the Frioul islands in the event of bad weather), and the tourist train of Notre Dame. Whether exploring by foot, bus, boat or train, it’s a pleasure to discover the oldest city of France!
Internet reservations must be made at least 5 days before the date of the selected weekend.
For last-minute reservations, please contact our central reservation desk:
by telephone at +33 (0)4 91 13 99 70 everyday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
or booking@marseille-tourisme.com
A confirmation email will be sent to you with a detailed summary of your stay. Your travel packet will be waiting for you at our welcome desk (all necessary information will be in the confirmation letter).
As for transportation, your Marseille City Pass allows you free unlimited access to Marseilles entire transportation network (Tram, Bus, Metro), including the ferry boat to the Château d’If (or the Frioul islands in the event of bad weather), and the tourist train of Notre Dame.
Reserve your weekend break with one click: www.marseille-tourisme.com
Contact our central reservation desk
Tel.: + 33 (0)4 91 13 99 78 everyday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Email: booking@marseille-tourisme.com
Transport Partner
FLY CHEAPER FROM MARSEILLE
www.ryanair.com
