Marseille Guided Tour for 2.5 Hours with a Bilingual Local Guide
- 2h 30m
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 2 languages
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
“The best way to know a city is to walk it.” Simone de Beauvoir, the renowned French writer, was right. And it is especially true for Marseille. Marseille is unique, a city with 100 personalities, an oxymoron where calm and noise live together in chaotic harmony. The oldest city in France, 2600 years old, still has a young beating heart, and the best way to feel it is to simply walk on it. On this tour of 8 people maximum, you'll experience and discover, with a local, passionate, and bilingual guide, what makes Marseille, Marseille. We will wander through the small and only walkable streets of Le Panier, and learn about Marseille's rich history one monument after the other. Our tour will mainly center around the port, from one shore to another, as it is the very center, the very soul of the city. We will make our way to the magnificent Palais du Pharo, marveling at the panoramic view we can see from there. And so, so much more. Join us in exploring this southern treasure.
Inclusions
What's included
- Private and guided tour with a local guide
- Individual recommendations in a wrap up email from the guide regarding each one is looking for.
What's not
- Lunch
- Bottled water
Itinerary
The start of our tour, the magnificent Cathedral of La Major. We'll discover its vast and rich history, marvelling at its Neo Byzantine style, before getting on our journey.
Let's continue our journey deep inside the very famous district of Le Panier in Marseille. Le Panier is a historic district in Marseille, France, characterized by its charming narrow streets, colorful buildings, and vibrant atmosphere. It's known for its rich cultural heritage, with a mix of Mediterranean and North African influences. Le Panier is a popular destination for tourists, offering quaint cafes, artisan shops, and picturesque views of the Old Port. Discover the history of the magnificent "Vieille Charité" hospital as well as the tragic story the oldest district of Marseille had to endure during multiple moments in its life. We will also learn about Marseille's Greek and Roman heritage, witnessing landmarks dating back to the fifth century B.C.
From the north to the south shore of the Old Port, there is a very well known street known as La Canebière. We will stroll around it, learn about its history and the significant monuments surrounding it, such as the magnificent Chamber of Commerce, the Opera House and the many centuries old former shipyard.
Following that, we'll make our way to the Abbaye Saint-Victor, an ancient monastery steeped in centuries of history. Nestled near the Vieux Port, this architectural marvel boasts a serene atmosphere and stunning Romanesque architecture. We'll uncover tales of Marseille's past and marvel at the timeless beauty of this sacred site. We will also learn about the oldest bakkery in Marseille that makes one the most well knows treats of Marseille, la Navette. What is the inspiration of "La Navette" and the tradition on which La Navette is based upon.
Next, we'll venture to the Palais du Pharo, an elegant historic palace perched on a promontory overlooking the Old Port. Thanks to the staggering panoramic view, we will learn a lot about the monuments surrounding the Old Port, from the Fort Saint Jean, to the MUCEM and Cosquer's museums. With its majestic architecture and lush gardens, the Palais du Pharo offers a captivating glimpse into Marseille's regal past. From its terraces, you'll be treated to sweeping views of the harbor and the city skyline, making it a perfect spot to savor the beauty of Marseille's coastal charm.
Finally, we will make our way back to the port, walking along the south dock known as "Quai de Rive Neuve". We will learn more about the history of the port in the XXth century, casually walking, passing by the hundreds of boats calmy docked in the port. We will talk about where you should eat and what you should do after our tour. I will also send you all the necessary recommendations in an email to wrap things up!
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
5.0
- 541
- 41
- 30
- 20
- 10
Ratings come from 42 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- We meet right in front of the Cathedral La Major's entry gate. There is big lamppost facing straight at the entry gate. I will be there, wearing a white cap.
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 8 travellers
- Operated by
- Marseille Tour
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in Marseille
- Its from-price is 85% below the median of the 490 experiences we list in Marseille.
- It is shorter than most of them.
- By number of reviews it ranks 40 of 490.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Marseille
Marseille, France's oldest city, is a Mediterranean port of old forts, hilltop basilicas and limestone coves, and the home of bouillabaisse.
Greek sailors founded Marseille around 600 BC, making it the oldest city in France. The Vieux-Port is its centre, a long harbour ringed by cafés and the morning fish stalls, guarded by two forts at its mouth. On a hill above, the basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde carries a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary and shows the harbour and the islands from its terrace.
Top-ranked sights in Marseille: Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica (La Bonne Mère), Old Port of Marseille (Vieux Port), Vallon des Auffes.
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