The old port city of Marseille is the third largest city in France. While the city was once known for its rugged edges, today it embraces old-world ruggedness, but has softened it with its modern appeal.
Marseille’s location in the Mediterranean gives a quaint feel. A population of nearly 1 million plus street art, chic cafes and restaurants, world-class museums and a vibrant culture give it a vibrant urban feel.
Here are 15 of the best tours in and around Marseille.
1. Marseille Sightseeing Tour
Start your adventure in Marseille with a sightseeing tour around the city. On this comprehensive four-hour tour, you’ll see various areas of the city, including the oldest neighborhoods and the old port.
Meet your guide and hop into a comfortable air-conditioned minivan before setting out to explore Marseille and part of France’s Mediterranean coast.
Your first stop is Notre Dame Cathedral, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city, coast and nearby mountains.
Next, you’ll head to downtown, home to the Noailles Market, Fort St. Jean, and Le Panier neighborhoods. After a walking tour of the city centre, enjoy a scenic 5km drive along the Corniche to Goudes.
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2. Departure to Calanques National Park
Depart Marseille on a large catamaran and sail along the rocky coastline of the Mediterranean to Calanques National Park, considered one of the most beautiful natural attractions in the country.
On this five-hour adventure, you’ll see the national park’s stunning natural land and seascapes, and you’ll swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters near breathtaking bays. Delicious lunch is provided and snorkeling equipment is provided on the catamaran.
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3. Explore the French Riviera
The French Riviera – also known as the Cote d’Azur – is a top resort area for French residents and travelers from all over the world. This 11-hour guided tour will take you through some of the highlights of this much-loved paradise.
Depart Marseille in a comfortable minivan and set off along the coast to discover Monaco, Eze and Nice.
Monaco is your first stop. Here, you’ll watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Royal Palace and drive on the famous street that became the circuit during the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Next, you will travel to Eze, where you will explore this medieval town and visit a perfume factory.
Last but not least, you will explore the beautiful city of Nice and visit iconic sights such as the Cours Saleya market and the Promenade des Anglais.
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4. Visit the Lavender Capital and the Luberon Valley
Enjoy a 10-hour tour of the Sault and Luberon valleys in an air-conditioned minibus. In Sirte, known as the lavender capital of the world, you will visit vast lavender fields and visit lavender producers.
You will also have some free time to explore this beautiful town and have lunch before heading to your next stop.
The villages of Roussillon and Gordes in the Luberon Valley are among the most stunning villages in France, and you will spend the rest of the afternoon exploring both.
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5. Visit the Roman towns of Provence
Depart Marseille in a comfortable minivan and spend the next 7.5 hours exploring Roman towns and monuments. Arles is the first stop on the tour; here you can see excellent examples of Roman architecture, including the Colosseum and the old town.
On the next stop of the tour, Nimes, you will have some free time to explore and enjoy lunch before visiting the ancient Roman settlement.
The town of Uzes is the last stop on this tour where you will see more of Rome’s sights, including Le Pont du Gard.
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6. Cycling along the seaside
Spend 90 minutes exploring the beautiful region of Marseille by electric bike. Most trips take place near the seaside and adjacent communities.
As you soar through the city streets, you’ll have the opportunity to stop and photograph various sights, including the Basilica of Our Lady of Garde, Wallon de Orpheus, and Palazzo Pharo.
Stop and take a break on your route to hear stories and historical information from your knowledgeable guide.
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7. Take a wine tour of the Luberon wine region
France is world-famous for its wines, and you have the opportunity to explore one of its most popular wine regions on a 7.5-hour tour of the Luberon wine region.
Meet your guide at a convenient location in Marseille and hit the road in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan. During the tour, visit several wineries and cellars and learn about the unique techniques winemakers use in the region.
In the charming village of Loumarin, spend some free time exploring the area.
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8. Snorkeling and scuba diving in Calanques National Park
Join this exciting four-hour sea adventure that offers the best of both worlds: the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of Calanques National Park above and below the sea.
Meet the diving instructor at Port de la Pointe Rouge in Marseille. Equipped with diving and snorkeling gear, take an inflatable boat ride on the water to the national park.
On the way, enjoy the natural beauty of the French Riviera. Once in a safe area near the park’s islands, spend half an hour snorkeling and exploring the marine life beneath the surface.
Next, your instructor will provide you with diving instructions, allowing you to dive 18 feet underwater to spot more marine life, including striped mullet, starfish and zebra snapper. Before leaving Marseille’s marina, you’ll get your scuba diving certificate.
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9. Go truffle hunting
Learn all about truffles and find your own on a three-hour guided tour of a truffle plantation in Provence.
Learn everything you need to know about this protected industry, including how to grow and cultivate truffles, how to find them, and how to train dogs to help with the process.
Team up with a real truffle hunter and start finding your own truffles. Enjoy your truffles and some champagne, then learn how to clean, store and cook these delicious treats.
Explore the vineyards and olive groves of the beautiful Luberon region before ending the tour.
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10. Track Van Gogh on a unique tour of Marseille
Pick you up at your hotel in an air-conditioned minivan and set off on a 7.5-hour tour in the footsteps of famous painter Vincent van Gogh.
Start with a stop in the city of Arles, where you will explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Colosseum and take a walk along the Avenue de la République.
Next is the village of Les Baux de Provence, where you will visit Saint Remy de Provence and Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, one of Van Gogh’s former residences. Take some free time to explore the area before returning to Marseille.
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11. Take a Segway Tour of Notre Dame
If you’ve never driven a Segway before, don’t worry; your instructor will give you lessons before you head out on a two-hour tour of some of Marseille’s most famous areas.
As you soar through the city streets on this fun and unique vehicle, you’ll pass iconic landmarks including the Cathedral, Musem and the Old Port.
Once you arrive at Notre-Dame de Garde, you’ll have time to explore the site, enjoy stunning views of the city, and visit the Cathedral and St. Victor’s Abbey.
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12. Indulge in a Food Walking Tour
On this three-hour walking tour, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the various cultures that make up Marseille’s multicultural atmosphere.
As you walk through the streets of the old town in the Noailles district, you will see many sights, including le Panier, the oldest neighbourhood in the city. You’ll also taste unique food and drinks from a variety of cultures, including French, Greek and Italian.
Stop at six different restaurants to sample local delicacies such as panis and pasta. You can smell delicious food from restaurants and cafes and hear different languages as you get history lessons from an informative guide.
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13. Explore Aix-en-Provence
Depart Marseille in a comfortable air-conditioned minibus and spend four hours exploring the beautiful Aix-en-Provence region.
Drive along the Cours Mirabeau, with its famous fountains and old mansions, before entering the heart of Aix-en-Provence.
Admire the picturesque streets and visit the Cathedrale Saint-Sauveur d’Aix. Take a workshop on artist Paul Cézanne and enjoy some free time to explore on your own.
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14. Take an e-bike tour of Calanques National Park
Depart Marseille on your provided electric bike and leave the city for a three-hour adventure in Calanques National Park.
Along the way, soar along the cross country trails and see many natural areas including Chateau Pastre, Montagne de l’Aigle, Parc de la Fontaine d’Ivoire, Crete des Escampons and Col de Cortiou Mountain Pass.
Return to the city through the Roy d’Espagne community and end the tour at Pointe Rouge Harbour.
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15. Tour Marseille in a vintage sidecar
Ride a vintage sidecar with your guide and explore the old quarters of Marseille.
On this two-hour tour, you’ll visit various districts – including the historic Le Panier and Noailles neighborhoods – and visit sights such as Notre Dame Cathedral. You will also take a scenic drive along the Corniche JFK and visit Goodes Harbour.
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