Marseille, France's oldest city and largest Mediterranean port, blends gritty urban character with stunning natural beauty. From its iconic Old Port to the dramatic Calanques coastline, Marseille offers a vibrant mix of culture, cuisine and seaside charm.
What to Do in a Day in Marseille
Head to the Vieux-Port (Old Port) and take in the bustling fish market and waterfront cafés. Climb or take the tourist train to Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica for the best panoramic views of the city and coast. Explore the vibrant Le Panier quarter, Marseille's oldest neighbourhood. Try authentic bouillabaisse at a portside restaurant. If time allows, take a boat trip to the Calanques National Park for stunning turquoise coves.
The tours below are not organised by the cruise lines. Bookings are made directly with GetYourGuide and you are responsible for getting back to the ship on time. If you prefer the cruise line's guarantee, contact our travel advisors after booking.
Cruise Port Address
Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)
MRS is about 25 km northwest of the terminal; ~25–35 min by road. There's no direct airport-to-terminal public transit; a shuttle runs between MRS and Marseille St-Charles train station (~25 min, ~€10), from where another shuttle or taxi is needed. Taxis between airport and port are around €55–70.
Vieux-Port (Old Port)
The terminal is ~7–8 km north of the Vieux-Port. A free port shuttle runs every ~20 min between the gangway and the Joliette / Les Terrasses du Port area (drop-off at 9 Quai du Lazaret); from there the Vieux-Port is ~15 min walking or one stop on Metro Line 2. Cruise-line paid shuttles to the Vieux-Port are around €10–15. Taxis between port and centre are around €20–25.
Marseille Weather by Month
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. High °C | 11° | 12° | 15° | 17° | 21° | 26° | 29° | 29° | 25° | 21° | 16° | 12° |
| Rainfall mm | 🌤️ 42 mm | 🌤️ 24 mm | 🌤️ 30 mm | 🌤️ 41 mm | 🌤️ 36 mm | ☀️ 17 mm | ☀️ 7 mm | 🌤️ 22 mm | 🌦️ 63 mm | 🌦️ 73 mm | 🌤️ 52 mm | 🌤️ 43 mm |
Available cruises
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises and Royal Caribbean offer excursions from Marseille. Popular options include Calanques boat tours, Aix-en-Provence day trips, Cassis village visits and Provençal wine-tasting tours.
Ships typically dock for 9–11 hours. The cruise terminal is a short shuttle ride from the Vieux-Port city centre.
Marseille has an excellent metro and bus system, making it easy to explore independently. For the Calanques or Aix-en-Provence, a cruise line excursion or pre-booked tour is more practical.