Welcome to Marseille, France's oldest and second-largest city, a vibrant Mediterranean gateway brimming with history and culture. Major cruise lines like MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, and Royal Caribbean frequently call here, drawn by the port's excellent facilities and its position as a launchpad into the heart of Provence.
Cruise passengers are enchanted by the city's dynamic blend of ancient landmarks, a bustling old port, and modern museums. From the sun-drenched calanques to the charming streets of the old town, Marseille offers an authentic French Mediterranean experience right at your gangway.
No visit to Marseille is complete without ascending to the Notre-Dame de la Garde. This stunning basilica sits atop the city's highest hill, offering breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the city, the port, and the sea. It is reachable via a tourist train or public bus from the Old Port.
The historic heart of the city is the Vieux-Port (Old Port), a bustling harbor filled with fishing boats, yachts, and lined with cafes and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to soak up the local atmosphere and is just a shuttle ride away from your ship.
Adjacent to the Old Port is Le Panier, the city's oldest district. Get lost in its maze of narrow, winding streets, charming squares, and colorful facades. Also, don't miss the striking modern architecture of the Mucem (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations) located at the entrance to the port.
Last updated on July 4, 2025
The beautiful town of Aix-en-Provence is a very popular day trip, located about a 45-minute drive from the port. Known for its elegant streets, leafy squares, and vibrant markets, it offers a classic taste of Provençal life and was once home to the painter Cézanne.
Another stunning option is the coastal village of Cassis, approximately 45 minutes away. This picturesque fishing port is the gateway to the magnificent Calanques National Park, a series of dramatic rocky inlets with turquoise water, best explored by a short boat tour from the Cassis harbor.
For those interested in history, the papal city of Avignon is reachable in about an hour by train. Here you can explore the magnificent Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) and the famous Pont d'Avignon.
Last updated on July 4, 2025
The main cruise port, known as the Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal (MPCT) at Môle Léon Gourret, is located in an industrial harbor area about 8 kilometers (5 miles) northwest of the city's historic center, the Vieux-Port.
Due to the distance, it is not feasible to walk into town. Cruise passengers must take transportation to reach the main attractions. Cruise lines typically offer paid shuttles, and the port authority often provides a free shuttle to the Joliette district, which is closer to the city center.
The terminal itself has basic amenities like a waiting area and tourist information, but very few shops or restaurants. Nearly all large cruise ships dock here; tendering is not common in Marseille.
Last updated on July 4, 2025
The official currency in Marseille is the Euro (€). It is the only currency accepted for cash transactions, so US dollars will not be accepted in shops or restaurants.
Credit cards, particularly Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in most establishments, from tourist sites to cafes. ATMs (distributeurs automatiques de billets) are readily available throughout the city for withdrawing Euros. It is advisable to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your cards.
Last updated on July 4, 2025
Marseille is generally a safe city for tourists, but like any major European port city, it requires visitors to be aware of their surroundings. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can be an issue in crowded tourist areas like the Vieux-Port, on public transportation, and around the Saint-Charles train station.
It is advisable to keep valuables secure and out of sight. While exploring the main tourist districts of Le Panier, the Old Port, and near Notre-Dame de la Garde is considered safe during the day, it's wise to avoid wandering into unfamiliar residential neighborhoods, particularly some of the northern districts, at night. Sticking to well-lit, populated areas is always the best practice.
Last updated on July 4, 2025
Marseille enjoys a Mediterranean climate, making it an ideal cruise destination for much of the year. The primary cruise season from spring through autumn features beautiful weather. Summers (June to August) are hot and dry, with average temperatures often ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F) or higher.
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are pleasantly warm and sunny, with milder temperatures perfect for a walking tour. Rainfall is minimal in the summer but can be more frequent in the spring and fall. Passengers should pack light clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for summer visits, and add a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings or shoulder-season travel.
Last updated on July 4, 2025
Since the main cruise terminal is several kilometers from the city center, transportation is necessary. Most cruise lines offer a paid shuttle service directly to the Vieux-Port (Old Port). A free port shuttle bus also frequently runs from the terminal to the Joliette area, near the Mucem and a metro station.
From Joliette, you can easily access the city's excellent public transport system, RTM, which includes a metro, trams, and buses. A single ticket or day pass offers great value. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available but are a more expensive option. For a comprehensive overview, many passengers opt for a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour which stops at all major sights.
Last updated on July 4, 2025
Marseille offers diverse shopping experiences for cruise visitors. For high-street fashion and major brands, head to Rue Saint-Ferréol, the city's main pedestrianized shopping street. The nearby Centre Bourse is a large indoor shopping mall with a variety of stores.
For authentic local products and souvenirs, the artisan shops in the historic Le Panier district are a must-visit. Look for traditional Savon de Marseille (Marseille soap), lavender products from Provence, santons (clay figurines), and pastis. The daily fish market at the Vieux-Port is a spectacle, while surrounding shops sell gourmet foods. Prices are fixed in stores, and haggling is not customary.
Last updated on July 4, 2025
A private tour offers a personalized experience with your own guide and vehicle, allowing you to set the pace. You can customize your day to explore Marseille's historic port and basilica or venture to the nearby calanques and the fishing village of Cassis.
A full day excursion maximizes your time by combining city sights with the best of the countryside. These tours often include Marseille's highlights before heading to Provence destinations like Avignon to see the Palace of the Popes or Arles for its Roman ruins.
A chocolate food tour lets you indulge in the city's culinary scene by visiting artisan chocolatiers and patisseries. You will sample fine French sweets and learn about the local craft while exploring Marseille's charming neighborhoods.
A Provence wine tour takes you from the port into the beautiful, sun-drenched vineyards famous for their rosé. You will visit local wineries to learn about the winemaking process and enjoy tastings in an idyllic countryside setting.
An authentic tour provides a glimpse into local life beyond the main attractions. You can wander through the historic Le Panier district, visit a traditional soap factory, and explore a bustling market to experience the city's true character.
With your guide, discover the prized wines of the “AOP Cassis” and “AOP Bandol” regions amidst the stunning landscapes of Provence. You will taste the famous white wines of Cassis, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, and the celebrated red and rosé wines of the Bandol area. This tour, perfect for connoisseurs and beginners alike, also includes a visit to the charming fishing town of Cassis.
Marvel at the natural environment on this amazing guided hike in the Calanques National Park of Marseille. Your professional guide, a native of the city, will passionately share authentic moments and insights about this unique natural place. In a moment of conviviality, you will also learn about what characterizes the cosmopolitan city of Marseille.
Discover Marseille's main sites in just three hours on this small-group tour designed for visitors with limited time. Led by a passionate local, you will explore the city like a resident by walking and using public transport for an authentic experience. This eco-responsible visit is perfect for cruise passengers wishing to know Marseille as it should be.
Exclusively for cruise passengers, this tour immerses you in the beautiful Provence wine region with private visits and tastings at two or three high-quality wineries. With your expert guide, you will discover the best of Provence's appellations, learning about grape varieties and the complex art of blending. You will taste some of the finest rosé, red, and white wines, and complete your shore excursion with a visit to a beautiful town like Cassis, Aix en Provence, or Lourmarin.
Embark on an exclusive journey with an English-speaking driver to historic Avignon and the exceptional wine domains of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Explore iconic landmarks like the Pope’s Palace and the Pont d'Avignon before venturing to the enchanting medieval village of Chateauneuf Du Pape. You will immerse yourself in the world of winemaking with visits and tastings at two exceptional vineyards. Your knowledgeable driver provides historical context, ensuring a truly enriching experience.
Discover the essentials of Provence—Marseille, Aix en Provence, and Cassis—on a private and customizable minivan tour. In Marseille, see historic sites like Our Lady of the Guard, then explore the upscale town of Aix en Provence with its cobblestone streets. The tour also takes you to the beautiful Gulf of Cassis to see the fishing port, Cap Canaille, and enjoy a wine tasting. This unforgettable day is fully customizable to your interests and ideal for cruise passengers.
Embark on a delectable guided walking tour through Marseille's vibrant port city for an unforgettable indulgence. Led by a passionate local food expert, you will explore the historic heart from the colorful Vieux-Port to the charming Panier district. Prepare for a sensory immersion with six or more generous tastings from artisanal bakeries and chocolatiers, including Marseille's iconic Navettes biscuit. This experience combines cultural exploration with the pure bliss of Provençal culinary artistry.
Discover Marseille from a different perspective with a self-guided walking tour and scavenger hunt on your smartphone. Solve interesting puzzles and follow clues that lead you to the next location, revealing all the city's highlights and hidden gems. This experience is the perfect mix between a walking tour and a scavenger hunt, allowing you to explore at your own pace. The tour is available in multiple languages including English, French, Italian, and German.
Get to see the highlights of the Provence region on this very scenic and diverse private tour. Your driver-guide is a local and enthusiastic professional, ensuring a great experience. As the tour is led by a flexible guide, it can be slightly customized to suit your interests.
Arrange for professional and reliable private transportation with this exemplary passenger transport company. Your professional, trained driver will transport you in a comfortable and elegant vehicle, with sedans or vans for up to seven people available. Based in Marseille, this service operates across any distance, taking care of you in all serenity for more than just a transport from point A to point B.
After departing Marseille, enjoy free time to visit the elegant city of Aix en Provence before joining your wine expert guide. You will then drive to the Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire wine region to visit the cellars of two top wineries. Learn about the local terroir and meet the winemakers while tasting several AOP Côtes de Provence wines in red, rosé, and white at each winery.
Explore the beautiful Luberon Regional Park with a private guide in an air-conditioned Mercedes van for up to eight people. You will visit a good mix of small, perched villages like Gordes and Roussillon, as well as typical Provencal towns like Lourmarin. Depending on the day of your visit, you may have the opportunity to spend time in different famous local markets. Convenient pickup is available from the Marseille Cruise Terminal.
Set off aboard a vintage sidecar for a private escape along the most beautiful roads around Marseille, combining city sights with coastal vineyards. Your journey begins with Marseille's highlights before continuing along the scenic coastline to the charming village of Cassis. You will ride along the spectacular Route des Crêtes for unbeatable views and enjoy visits and tastings at local wineries. The half-day option includes two winery visits, while the full-day tour offers three to four.
Discover the historic 14th-century connection between the Popes of Avignon and the winemakers of Châteauneuf du Pape. Your day starts with a visit to the magnificent Popes’ Palace before a short drive to the famous wine country. There, you'll visit the vestiges of the ruined château that served as the popes' summer residence. The afternoon includes visits and wine tastings at two different, iconic vineyards where tradition is enhanced by modernism.
Join Myles, a wine trader and importer with 22 years of experience, for a specially hosted tasting event. You will enjoy samples from three great Enomatic wine machines, accompanied by crackers. Your host will guide you through the history and culture of local wine production, including the organic and natural revolutions. The tasting also includes geographic, gastronomic, and tourism tips for the area.
Enjoy a great day out for lovers of fine food and wine as you follow in the footsteps of Cézanne through Aix-en-Provence and Mont Sainte Victoire. Discover the old town of Aix before driving through the national park's rolling landscape and vineyards. After lunch in a delightful Provençal village, your afternoon is dedicated to wine discovery. You will visit two unique vineyards, including a bio-diversity producer and a family-run winery producing award-winning wines.
See UNESCO-listed masterpieces of Avignon and Southern France on this full-day private tour. You will spend your morning on a guided tour of Avignon, making sure to visit the Pope's Palace and the city's historic center. In the afternoon, head out of town to explore the Pont du Gard, one of the most impressive Roman aqueducts left standing. This private tour ensures you receive more personalized attention from your guide.
Enjoy a fun-filled day of snorkeling and diving in the beautiful Marseille National Park. This six-to-eight-hour excursion takes place aboard a large inflatable boat. The tour is perfect for all levels, as it includes your choice of a discovery dive, a first dive, or a guided dive for certified divers.
Spend a full day aboard an Elba 45 catamaran, starting with a tour of the monuments at the entrance to Marseille's old port. You will then sail towards the Frioul Islands, passing the famous Château d'If before anchoring in a cove for swimming, paddle boarding, or jet skiing. Enjoy a catered buffet lunch with unlimited wine and soft drinks. This cruise is compatible with the excursion schedules of major cruise lines.
Travel from Marseille on a special tour to discover Sault, the famous lavender capital of Provence. This excursion offers the chance to see the region's iconic and beautifully scented lavender fields while they are in bloom. It is an unforgettable journey into the heart of Provence's most famous landscape.
Showing 28 ships in the area
No ships scheduled in port today.
Last updated on June 13, 2025
Cruise terminals are often far from the city center; use the cruise line's shuttle, a taxi, or public bus (like number 35 from Gate 4 at the MPCT) to reach the Vieux Port (Old Port).
Must-sees include the Vieux Port, Le Panier district, and the stunning Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica offering panoramic city views; most require a short ride from the main cruise terminal.
Try authentic bouillabaisse fish stew or a glass of pastis at a restaurant around the Vieux Port; also look for Navettes, local boat-shaped biscuits.
The local currency is Euro (1 USD = 0.86 EUR). Euros (€) are the local currency; ATMs are widely available throughout the city, especially near the Vieux Port and tourist areas, and currency exchange can be done at banks or exchange offices.
Marseille typically has hot, sunny summers and mild, sometimes rainy winters; pack light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat for summer, or layers and a light jacket for spring/autumn cruises.
Nearby beaches like Plages du Prado or Plage des Catalans are accessible by public bus (e.g., bus 83 from Vieux Port) or taxi for a refreshing dip.
Cruise line excursions often visit Aix-en-Provence or Cassis; independent options can offer more flexibility, but ensure you manage your time carefully to return to the ship.
Shop along Rue Saint Ferréol for mainstream brands or explore Cours Julien for unique boutiques; popular local souvenirs include Savon de Marseille (Marseille soap), pastis, and lavender products.
Consider a day trip to the charming town of Aix-en-Provence, known for its fountains and markets, or the scenic fishing village of Cassis with its stunning calanques (rocky inlets).
Marseille is the oldest city in France, founded by Greek mariners around 600 BC, and its port is one of the largest commercial ports in the Mediterranean.
Want to hear about the best deals and cruise tips every week? Sign up for our free weekly VIP Newsletter, customized exactly to your preferences!
