Welcome to Marseille

We provide essential information for newcomers to France from around the globe to ease their transition.

white and brown wooden house on green grass field under gray clouds

Marseille is a lively Mediterranean port city in southern France and the capital of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. As France’s oldest city, founded over 2,600 years ago, it boasts a rich mix of cultures, history, and traditions.

The Vieux-Port (Old Port) is its beating heart, surrounded by cafés, markets, and fishing boats, while the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde offers panoramic views of the city and sea. Known for its unique neighborhoods, from the historic Le Panier to modern waterfront areas, Marseille blends old-world charm with contemporary life.

Famous for its bouillabaisse, fresh seafood, and Provençal flavors, it’s also the gateway to the stunning Calanques National Park, with turquoise coves and dramatic cliffs. Warm, diverse, and vibrant, Marseille captures the essence of southern France.

Places to visit

Transport

Food and restaurants

Accommodation and stay

Emergency services: Medical and others

City administration

Marseille is the capital (Préfecture) of the Bouches-du-Rhône department (13) and the second-largest city in France. It is also the administrative center of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) region. Situated on the Mediterranean coast, Marseille is a major port, cultural hub, and historical city.

The city is part of the Métropole Aix-Marseille-Provence, an intercommunal structure responsible for planning, transportation, and development across a large urban and peri-urban area.

A commune is the smallest administrative division in France, similar to a municipality or town.

1. Mairie (Town Hall / City Hall)

Marseille is subdivided into 16 arrondissements, grouped into 8 sectors. Each sector has a Mairie de secteur, while the city itself is governed by the Mairie centrale and the Mayor of Marseille.
Responsibilities: civil registry (births, deaths, marriages), permits, local services (waste, water, childcare), primary schools, and community life.
🔗 To find your Mairie de secteur, visit the official Marseille website.

2. Police Municipale

In charge of public order, traffic control, and local bylaw enforcement.
Works alongside the Police Nationale, who handle more serious issues like crime, immigration, and identity checks.

3. Other Local Services

Libraries, sports complexes, neighborhood houses.
Social aid, urban planning, environmental upkeep.

Administrative Structure of Marseille & Bouches-du-Rhône

Préfecture & Subprefectures

Préfecture: Located in central Marseille, manages state services and law enforcement across the department.
Subprefectures: Located in Istres, Arles, and Aix-en-Provence for local administrative support.

Judicial & Tax Offices

Tribunal judiciaire de Marseille: Handles civil and criminal cases.
Tribunaux de proximité and commercial courts operate in Marseille and other cities.
Tax Offices (SIP, SIE, CDIF) are located throughout the department including in Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Aubagne, and more.

Métropole Aix-Marseille-Provence

One of the largest métropoles in France, covering 92 communes, including Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Aubagne, Martigues, and Salon-de-Provence.
Handles urban planning, economic development, transportation (with RTM and regional partners), waste, water, and public housing.

Marseille Arrondissements & Sectors

Marseille is divided into 16 arrondissements, each with its own local identity.
These are paired into 8 sectors, each governed by a sector mayor and council.
Examples:
- 1st/7th Sector: Central Marseille and Old Port area.
- 8th/9th Sector: Prado and southern residential zones.
- 13th/14th Sector: Northern neighborhoods with large residential zones.

🚇🚌🚢 Public Transport in Marseille & Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur – RTM & Regional Connections

Getting around Marseille and its surrounding areas is straightforward thanks to RTM (Régie des Transports Métropolitains), complemented by regional trains and coaches connecting the Provence region.

🌐 RTM Network

RTM serves Marseille city and its close suburbs, with connections to Aix-Marseille-Provence Métropole transport services.

🚉 Services Operated by RTM:

🚇 Metro – 2 lines (M1 & M2) covering the city center, business districts, and main residential zones.
🚋 Trams – 3 lines (T1, T2, T3) linking major neighborhoods, shopping areas, and the train station.
🚌 Buses – 80+ routes, including day, express, and night services, covering urban and suburban areas.
🚢 Ferries (Navettes Maritimes) – Seasonal boat shuttles connecting Old Port (Vieux-Port) to coastal neighborhoods like Pointe Rouge and Estaque.
🚲 Le Vélo – Public self-service bikes with stations across Marseille.
🚕 Mobility Services – Transport for people with reduced mobility available via reservation.

A train traveling down a street next to tall buildings

💳 Ticketing & Pass Options

🎫 Single Tickets & Multi-trip Cards – Valid on metro, tram, bus, and ferry within 1 hour of validation.
🎓 Student & Youth Passes – Reduced fares for students, apprentices, and under-26 residents.
👩‍💼 Monthly & Annual Passes – Unlimited travel, with up to 50% reimbursement by employers.
👶 Free for children under 6; discounted fares for ages 6–11.

Tickets are available at vending machines in metro/tram stations, RTM agencies, partner shops, or via the RTM Mobile App and RTM Website for e-tickets, route planning, and real-time information.

🗺️ Regional Transport Outside Marseille

🚆 TER Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Trains – Connect Marseille to Aix-en-Provence, Toulon, Avignon, Arles, Nice, Cannes, and regional coastal towns.
🚌 LER (Lignes Express Régionales) – Long-distance buses linking Marseille to cities and towns without direct train access.

💡 Tip: Combine RTM + TER
If you live in Marseille but commute to Aix-en-Provence, Toulon, or Avignon, a combined RTM + TER subscription can reduce costs and simplify travel.

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📍 Places to Visit in Marseille

🏛 Historic & Iconic

1. Vieux-Port (Old Port)

About: Heart of Marseille with fishing boats, seafood restaurants, and lively promenades.
From Centre: 0 km (it’s the reference point).
How to Reach: Metro M1 or M2 (Vieux-Port).

2. Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

About: Hilltop basilica with panoramic city and sea views; iconic symbol of Marseille.
From Centre: ~2 km south.
How to Reach: Bus 60 from Vieux-Port or walk (uphill).

3. Le Panier District

About: Oldest neighborhood with colorful houses, street art, and artisan shops.
From Centre: ~1 km north.
How to Reach: Walk from Vieux-Port or Metro M1 (Colbert).

4. Palais Longchamp

About: Monumental 19th-century palace with fountains and museums.
From Centre: ~2.5 km northeast.
How to Reach: Metro M1 (Cinq Avenues–Longchamp).

🎨 Culture & Museums

5. MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations)

About: Modern waterfront museum with Mediterranean history exhibits.
From Centre: ~1 km northwest.
How to Reach: Walk from Vieux-Port or bus 82/82S.

6. Cathédrale La Major

About: Striking striped Byzantine-Romanesque cathedral.
From Centre: ~1.2 km north.
How to Reach: Walk or bus 60 from Vieux-Port.

🌊 Coastal & Outdoor

7. Corniche Kennedy

About: Scenic seaside road with beaches and viewpoints.
From Centre: ~3 km south.
How to Reach: Bus 83 from Vieux-Port.

8. Parc Borély

About: Landscaped park near the Prado beaches.
From Centre: ~5 km south.
How to Reach: Bus 83 or 19.

9. Calanques National Park (Calanque de Sormiou, Morgiou, En-Vau)

About: Dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and hiking trails.
From Centre: 10–15 km south-east depending on calanque.
How to Reach: Bus + hike or boat tours from Vieux-Port.

🚆 Day Trips & Nearby Places from Marseille

🏝 Coastal Towns

1. Cassis

About: Charming port town and gateway to the eastern Calanques.
Distance: ~30 km east.
How to Reach: Train from Marseille St-Charles (~35 min) + shuttle/bus.

2. La Ciotat

About: Seaside town with beaches and old shipyards.
Distance: ~35 km east.
How to Reach: Train (~40 min) or boat in summer.

3. Bandol

About: Known for rosé wines and relaxed beaches.
Distance: ~45 km east.
How to Reach: Train (~50 min).

🏙 Historic Towns

4. Aix-en-Provence

About: Elegant town with fountains, markets, and Cézanne heritage.
Distance: ~33 km north.
How to Reach: Train (~30 min) or bus (~40 min).

5. Arles

About: Roman amphitheater, Van Gogh history, and Provençal charm.
Distance: ~90 km northwest.
How to Reach: Train (~1h).

🌿 Nature & Scenic

6. Camargue Natural Park

About: Wild wetlands with flamingos, horses, and salt marshes.
Distance: ~110 km northwest.
How to Reach: Train to Arles + bus/tour (~2h total).

7. Verdon Gorge (Gorges du Verdon)

About: Spectacular turquoise river canyon; hiking, kayaking, and viewpoints.
Distance: ~120 km northeast.
How to Reach: Car (~2h) or guided tour.

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Accommodation in Marseille offers a diverse mix of options, reflecting the city’s blend of Mediterranean charm, vibrant port culture, and rich history.

Luxury hotels are often found along the Vieux-Port (Old Port) or with views of the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, offering elegant rooms, gourmet dining, rooftop terraces, and easy access to boat trips into the Calanques. Many combine modern comforts with panoramic sea or harbor views.

Boutique hotels in districts like Le Panier and Cours Julien provide stylish, intimate stays, often featuring artistic interiors and a strong connection to local culture. These areas offer a lively atmosphere with cafes, street art, and independent shops nearby.

Mid-range hotels are widely available around the Old Port, the Saint-Charles train station, and La Joliette district, offering convenience for both leisure and business travelers with good transport links.

Budget accommodations such as hostels, simple hotels, and guesthouses are concentrated near the train station and university areas, providing affordable stays for short visits.

Aparthotels and furnished rentals are a good choice for families or longer-term visitors, with kitchen facilities and proximity to markets, allowing guests to enjoy Marseille’s famous seafood and Provençal produce at their own pace.

With its excellent public transport, including metro, trams, and ferries, as well as direct connections to the Calanques National Park and nearby Provençal towns, Marseille offers accommodation to suit every style of travel—from seaside luxury to budget-friendly exploration.

🍽 A Taste of Marseille: Food & Restaurants

Marseille’s food scene is a flavorful blend of Provençal tradition, Mediterranean freshness, and diverse international influences. From the world-famous bouillabaisse to global street food, the city offers something for every palate, including vegan-friendly options.

🌍 International Flavors
Alongside its seafood-rich local cuisine, Marseille is home to vibrant Indian eateries serving curries, biryanis, and spiced tandoori grills. Asian options range from Japanese sushi and ramen to Vietnamese pho and Thai green curry. Turkish restaurants bring sizzling kebabs, pide, and mezze, while Afghani spots serve hearty qabuli pulao, mantu, and grilled meats. Arabic flavors are everywhere, from shawarma stands to couscous and tagine houses, while African kitchens offer Moroccan pastilla, Algerian chorba, and West African peanut stews.

⭐ Fine Dining
Michelin-starred restaurants like Le Petit Nice Passedat, AM par Alexandre Mazzia, and Une Table au Sud elevate Mediterranean cuisine with creative presentations and seasonal ingredients.

🍷 Bistronomy & Creative Cuisine
Trendy bistros such as Ourea, La Mercerie, and Chez Fonfon (famous for bouillabaisse) blend local seafood with modern flair, often using fresh produce from the city’s bustling markets.

💰 Budget-Friendly Gems
For affordable bites, try Provençal snack bars, couscous cafés, pizza trucks (a Marseille classic), or panisse (chickpea fritters) from local street vendors.

🥩 Local Classics
Don’t miss bouillabaisse (served traditionally with rouille), aïoli with vegetables and fish, navettes (orange blossom biscuits), and dishes seasoned with local herbs, garlic, and olive oil—reflecting the region’s sunny, coastal character.

🥬 Vegan & Vegetarian
Marseille’s plant-based scene is expanding, with options like:

Green Love – Creative vegan burgers and wraps.
La Cantine de Nour d’Égypte – Vegan-friendly Middle Eastern plates.
Le Grain de Sable – Organic vegetarian meals with Mediterranean influence.
V&V – Modern vegan cuisine with fresh, colorful plating.

🛍 Eat & Explore
The Vieux-Port fish market is a must for seafood lovers, while Marché des Capucins offers North African spices, olives, and fresh produce. Explore the city’s multicultural neighborhoods to find hidden gems, from small couscous houses to artisanal bakeries. Marseille’s food culture is as warm and lively as its people—full of flavor, color, and history.