[url=http://www.marseille.aeroport.fr]Marseille-Provence International Airport[/url] is located about 30km from Marseille. Buses, taxis and now train connect in less than 30 minutes. Shuttle services from other European cities have made more places available from Marseille.
The main train station is Marseille St. Charles. It is well-linked to the rest of the city, as the two subway lines and many buses stop there. It is a short walk away from the Canebière and the Old Port. Beware that the station is located on a small hill : if you decide to go the station by foot, you will have to climb a series of steps that could prove very unappealing, especially if you carry heavy pieces of luggage.
Marseille has TGV lines to [wiki=e20d37a5d7fcc4c35be6fc18a8e71bfa]Paris[/wiki] (3 hours) and [wiki=debecab907ccabee0bc672b9fa1cab8a]Lyon[/wiki] (1h45), [wiki=914d0a4ebc177889b5b89a23f556fd75]Nice[/wiki] (2h), [wiki=c651bda18ca0a5704727ed63d2bd3e8b]Strasbourg[/wiki] (5h35), [wiki=4312d5c8cdda027420c474e2221abc34]Frankfurt[/wiki] (7h45), [wiki=3f6765c843a517aa042ae011230aa976]Geneva[/wiki] (3h30) and to [wiki=068a0b5b2858dc3f1ac7b47464bc4b0a]Brussels[/wiki] (5h).
From [wiki=550d05ab240ec337038af814ff0de287]Barcelona[/wiki], there is a connection to [wiki=f9bd7288af2797352ea5d61c8b265195]Cerbère[/wiki], from which there are regular trains to Marseille; also a night train.
[url=http://www.eurolines.fr/Site/EurolinesUK.nsf]Eurolines[/url] has many connections all over Europe. From Marseille there are at least direct connections to [wiki=550d05ab240ec337038af814ff0de287]Barcelona[/wiki], [wiki=a71105026dfe9155f7ac4d18e494a40b]Prague[/wiki] and [wiki=3d5a7deaa9855d6ed198e99341eda49f]Tangier[/wiki]. The bus station is next to the main train station, the St. Charles Station at Rue Honnorat. You get access through Platform N in the train station. There is also a temporary office at Platform N.
There is also an Eurolines office on the 3 Allée Léon Gambetta; If you walk down the big stairs on the southside of the station, follow the road until you come to a squarelike intersection. The office is on your left hand.
Marseille is very well connected to most French cities through numerous highways. As always in France those highways are expensive but practical, comfortable and fast. Marseille is around 8 hours from Paris by car, 2 hours from [wiki=914d0a4ebc177889b5b89a23f556fd75]Nice[/wiki], 1h30 from [wiki=375c7d274d5b84410e7b2bf0a00a9465]Montpellier[/wiki], 4 hours from [wiki=66d73a5c118ed4653630c2fe3464cf2d]Toulouse[/wiki] and 3 hours from [wiki=debecab907ccabee0bc672b9fa1cab8a]Lyon[/wiki]. However, be aware that driving in the city centre is a nightmare - park your car somewhere safe and stick to public transport whenever you can.
Marseille has a big harbour. There are direct ferry routes from Marseille to [wiki=6c40f8b97e4bf034372dc2d3ebf59ba6]Ajaccio[/wiki], [wiki=1dedabe74de633c6f7224a065d942e37]Bastia[/wiki], [wiki=12ad03461c6baa70e111433ff3f38f00]Porto Torres[/wiki], [wiki=7310ee3fd6b84b0d158e240fe785a611]Porto Vecchio[/wiki] and [wiki=8490d2d7ec05be0902a6a973d2a9dcf2]Propriano[/wiki].
There are several piers at the harbour, so it is advisable to check well in advance from which pier you are departing.
Marseille is served by a relatively good public transport system, the [url=http://www.rtm.fr]Régie des Transports de Marseille RTM[/url] comprising 2 underground railway lines (métro), 2 tram lines and 74 bus lines. If you have any mobility problems, are in a wheel chair or have a child in a push chair, you should be aware that almost every métro station has steps in it somewhere and some will have several flights of stairs - stick to the trams and buses which are a better option.
Tickets for buses and the métro can be bought in cafés, at subway stations, or on the bus; it's best to buy a multi-journey ticket (carte libertés) at €13 (10 trips), which are not sold on buses. The number of transfers is unlimited (including the return journeys) within the one-hour limit between the first boarding and last transfer on all the network (you must validate with each entry to the bus). Since April 2013, the subway and tram systems stop running every morning at 00:30. Most bus routes do not operate after 21:00 or so, although a limited network of night buses (Fluobus) operates with infrequent service (only about every 45-60 minutes or so) until about 00:30 or so. Using a taxi is recommended if you need to travel after 21:00.
The [url=http://www.lepilote.com]Pilote website[/url], includes all the bus, tram and metro schedules but is easier to read than the RTM sites. Moreover, this site repeats the schedules of the majority of transport in common routes around the wider region (tram, interurban buses, regional trains [TER]) and makes it possible to search for journeys in Marseille and the nearby communes.
Airport transfers are available for €8.50 each way to and from Gare Saint Charles. Tickets may be bought at the cabin between Hall 1 and Hall 3/4 of the main terminal and at a separate kiosk in the new Gare Routière, after Voie [Platform] N in the Gare St Charles. The bus runs every 20 minutes on 10, 30, and 50 minutes past the hour. The ride is about 30 minutes. The bus says Navette Aeroport - Gare St Charles on it. From Gare St Charles, the métro can get you to most hotels.
Metro tickets allow unlimited transfers onto a bus or tram within 1 hour of initial use for the base €1.50 fare but does not include re-entry (1 hour limit) to the métro. A daily ticket (carte journée) costs €5.00.
A Ferry Boat crosses the Old Harbour (Vieux Port). It is a tourist attraction in itself known as the shortest commercial boat ride in Europe. Several other ferries propose connexions with L'Estaque, Les Goudes, La Pointe-Rouge and Le Frioul. They cost 10€ return trip but a 1 week RTM transportation pass (13€) comprises them (except Frioul island) which is very interesting. Also there are several companies proposing boat tours of the Calanque, like mini-cruises.
Avoid taking your car if you possibly can. Marseille, at least the centre, has narrow streets, one-way streets, random lane changes and so on which can drive both locals and non-locals crazy. The local drivers have a well deserved reputation for fearlessness - particularly if they are on two wheels. In addition, Marseille has some of the lowest parking fines in France - parking fines are rarely enforced and consequently you will find cars parked (and sometimes double parked) everywhere.
Due to the new tunnel that is being built to try to alleviate some of Marseille's traffic problems, satellite navigational systems such as the Tom Tom are likely to be out of date and dangerous if followed. For instance, following a Tom Tom in the centre of Marseille could take you across newly installed pedestrian areas or Tram lines. The one-way system has also completely changed.
Be careful of rogue taxi drivers. While there aren't many, there are a few and a €20 ride can quickly become a €40 ride. If you think you've been cheated get the taxi driver's number (located in the rear of the car, often on the window) and go to the Tourist's Office at 4, La Canebière (near Le Vieux Port) and speak to a representative, they can and will get your money back if you've been ripped off. They will also get the taxi driver in significant trouble.
Marseille has the excellent Le vélo [http://www.levelo-mpm.fr/] cycle hire scheme in place but there are basically no cylce paths and the few that are there are usually filled with pedestrians or parked cars which makes cycling in Marseille a rather dangerous affair. The vélo scheme costs 1 euro for a week's subscription. Each time you hire a bike, the first 30 minutes are free, then each hour costs 1 euro. Note that there is a 150 euros deposit which will be charged if you don't return the bike properly. Univélo Marseille is a mobile app which gives you live ike or park disponibility in the 100+ bike stations.
The Calanques. The Calanques are a series of miniature fjords to the south of Marseille near [wiki=371831c23746ff5a273d5ff773212fcb]Cassis[/wiki]. From Marseille these are best accessed from the University campus at Luminy which can be reached by bus #21 departing from Rond Point du Prado opposite the Stade Velodrome or from Vieux Port (the bus fee is only 1,50 euros). The 'fjords' are amazing with wonderful blue sea and spectacular lime stone cliffs. [url=http://www.nomadtravellers.com/content/99-hiking/169-les-calanques-marseille-hidden-fjords]] The walk along the coast from Cassis to Marseille is spectacular, it can be done in one day at a fast pace. The trail (GR) is clearly marked (red and white strips). From Luminy, you can turn left to Cassis or right to Callelongue (a bus connects you to bus #19, which takes you back to Place Castellane in the center). From June to September some of the Calanques can be closed due to high risk of fire.
* The Château d'If The Château d'If is built small island off the city, initially as a defensive structure and was later used a prison. It is most famous for its place in the novel The Comte de Monte-Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. Tourist boats leave from the Vieux Port.
* [url=http://tourisme.allauch.com]Allauch[/url[/url] and [url=http://www.plandecuques.fr]Plan de Cuques[/url] are communes on the outskirts of Marseille, both blessed with beautiful countryside. You can take the metro (Line 1) to La Rose and then a bus #142, #144. Take a picnic and go for a walk in the hills, the views of Marseille and the Mediterranean are stunning.
* L'Estaque and côte bleue L'Estaque is fishing port that is just starting to exploit its tourist potential through its connections to Cézanne. You can get there on the #35 bus from La Joliette (to get to La Joliette take metro Line 2)
As European Capital of Culture 2013, Marseille is planning great cultural changes and events for the coming years. However, this does mean that many of the museums and galleries are currently closed for refurbishment (in 2012). So far, the main cultural events are:
*The festival Avec le Temps that occurs every spring at the Espace Julien (one of the main concerts halls in town) consists in many concerts of French artists, in many genre (Pop, Chanson, Rock, Folk...)
*Le FDAmM or Festival de Danse et des Arts Multiples de Marseille, is the main dance festival in Marseille and lasts all summer.
*Le festival du Plateau, at the Cours Julien, in September.
*The electronic and urban music festival Marsatac occurs in the end of September and was created in 1997. Artists who performed there were for example Public Enemy, Nouvelle Vague, Mogwai, Peaches, Laurent Garnier, Aphex Twin...
*La Fiesta Des Suds, at the Dock des Suds, in October is a famous festival dedicated to World music. You can attend concerts of artists such as Asian Dub Foundation, Buena Vista Social Club, Cesaria Evora...
*La Foire aux Santons is a very picturesque Christmas market held from late November near the Canebière and Vieux Port. Provence is the home of santons, terracotta figurines used in nativity scènes known as crèches. Some merchants and many churches display impressive crèches of their own.
In recent years lots of new places have opened in Marseille, at night, three main districts are interesting (besides beaches between april and october where people go and spend the night - there are also nice bars - Sport Beach, thursday beach parties at Le Petit Pavillon during summer, sunlight yatch club...):
*Old Port with lots of bars and pubs (particularly on the southern side and on Cours d'Estienne d'Orves - Marengo, Polikarpov, Barberousse, Hard Rock Café)
*La Plaine/Cours Julien with numerous alternative and underground bars (E-wine, Bar du marché, Petit-Nice, Intermédiaire, Asile 404, Molotov)
*La Joliette/J4 with trendy chic new bars and clubs (Palais de la Major, Casa Pietra, White Rabbit).
However La Friche should not be forgotten, particularly during summer when the very large rooftop hosts dj parties for free every friday and saturday. For events and concert agenda, see [url=http://lanuitmagazine.com/sortir/agenda/]La Nuit Magazine[/url] or printed paper Ventilo, particularly during summer as lots of music festivals, boat parties (mini-cruises at night with djs in the Calanques for €20-40), rooftop parties and concerts take places.
English/Irish Pubs
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Clubs
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This three room cave-like club, is a great place to go if you like to listen to different types of music. One room or cave, plays hit music, another room plays underground techno and house music (room led by La Dame Noir records) , and the last room plays jazzy and 50-60s music.
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Le Cosy Bar is a club aimed at the younger demographic. This is a multi-roomed club, plays top music in techno, dub step, hip hop, and reggae til 6:00am. Le Cosy Bar is know for their extravagant theme nights such as Moscow Beach, where everyone's attire is mixed between winter wear and beach clothes, and Soiree Pyjamas, where everyone dressing in pajamas. The drink prices are between 5 euros and 10 euros, like most of the other night clubs in the area.
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Le Bazar is situated near one of Marseille's beautiful beaches. Inside, there is a large dance floor with smaller sections with couches and tables. The floor of the club overlooks the bottom dance floor and is a place usually go to be in a quitter surrounding. The DJs play top techno, dub step, hip hop, and reggae. Drink prices here are a bit cheaper than most clubs (4 euros to 8 euros).
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The best electronic club of Marseille, underground techno and amateur dancers.
Splurge
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Le Mystik is a chic club located near avenue de luminy. The attire is upscale and the club attendees are mainly in the age group of 23 to 27. Le Mystik's DJ plays the top hits in techno, dub step, hip hop, and r&b until 4:30am. The drinks prices range from 8 euros to 12 euros for a single drink.
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Le Flamingo is another one of Marseilles upscale clubs. Its pink lights give this three bar club a calm and soothing feel. The DJs here play the top techno and dub step hits. Prices for drinks range from 8 euros to 12 euros.
You can visit Marseille in an unusual way with Provence Vintage! From them, you can ride a "Deudeuche", the most legendary french car. You get a private driver who will drive you in the city of Marseille : the Vieux Port, the seaside, Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica...
You can contact them directly or the Tourist Office can arrange the tour for you.
* [url=http://www.marseilleprovencegreeters.com/]Marseille Provence Greeters[/url] : Greeters are local volunteers from Marseille who accompany you on your walk, unveil their secret places and top addresses and regale you with fun little stories about the enigmatic Marseille-Provence area.
The Greeters are committed to offering a hospitable welcome, familiarizing visitors with their city and fostering friendly encounters and exchanges.
Marseille is home to many universities and has a reputation for great education. The universities have a wide array of focuses from art to business.
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** Main focus on Architecture
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**Main focus on Mathematics
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**Main focus on Business (Business Management and International Business)
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**Largest university in France, with more than 70 000 students
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**Main focus on Medical Field and Pharmaceuticals
La bouillabaisse is an excellent fish-based soup served with la rouille (a garlic-saffron sauce) and bread similar to crostini. La bouillabaisse cannot be enjoyed at any budgetary level. If you are invited to the home of someone making bouillabaisse, then you are in the clear. Never eat cheap bouillabaisse at a resto unless it's not called bouillabaisse; only eat it out if you have to reserve in advance. Bouillabaisse is a meal...first the soup, then the fish.
There are lots of Kebab restaurants along the Canebière. Many cheap, authentic couscous eateries are to be found around the Cours Belsunce, where the local Maghrebic immigrants have their lunch.
* Bar de L'Hotel de Ville: on the "Vieux Port" on the left of the City Hall. A very popular spot for the long lunch break Marseille's worker are use to take. Friendly service, good food and wine at a reasonable price. No English spoken whatsoever.
* Four des Navettes: next to the St Victor Fort, this bakery is famous for its "Navette" dry biscuit which recipe has been kept secret for almost a century. This is one of Marseille's culinary speciality..not to miss.
Many affordable restaurants with sunny terraces are to be found on Cours Julien, a pedestrian-only street near the Canebière and the "Plaine"
* L'Escapade marseillaise: 48, rue Caisserie, behind the Hôtel de Ville. A favourite among locals, this enjoyable restaurant offers a delectable Provençale cuisine.
* Chez Toinou: 3, cours Saint Louis, a block away from the Canebière. A local reference when it comes to seafood, especially famed for its oysters. Toinou also acts as a seafood and fresh fish vendor. This place is often packed so it's better to book ahead.
* L'Epuisette: its amazing location in the very picturesque Vallon des Auffes harbour is an undeniable plus. Seafood specialities and affordable bouillabaisse.
* Chez Etienne: In Le Panier, with excellent pizza followed by excellent roasted meats. Incredible food, but you'll probably overorder.
* Le Cercle Rouge: 41 Rue Adolphe Thiers, just off the Canebiere. This unusual restaurant does excellent Corsican tapas such as figatelli sausage, stuffed artichokes, panchetta in honey and red mullet in tomato sauce. Worth booking to get a spot on the lovely terrace.
*Vegetarian and organic (biologique) restaurant on the cours Julien.
Wholesome and tasty - mains are 10-14 euros. Organic beers and wines are available too. Child-friendly. Service is a little slow.
*Lebanese restaurant with fixed-price three-course menus around 20-25 euros each.
La Table du Fort: 8, rue Fort Notre Dame, by the Vieux Port. A gastronomical restaurant consistently ranked among the city's best, specialized in seafood and fish dishes.
* Le Petit Nice Passédat: A 3-star Michelin restaurant on a idyllic location by the sea, facing the islands, held by local celebrity chef Gérald Passédat. It ranks among Southern France's very best restaurants and serves the best bouillabaisse in town... at a cost. From 180 € pp.
Hello Marseille Hostel [url=http://www.hellomarseille.com]]is located in a safe area in the very center of Marseille, the “Vieux Port”. They offer shared rooms accommodating 6 people for the single price of 17 euros only. 24/7 reception & security. multilingual staff, no curfew; Online booking and reservation; Accommodation in 6 persons large rooms with lockers (1 room "girls priority", 2 mixed; Breakfast offered (french baguette & marmalade, coffee at will; Linens included; Single price 17 euros.pers.night; Services: Laundry, luggage store, printer, free city bikes spot; Free WIFI everywhere, skype-ready computer at disposal in the lobby and ... Sunny Balcony, cosy Lounge, Guest Kitchen, Large TV screen with international channels. Phone : +33 9 54 80 75 05, Email : hellomarseille@gmail.com, Address: 12 rue de Breteuil, 13001 Marseille
*Hotel Lutetia [url=http://www.lutetia-marseille.com[/url].]From 60€ Between the St Charles Trainstation and the Old port 0033.491.508.178. A newly renovated hostel with free internet, great atmosphere, and friendly staff.
*La Cigale et la Fourmie, Tel.: +33 491 400 512 (Fax: +33 491 400 510, info@cigale-fourmi.com), [url=http://www.cigale-fourmi.com/[/url].]Calmly situated 30 minutes by public transport from the city and 30 minutes walk from the beach. The old house in the 'Village de Mazargues', a district south of Marseille, has been renovated and turned into a Backpackers Hostel. Every room has kitchen and a bathroom. Free WiFi and Internet access are at your disposal, complimentary coffee is served in the morning (no breakfast, but bakery nearby), 6 bikes are available for loan and there is no curfew/lockout. Dormitory beds are 15 € per night, rooms from 35 €.
* Chateau du Bois-Luzy, Tel. +33 491490618 [url=http://www.hihostels.com/dba/hostels-Marseille---Chateau-du-Bois-Luzy-020117.en.htm[/url].]The Chateau du Bois-Luzy is part of the Hosteling International network, and they require you have a membership (you can purchase that for €7). The hostel is a rather impressive building, both inside and out, like a modern castle perched on a hill outside Marseille. They have spacious dorms for €17 a night, and the views are truly spectacular if you get the right room. There is a lovely staff, no curfew or lockouts, and as good a breakfast as you can expect from a hostel. You'll find clean, good bathrooms, lovely marble and mosaic floors and quiet environs. The kitchen is lackluster and basic, but it does the job. The view comes at a cost as it is located well outside the city, about 40 minutes walking from the Vieux Port. There is transport from the center by bus lines 6 and 8 [http://www.lepilote.com/rtm/horaires/Horaire.asp?sens=A&arret=3094&type=stop&ligne=2343%246%24METRO+CHARTREUX-BOIS+LEMAITRE&date=12%2F04%2F2010&hour=21&id_part=1[/url], and by metro line 1/blue; you must get off at the last stop, La Fourragère, and walk about 10 minutes up a hill to reach it. They take new guests between 7-10 & 17-21, but can make arrangements if this doesn't suit you. Make sure you pay attention to the greeting instructions, as it is not a 24-hour staff, and you may find yourself waiting for a while.
* Adagio Marseille Prado Plage +33 1 58 21 55 84, Completely renovated, the residence is in the heart of the Le Prado quarter, 100 metres from the beach, easy to get to via the Avenue du Prado or the Corniche. It lies in a quiet residential area close to a large number of restaurants and the Palais des Congrès. Note: This site can accommodate people with reduced mobility (minor disabilities, elderly people) with a able-bodied escort and families with young children.
L’Hôtel de l’Ariana is next to La Canebière, within 5 minutes walk from the Vieux Port of Marseille, 600 meters from the Gare Saint Charles and theater Gymnasium.Prado beach is only 15 minutes drive from Hotel Ariana whilst Marseille airport is only 25 minutes.Rooms from €50.
* Hotel La résidence du Vieux Port Marseille [http://www.hotel-residence-marseille.com]. Completely renovated in 2010 in a fifties style with a tribute to Charlotte Perriand and Le Corbusier. The hotel offers beautiful views of Marseille from its balconies and three suites on the top floor have terraces overlooking the Old Harbour and the Church. All the rooms are facing the port.
*Clean, cosy hotel in a quiet location near Joliette metro/tram station. Good location for the port and Le Panier.
Novotel Marseille Vieux Port [url=http://www.accorhotels.com/fr/hotel-0911-novotel-marseille-vieux-port/index.shtml].]A four-star resort near the Pharo gardens overlooking the Vieux Port with impressive views. The place to stay for most public figures.
* Le Petit Nice Passedat [http://www.petitnice-passedat.com[/url]. Arguably the city's most upmarket hotel, this villa by the sea boasts the region's only Michelin 3-star restaurant.
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