How to Spend 4 Days in Marseille (Day Trips Included!)

Marseille is vibrant, sun-soaked, and full of character. France’s second-largest city often gets overshadowed by the glitz of the Côte d’Azur, but trust me – it’s a destination you don’t want to skip! With a blend of Mediterranean charm, rich history, and a buzzing food scene, Marseille makes for the perfect long-weekend escape. This 4-day Marseille itinerary is a mix of city exploration, coastal hikes, and dreamy Provençal day trips, with plenty of croissants, coffee, and sea views along the way. What’s not to love! So, are you ready to start exploring? Let’s dive in!

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Where to Stay in Marseille

For the best experience, I would recommend staying near the Old Port (Vieux-Port) – it’s lively, scenic, and well-connected to everywhere you’ll want to go. For a great stay without breaking the bank, these mid-range and budget-friendly hotels offer comfort, great locations, and value for money:

Hôtel Life Marseille Vieux-Port – A stylish, affordable stay right by the Old Port. Cozy rooms, friendly service, and a great breakfast.
B&B Hotel Marseille Centre La Joliette – Modern, clean, and well-priced, this hotel is a short walk from Le Panier and the Old Port.
Meininger Hotel Marseille Centre – A trendy, budget-friendly hotel-hostel hybrid with private rooms and dorms. Great for solo travelers or groups!
Hôtel Hermes – One of the best budget-friendly hotels in Marseille with a rooftop terrace overlooking the Old Port.
Staycity Aparthotels – If you like having your own kitchen, this affordable apartment-style stay is a great option for longer visits.
Mama Shelter Marseille – Fun, stylish, and budget-friendly.

Getting Around Marseille

Public Transport: Marseille’s metro, buses, and trams are easy to navigate. You can get 24hr, 72hr or 7 day travel passes for reasonable amounts, which are great options for visitors.
Walking: The city center is best explored on foot and is very walkable! Stretch your legs and take a stroll to really soak up the city.
Day Trips: Buses and trains eassily connect you to places like Cassis and Aix-en-Provence, more on that below!

Left: view from the Marseille train station. Right: Me loving Marseille!

Day 1: Explore Marseille

Start your trip by diving straight into the heart of Marseille…and buckle up, because you’re in for a big day! Begin in the area of Le Panier, the city’s oldest and most charming district, where colorful facades, street art, and hidden alleyways make for the perfect morning stroll. Stop at Chez Lucas for a seriously good sandwich, then satisfy your sweet tooth at Les Minots de Republique, a local patisserie where you can treat yourself to the most heavenly lemon meringue tart and chocolate almond croissants.

If coffee is your fuel of choice, Marseille has no shortage of great cafés. Swing by 7VB Café, Deep, or La Brûlerie MÖKA for a caffeine fix before making your way to Vieux-Port, the historic heart of Marseille. The lively waterfront is the perfect spot to take in the city’s energy – you can watch fishermen sell their morning catch at the daily fish market or sip a café au lait at one of the many waterside brasseries. If you’re into history, stop by Fort Saint-Jean, a striking fortress with incredible harbor views.

From here, head to Noailles, Marseille’s bustling multicultural district. Known for its vibrant food markets and international flavours, this area is a foodie’s paradise. If you’re feeling adventurous, visit Epicerie l’Idéal, a local favorite deli stocked with the best Mediterranean produce, or try a traditional Tunisian brik or Algerian msemen from one of the market stalls.

Top left: Street art in Marseille. Top right: Vieux-Port. Bottom left: Bustling street in Julien. Bottom right: Cute charcuterie store front.

For the afternoon’s activity, hop on a bus to Vallon des Auffes, a picturesque little fishing harbor tucked away from the city’s hustle and bustle. You can stroll along the waterfront, soak in the relaxed atmosphere, and enjoy a dip in the ocean off the rocks along the coastline.

To round out the day, head to Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde to watch the sun set. The climb might leave you a little breathless, but the 360-degree panoramic views over Marseille and the Mediterranean are absolutely worth it. Bring along a picnic and join the locals as they gather to watch the sun dip below the horizon. If you’re not feeling up to the climb, enjoy a more relaxed evening with a glass of wine by the water before strolling along the Cor Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the city’s scenic coastal road, as the lights of Marseille twinkle in the distance.

Top left & right: View near Plage de Maldorme. Bottom left: Town of Les Goudes. Bottom right: Cloudy sunset from Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde.

Day 2: Hike to Calanque de Sugiton & Plage Sauvage de Morgiou

Pack your hiking shoes, because today’s adventure takes you to the breathtaking Calanques National Park. Catch the B1 bus from Marseille to Luminy University (see the B1 bus stop map here), the starting point for the hike to Calanque de Sugiton. This scenic trek winds through rocky limestone cliffs and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean before leading you down to a secluded, crystal-clear cove – perfect for a refreshing dip. After soaking up the sun and cooling off in the water, continue the adventure by hiking towards Plage Sauvage de Morgiou, another hidden gem where you can relax before making your way back.

For the perfect end to the day, head to a coastal restaurant like Tuba Club for sunset drinks and a well-earned dinner by the sea. Fresh seafood, great wine, and that dreamy Mediterranean view – what more could you want?

Top left: Boats in Calanque. Top right: Walking trail in Calanques National Park. Bottom left: View over the Calanques shoreline. Bottom right: small cove in the Calanques National Park.

Day 3: Day Trip to Cassis

A trip to Marseille isn’t complete without venturing out to Cassis, a charming seaside town just a short train or bus ride away. Cassis is known for its stunning calanques, pastel-colored buildings, and world-class wines, making it an ideal spot for a day of relaxed exploring. You can get the L078 bus between Marseille and Cassis, which takes around 45 minutes.

Start by wandering through the harbor, admiring the bobbing fishing boats and colourful facades before walking around the coast to check out the Calanques around Cassis, like Calanque de Port-Miou. If you’re feeling more adventurous, join a Sea Kayaking Tour to explore the hidden coves from the ocean.

For lunch, grab a table at one of the waterfront restaurants and indulge in a plate of fresh seafood paired with a crisp glass of local white wine. Spend the afternoon unwinding at Plage de la Grande Mer, the town’s main beach, before making your way back to Marseille in the evening.

Top left: Calanque de Port-Miou. Top right: Waterfront harbour in Cassis. Bottom left: View of the Château de Cassis. Bottom right: Me eating a croissant while waiting for the bus!

Day 4: Day Trip to Aix-en-Provence

On your final day, trade the coast for Aix-en-Provence, a dreamy Provençal town just a 40-minute bus or train ride from Marseille. Known for its elegant streets, lively markets, and artistic history, Aix is the perfect place to slow down and soak up some quintessential French charm. Start your morning at Brasserie Les Deux Garçons, a legendary café where Cézanne used to sketch over a glass of absinthe. Order an espresso and pretend, just for a moment, that you’re a French artist in the 19th century.

After a leisurely breakfast, wander through the morning market along Cr Mirabeau and pick up some local fromage de chèvre, a fresh baguette, and a bottle of wine. Then, make your way to the secluded gardens of Pavillon Vendôme for a lazy picnic in the sunshine. If you have time, explore Aix’s historic center, stopping by Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, Cours Mirabeau, and the many independent boutiques and galleries that line the cobbled streets.

Head back to Marseille in the evening for one last sunset by the sea before wrapping up an unforgettable trip!

Top left: Shopping street in Aix-en-Provence. Top right: Street market. Bottom left: Jacob’s Boulangerie. Bottom right: Street market in Aix.

Alternative Day Trips

If you have more time or want to switch things up, consider these other incredible destinations within easy reach of Marseille:

Verdon Gorge – France’s version of the Grand Canyon, perfect for kayaking, hiking, and jaw-dropping views.
Avignon – A stunning medieval city famous for the Palais des Papes and picturesque old town.
Lourmarin & Saint-Rémy-de-Provence – Two of the most beautiful villages in Provence, known for their charming streets and scenic landscapes.
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue – Visit on a Sunday to explore one of the best antique markets in France.