What to do and see in Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur: The Best Cultural Tours

July 15, 2021 Diedre Savory

Travelers visit the port city of Marseille, the third largest city in France, for the meeting of style and history. The bay, flanked by Fort Saint-Nicolas, and Fort Saint-Jean shelters the Castle of If, from Count of Monte Cristo fame. Watched over by the basilica Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, the city's pedestrian zones and shopping areas (including the colorful French-African quarter) mix with historical sites.Travelers looking for a fun time go to the OK Corral, a cowboy theme amusement park.
Restaurants in Marseille

1. Aix en Provence & Cassis Private Day Tour Marseille Shore excursion

Provence Explorer - Day Tours
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Discover the medieval town of Aix en Provence and a prestigious Côte de Provence winery for a wine tasting session (at own expense). Then drive to the great fishing village of Cassis on this half-day tour from Marseille. Often known as the 'Saint-Tropez of Provence', Cassis and its famous calanques (inlets) are listed as world park heritage by UNESCO.

Inclusions: Fuel surcharge, Local taxes, Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Wine tasting ($7.50 USD/7€ per person), Mini-cruise ($17.00 USD/16€ per person), Guided tour in Cassis

Reviewed By RolandR689

We had to cancel our excursion on 5/28/2020 because of the pandemic. I have requested a refund as per their policy, but they will not answer my calls or respond to my 4 emails. I know this is a difficult time, but they should at least acknowledge my requests. I have received refunds from all other excursions we had booked. I booked this per TripAdvisor recommendation.

2. Cassis Village Private Half-Day Afternoon Tour from Marseille

Provence Explorer - Day Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Discover the great fishing village of Cassis on this half-day afternoon tour from Marseille. Often known as the Saint-Tropez of Provence, Cassis and its famous calanques (inlets) are listed as world park heritage by UNESCO. Drive to the highest sea cliff of Europe to admire the panoramic view on the national park.

Inclusions: Fuel surcharge, Hotel pick up and drop off, Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Private tour, Landing and facility fees

Exclusions: Drinks and lunch, Mini-cruise (16€/pers), Guided tour in Cassis, Tips

Reviewed By RolandR689

We had to cancel our excursion on 5/28/2020 because of the pandemic. I have requested a refund as per their policy, but they will not answer my calls or respond to my 4 emails. I know this is a difficult time, but they should at least acknowledge my requests. I have received refunds from all other excursions we had booked. I booked this per TripAdvisor recommendation.

3. City Segway Tour - Explore the Panier neighborhood in an unexpected way

5 Quai de la Joliette, 13002 Marseille, France MassiliaCar
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

This one hour Segway Tour of Marseille's Old Town will give you the unique opportunity to tour around the narrow streets of the Old Town and the Old Port. Ride through the beauty of the Panier neighborhood with its narrow houses draped with washing and criss-crossed by steep cobbled steps. See the highlights as your guide tells you and your private group, all about this incredible town.

Inclusions: Guided tour, Segway, Local guide, Helmet, Hair net

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities

Reviewed By MightyBQ

A brilliant tour from start to finish. Kevin, our guide and instructor, was exceptional. He brought alive the city with his commentary and also took care to make sure we were safe and secure at all times. The Segway was easy to ride, even for the 'more mature' visitor and clearly the equipment was well maintained by MassiliaCar. The company also took great care over Covid and made sure correct measures were in place. Marseille is a beautiful city, and this was the ideal way to explore it. Thank you and an extra thank you to Kevin!

4. Marseille à la carte - Private Tour

51 Quai des Belges, 13001 Marseille, France Marseille Free Walking Tour
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Do you want to enjoy a personalized tour just for you, your family or friends? This is the option you need! Book the tour and contact us to tell us what you would like to see or do in Marseille. Together, we will make a custom visit so you can take advantage of your day in any way you like. Touring the historic neighborhood, called "Le Panier", walking through the artists' neighborhood "Cours Julien", climbing to Notre Dame de la Garde (the most famous monument in the city) to have the best views, visiting the coast of the city ​​on "La Corniche" or going up the main avenue "La Canebiere" ... count on us to advise and build the best itinerary based on your tastes and needs.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Professional guide, Private tour

Exclusions: Tickets to any attraction

Reviewed By Uchida T

Matthew was an excellent guide with humor! The tour is a great way to get an overview of the historic neighborhood and I absolutely recommend it :)

5. Authentic visit of Marseille

L'Ombrière de Norman Foster, Quai de Rive Neuve, 13001 Marseille, France Medhi Dhif
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5.0 based on 10 reviews

Hello, I am Medhi, young 27 year old Marseillais and student guide-lecturer. Lovers of my city, I wish to propose to its visitors a visit of the principal sites of the city in 3 hours and in small group, by privileging the march and the public transport for an authentic and eco-responsible visit! Welcoming many travelers (Croissière, city break) this tour is perfect for those with little time and wanting to know Marseille as it should.

Inclusions: Public Transport Tickets to move from one place to another., Bottle of water

Exclusions: Lunch, Snacks

Reviewed By olena108

Despite the rainy weather and the fact that it was only me who showed up for the tour, the tour took place and was not cancelled and I really appreciated it. We visited all historical spots and viewpoints in Marseille as it was described in the tour overview. Medhi knows a lot about the history of the city and it is very interesting to listen to him. He really loves his city and I think it is quite important when you want to show best of it and make people enjoy their stay. Also Medhi was very responsive before the tour and gave a lot of recommendations about what I can do after to experience culture of Marseille even more. I would highly recommend to do walking tour with Medhi!

6. Notre Dame de la Garde, Panoramic Marseille

Notre Dame de la Garde, 13006 Marseille, France Marseille Free Walking Tour
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Meet us at the bus stop « Notre Dame de la Garde » (bus number 60) to start a great tour during which we’ll have the best views ever of Marseille, from the city’s most famous place, Notre Dame de la Garde. The guide will be waiting for you with a light blue umbrella to tell you everything about the oldest city in France and most especially, the history of Marseille’s main monument!

Inclusions: Private guide, 2 hours walking tour, Breathtaking views !, Notre Dame de la Garde, Pharo Palace, History of the city

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Reviewed By Uchida T

Matthew was an excellent guide with humor! The tour is a great way to get an overview of the historic neighborhood and I absolutely recommend it :)

7. The Urban Hike of Marseille

51 Quai des Belges, 13001 Marseille, France La Randonnée Urbaine de Marseille
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

You want to understand all about Marseille and its secrets? Come with me, I'll tell you everything by walking you through the heart of the city. In doing sports as well as visiting, in nourishing body & soul! Follow me for a sunny and sporty 10-kilometer hike, accessible to everyone and I will make you discover and enjoy the city differently: - Reveal its History and Geography, heritage and treasures, funny stories and true historical facts. - Let's go find the quiet spots of Marseille, reveal hidden beauties, stride along narrow streets only known by inhabitants. - Unearth various and surprising architectural patterns of housing, which are contemporary milestones of a deep and complex History. - Climb stairs up to be offered amazing views, make some nice detours to beat the crowds, find the right spots to get global points of view which help us understand the structure of the city. Let's go to all the secret spots which are almost impossible to find by yourself, and which are unreachable by car or by bus. One and only mode of transport: our feet! If you like to contemplate, if you appreciate the beauty of simple things, if you want to do sport, then you will be delighted by this 5-star sporty guided tour in the heart of our beautiful 2600-year-old city!

Inclusions: Soda/Pop

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8. Classic Marseille discover & explore from Greeks to now - half day private tour

11 La Canebière, 13001 Marseille, France OohProvence
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4.8 based on 5 reviews

Tour summary - Marseille the Greeks & Romans to the 21st Century Visit the oldest city in France, interesting angles and accents in this colourful Mediterranean port city - from Le Panier, the old town, la Vielle Charité, les terrasses du MuCEM and the gardens of Fort St Jean with its magnificent sea views. Discover 2,600 years history. This tour explores the entire area of the old port, revealing secrets on the way. Highlights Wander & discover hidden streets life of Le Panier, the oldest part of the city, artisanal life, galleries & artists. Visit 17th century Vielle Charité, modernist MuCEM museum, ancient fort & gardens of St Jean, the Cathédrale St Marie Majeur & Hotel Dieu. Enjoy the exceptional views across the bay and the city of Marseille. Discover the old port area of Marseille and experience the changes inflicted on the city in the 19th & 20th centuries.

Inclusions: A stop on route for a coffee, tea or soft drink

Exclusions: Admission to the MuCEM museum or La Vielle Charité

Reviewed By gene

This is a review about our experience "so far" with Christopher and Ooh Provence. A number of months ago, as usual, I did extensive research and found a photographer and I contacted him to see about a photo experience while in Marseille. He responded immediately and then told me about his tour company which extends beyond just photography. It was perfect...a guide that could help 2 amateur photographers get some unique shots in a great city plus learn about the history at the same time. I find this is a great way to explore a city. So, of course ,I booked and paid the deposit etc. and we confirmed our date. Then along came Covid 19 and I finally had to cancel .This company offers full refund up to 24 hours in advance of tour and Christopher had no problem with an immediate refund. I will add that is not the case with some hotels etc. I am so impressed with the customer service under very extraordinary circumstances and will definitely book with Ooh Provence in the future when we can return post Covid. Based on my experience so far I am sure we will have a great time touring Marseille and the surrounding area with Christopher. I often find the true test of a good travel company is how they handle unexpected problems and can be flexible. Christopher delivers on this for sure!!

9. Cassis & Marseille Small Group Day Trip from Aix-en-Provence

300 Av. Giuseppe Verdi, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France Provence Explorer - Day Tours
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4.8 based on 9 reviews

Discover Cassis, the small Saint-Tropez of Provence, famous for its calanques (inlets) and listed by UNESCO, on your small-group tour from Aix-en-Provence. You will also visit Marseille and take a panoramic tour of the main monuments and historic center.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Fuel surcharge, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Sightseeing cruise : 16€/person, Guided tour in Cassis

Reviewed By RolandR689

We had to cancel our excursion on 5/28/2020 because of the pandemic. I have requested a refund as per their policy, but they will not answer my calls or respond to my 4 emails. I know this is a difficult time, but they should at least acknowledge my requests. I have received refunds from all other excursions we had booked. I booked this per TripAdvisor recommendation.

10. Marseille discover magical secret little fishing ports - half day private tour

Porte de L'orient - Monument aux Armées d'Afrique, 13007 Marseille, France OohProvence
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4.5 based on 4 reviews

Tour summary - Marseille discover the three secret little ports Explore fishermen's cottages, brightly coloured fishing boats in a setting unchanged for centuries, a stones throw from the city centre. Vallons des Auffes, Malmousque & l'anse de la Fausse Monnaie. A coastal walk between the three little ports with exceptional views. Highlights Wander & discover the hidden tiny 18th century fishing ports and fisherman’s houses. Visit small streets and follow the coastal path to discover this unique neighbourhood. Enjoy the surroundings of life below the Corniche Kennedy & discover architectural gems from the last century and today’s modernist architecture. Experience the history and ancient fishing culture of this colourful Mediterranean city.

Inclusions: Along the way, time for a leisurely coffee, tea or soft drink

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Reviewed By Melissa8791

My daughter and I had the opportunity to visit Avignon in early January, and Chris was an excellent guide. He was knowledge and personable and made our short time in the area very memorable. I highly recommend OohProvence, and I look forward to touring with them again.

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