Flight to Marseille (MRS)

Flying to Marseille: tips and information for your trip

The iconic city of Marseille has been a top tourism hotspot for many years and once you visit it for yourself, you’ll understand exactly why. Combining a buzzing city centre with nature, culture and lots to see and do, this city in the South of France has so much to offer and boasts great connections to other cities along the southern coastline.

What to do on your visit really depends on what kind of holiday you’re looking for, but one thing is for sure, you won’t be short of attractions to visit or things to try. Book with Brussels Airlines today for cheap flights to Marseille.

What to do in Marseille?

1. Visit the Calanques National Park. Take a trip to this wild and exciting terrain and you’ll be rewarded with outstanding views, picturesque bays and beaches, and natural surroundings that are hard to beat. The park can easily be reached via a short boat trip, an exciting journey in itself, and is sure to leave a lasting impression that will set Marseille apart from other European cities.
   
   
2. See the Old Port or Vieux Port. With two huge forts guarding either end, the marina and harbour are both scenic and functional.
   
   
3. Take a boat ride from Old Port to the Château d’If, the famous island for immortalised by Alexander Dumas in The Count of Monte Cristo/em>. You can complement it with a visit to the Friuli islands.
   
   
4. As the European Capital of Sport for 2017, it would feel wrong to leave Marseille without at least dipping your toe into the sporting world. Head to the Orange Vélodrome stadium to catch an Olympique de Marseille game, the city’s football team, more commonly known as l’OM. Similarly, keep an eye out for one of the many sailing, rugby or pétanque events the city also hosts.
   
   
5. Visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde. Tucked away on the hilltop that towers over the city, here you’ll get the chance to see some outstanding views, as well as the impressive mosaics and architecture of the basilica itself.
   
   
6. Head to Le Panier, the city’s oldest neighbourhood. With hidden treasures around every corner and an arty ambience fuelled by interesting graffiti and brightly-coloured houses, it’s a wonderful area to get lost in for an afternoon.
   
   
7. Explore MuCEM, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations. An eclectic mash-up of history and culture from all around Mediterranean Europe, both the building itself and the exhibitions at this museum are an intriguing sight.
   
   
8. See Marseille Cathedral. Its unique Byzantine style leaves an impression on those who visit, and getting there can involve a lovely walk along the harbour and seafront.

Practical information for your trip

• Brussels Airlines flies to and from Marseille-Provence airport, which is 30 km from the city centre. You can take the bus to the city centre, and tickets can be purchased online, from a machine or the driver. Alternatively, there are rail links, and taxis are also available 24 hours a day, and many take credit card.  
  
• Currency: Euro: Cards are widely accepted and ATMs are available throughout the city.
• Telephone calls and Wi-Fi: : +33. There are also a number of free Wi-Fi spots around the city.
• Electric sockets: Type C and E. France operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
• Travel Information: France is an EU member and has signed the Schengen agreement. Therefore, many travellers will only need a passport or appropriate ID card to enter the country and don’t require a visa for stays of less than 90 days.

Dos and Don’ts in Marseille

• Do take advantage of the many walking tours. Marseille has a lot to see, and sometimes a little help is the key to the perfect holiday. Lots of free and pay-as-you-feel walking tours can easily be found online.
  
  
• Do explore the surrounding region. Montpellier, Avignon and the rest of Aix-en-Provence are just a short flight from Marseille airport, while Montpellier is just a quick train journey away, so if you have a bit more time in the area, be sure to go explore.
  
  
• Do experience the nightlife. The city has some incredible clubs and bars, with many great spots situated around the Old Port and the Escale Borély area.
  
  
• Don’t forget the most iconic souvenir, savon de Marseille soap. A great gift or reminder of your trip.
• Don’t get lost. With so much to see, it’s worth investing in a good city map and planning your route if you want to maximise what you see in Marseille.
  
  
• Don’t forget your sun cream. Marseille is one of France’s sunniest cities and has wonderful beaches, so take precautions to protect your skin and not get burnt.

Local phrases & essential vocabulary

Though tourism is a big part of Marseille’s economy and the city and its population is diverse and varied, making the effort to learn some French words and phrases will help you to communicate with those who don’t speak English and come across as polite and courteous.

• Hello: Bonjour
• Goodbye: Au revoir
• Thank you: Merci
• Please: S’il vous plaît
• Yes/no: Oui/non
• Do you speak English?: Parlez-vous anglais?
• I would like…: Je voudrais…
• Excuse me: Excusez-moi
• Sorry: Desolé

Cultural events

• If you’re a music fan, visit Marseille in April or August to see the Holy Music festival or the Diaspora Music and Culture festival.
  
  
• The Fiesta des Suds is the city’s longest celebration and this open-air folk festival involves everything from theatrical performances to culinary battles. It takes place in October every year.
  
  
• The Bazar festival in November is a must for contemporary art lovers. It sees amateur artists of all different backgrounds showcase and sell their work as part of events around the city centre.

When to go to Marseille?

The weather in Marseille is fairly pleasant all year round, with spring and autumn temperatures hovering around 10-15 degrees Celsius, on average. July and August can easily hit 30+ degrees, so be prepared if you’re planning a summer trip. May, June and July are generally peak season and therefore the most expensive months.

What to eat and drink in Marseille?

• Bouillabaisse. This traditional fish and seafood stew was originally made by fishermen from Marseille and is flavoured with local herbs and spices – ask the locals where to find a traditional and tasty version.
  
  
• Moules Marinière. Its privileged location on the coast makes it no surprise that mussels are served in many of Marseille’s restaurants. Cooked with garlic, onion and herbs de Provence, food lovers will be on cloud nine.
  
  
• Aïoli provençal complet. A dish of salt cod, shellfish and vegetables, which comes with a simple but delicious garlic dipping sauce.
  
  
• Cassis wine. Getting from Marseille to Cassis is quick and easy, and the wine produced in this pretty seaside town has long been celebrated as a delicious accompaniment to fish.
  
  
• Pastis, a strong French anise and liquorice liqueur served in all bars of Marseille.