The 21 best things to do in Marseille

The people of Marseille call La Cité Radieuse the ‘House of the Madman.’ UNESCO, on the other hand, has recognised it as a World Heritage Site, and fans of brutalist architecture dream of staying in its hotel section. The enormous rooftop terrace features a swimming pool, a cinema club, the MAMO art gallery designed by Ora-ïto, and the best view of Marseille you could ask for. The building itself has 21 units of accommodation – sorry, 21 rooms – spread across the 3rd, 4th, and 8th internal streets of the complex. The rest of the building is occupied by tenants who are very proud of their Cité. The proportions of the cross-ventilated rooms are based on the Modulor, Le Corbusier’s design principle centred on a human figure of 1.80m. The windows, framed in primary colours, look out over the city, and the stunning furniture is sometimes original, sometimes selected by Jean Prouvé and Charlotte Perriand. It’s really, really something. 

Where? 280 Boulevard Michelet, 13008 Marseille

Of course, it would be almost sinful to try ranking Marseille’s calanques (coves or inlets, often containing spectacular, tucked-away beaches) – but if we absolutely had to, the Calanque de Sormiou would undoubtedly be on the podium. As you approach, the views take your breath away: an incredible setting of rocky cliffs dotted with cabins and Mediterranean scrub, pierced by a turquoise inlet. The stunning sandy beach is monitored during summer, and its crystal-clear waters make it a perfect spot for diving. Access by car is strictly regulated (you’ll need to arrive very early in summer), but this slice of paradise is relatively easy to reach on foot from the Baumettes. At Le Château (which reopens on March 30), a historic restaurant beloved by locals, they’ll throw a fresh fish on the grill for you. Heaven.

Emma François, the founder of the clothing brand Sessùn, envisioned a concept store with an extra touch of soul (alma means soul in Spanish). In 2019, she transformed this former soap factory into an elegant white and terracotta space filled with carefully curated items. In its alcoves, you'll find the epitome of cool: ceramics by Lisa Allegra, terracotta creations by Mano Mani, home textiles, ambient home fragrances, clothing, and books from independent publishers – everything in limited editions, everything beautiful. As a bonus, under a stone archway, there are light wooden tables where you can sit and enjoy sunny dishes crafted by Aline Chemla, such as an irresistible lamb pita or hummus.

Where? 127 Rue Saint-Anne, 13007 Marseille

It was a stroke of luck that Anne Vimeux and Elise Poitevin, freshly graduated in art history, stumbled upon this small space in the heart of the Réformés six years ago. They went with the flow and launched SISSI Club, a space with a sharp sensibility that shines a spotlight on the local and emerging art scene. Since then, the story of this place has become intertwined with a new generation of engaged and politically aware artists exploring diverse artistic formats. Today, SISSI Club is firmly rooted in the city's artistic networks, with a gallery representing seven artists, including painters Inès Di Folco and Camille Bernard, artist Corentin Darré, and Australian artist Madison Bycroft.

Where? 18 Rue du Coq, 13001 Marseille

Behind a tiny facade along the Corniche Kennedy lies Poissonnerie Kennedy, a stylish fishmonger launched by the brilliant Georges Mohammed-Chérif, a legend in the advertising world. Spread out on a counter topped with crushed ice, plump fish, shellfish, and seafood await their turn to be arranged on a platter. Afterwards, you can take one last seaside detour to the rocks of Malmousque, perhaps stopping at Mademoiselle Wine, a natural wine shop perfect for picking up a few saline whites kissed by the sea breeze. You can even discreetly slip upstairs to a cosy room with Riviera-style walls. There, every weekend, young sea dogs yearning for adventure gather to enjoy a five-course menu inspired by port city flavours.

Where? 245 Corniche Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 13007 Marseille

Wandering through the narrow streets of Le Panier is like stepping back in time. Despite the centuries (the Greeks settled here in 600 BC), Marseille’s oldest neighbourhood has managed to retain its personality and charm. To enter, pass through Passage Lorette, a sort of break between the chic buildings of Rue de la République and the steep alleys of Le Panier. Dare to get lost among Place des Moulins, Place des Pistoles, the Bar des 13 Coins, or Montée des Accoules. Along your stroll, you’ll discover shaded terraces, street art murals, small artisan shops, and the lively, cheeky spirit of the neighbourhood. Sooner or later, you’ll inevitably come across the grand Vieille Charité, a former hospice whose arcades now house a contemporary art museum and an archaeology centre.

Strolling through the streets of Noailles calls for a stop at Saladin Épices, a kind of souk with a whimsical decor where you’ll find rows of colourful spices, ranging from the classics to rare spice blends. There are at least 800 varieties, including a house-made ras el-hanout and harissa, and pepper from all over the world, including Sichuan, Madagascar and Cameroon. If you dig a little deeper, you’ll also find honey, herbs, and teas, perfect for those looking for something to cosy up with.

Where? 10 Rue Longue des Capucins, 13001 Marseille

With its concrete frame and glass tiles, this former warehouse in the Bougainville neighbourhood has had quite the facelift. It’s been transformed into a giant workshop by a dedicated group of artists and is now home to around 20 visual artists. So much more than a site of artistic production, Ateliers Jeanne Barret spans 1,200 square meters and is supported by a team with diverse sensibilities. Since opening in 2020, it has established itself as a key player in Marseille’s cultural scene. It’s a hybrid space that hosts multifaceted projects and serves as a platform for various creative communities. Whether it’s a discussion on architecture or the closing party of a micro-publishing fair, this hangar is both a residence and a party venue capable of welcoming up to 500 revellers.

Where? 5 Boulevard de Sévigné, 13015 Marseille

This Parisian record store has set its sights on the south. In addition to their location in Paris's 18th arrondissement, the two founders of Dizonord, Vincent Privat and Xavier Ehretsmann, opened Dizonord 2 in Marseille last year. Crossing the Loire hasn’t altered the shop’s focus, with the collection remaining sharp and affordable (or at least reasonably priced), and designed with curious enthusiasts in mind. Here, you’ll find a massive selection of electronic vinyls to elevate your DJ sets, as well as reissues of tropical rarities and Afrobeat gems sourced from all over; quirky cassette tapes; niche magazines (like Audimat) and underground fanzines; and even an incredible collection of flyers from electronic parties of the 1990s-2000s.

Where? 42 Rue Consolat, 13001 Marseille

Starting at 8.30am, Axelle Poittevin and Thomas Benayoun – the duo behind Razzia, a cosy café on the charming Rue Fontange – serve up espressos (made using Brazilian or Guatemalan beans from the coffee shop Ben Mouture) with the precision of a firing squad, fresh from a well-traveled La Marzocco machine. If your morning calls for a cookie packed with almonds or a lemon-poppy seed cake to help wash away the indulgences of the night before, pair it with a refreshing Datxa kombucha (€5). But the real magic arrives at noon, with next-level sandwiches featuring buns arriving daily from Pain Pan!, the neighbourhood bakery. Among the stars of the menu is the unforgettable “Bœufato Tonnato,” made with grilled beef araignée, preserved lemon, sumac, pomegranate, roasted and caramelized red onions, tonnato-parmesan sauce, grilled romaine, capers, and Treviso flambéed with guanciale – it’s a total flavour bomb.

Where? 2 Rue Fontange, 13006 Marseille