Marseille Guided Tour for 4 Hours
5.0
12 Ratings
Marseille
Discover Marseille's charm on a 4-hour guided tour. Walk historic streets, see hidden gems, and enjoy panoramic views with a local expert.
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Cathedrale de la Major - The start and end of our tour, the magnificent Cathedral of La Major. We’ll discover its vast and rich history, marvelling at its Neo Byzantine style, before getting on our journey.

La Major Cathedral in Marseille, France, is a grand Roman Catholic cathedral known for its Byzantine-Roman architectural style, featuring striking domes and intricate mosaics. It’s one of the largest cathedrals in France and a significant landmark in Marseille.

  • The Panier - Let’s continue our journey deep inside the very famous district of Le Panier in Marseille.

Le Panier is a historic district in Marseille, France, characterized by its charming narrow streets, colorful buildings, and vibrant atmosphere. It’s known for its rich cultural heritage, with a mix of Mediterranean and North African influences. Le Panier is a popular destination for tourists, offering quaint cafes, artisan shops, and picturesque views of the Old Port.

  • Canebière - From the north to the south shore of the Old Port, there is a very well known street known as La Canebière.

We will stroll around it, learn about its history and the significant monuments surrounding it, such as the Antique Port and the Opera House.

  • Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde - We’ll make our way up to Notre-Dame de la Garde, the iconic hilltop basilica overlooking Marseille.

From its vantage point, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the cityscape and the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean Sea. This beloved landmark, adorned with intricate mosaics and a gleaming golden statue of the Virgin Mary, holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike, offering both spiritual solace and awe-inspiring vistas.

  • Vallon des Auffes - Then we’ll head to the Vallon des Auffes, a picturesque fishing village nestled between rugged cliffs and the azure waters of the Mediterranean.

Here, traditional fishing boats bob gently in the harbor, while charming waterfront restaurants serve up fresh seafood delicacies. It’s a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, where you can soak in the tranquil atmosphere and admire the timeless beauty of Marseille’s coastal scenery.

  • Palais du Pharo - Next, we’ll venture to the Palais du Pharo, an elegant historic palace perched on a promontory overlooking the Old Port.

We will learn a lot of the monuments surrounding the Old Port, from the Fort Saint Jean, to the MUCEM and Cosquer’s museums.

With its majestic architecture and lush gardens, the Palais du Pharo offers a captivating glimpse into Marseille’s regal past. From its terraces, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the harbor and the city skyline, making it a perfect spot to savor the beauty of Marseille’s coastal charm.

  • Abbaye Saint Victor - Following that, we’ll make our way to the Abbaye Saint-Victor, an ancient monastery steeped in centuries of history.

Nestled near the Vieux Port, this architectural marvel boasts a serene atmosphere and stunning Romanesque architecture.

As we explore its hallowed halls and crypts, we’ll uncover tales of Marseille’s past and marvel at the timeless beauty of this sacred site.

What's Included
  • Private and guided tour with a local guide
  • Individual recommendations in a wrap-up email from the guide
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Bottled water
Additional Information

“The best way to know a city is to walk it.” Simone de Beauvoir, renowned French writer, was right.

And it is especially true for Marseille.

Marseille is unique, a city with 100 personnalities, an oxymoron where calm and noise live together in a chaotic harmony.

The oldest city in France, 2600 years old, still has a young beating heart, and the best way to feel it is to simply walk on it.

On this tour of 8 people maximum, you’ll experience and discover, with a local, passionate and bilingual guide, what makes Marseille, Marseille.

We will wander through the small and only walkable streets of Le Panier, learn about Marseille’s rich history one monument after the other. We will climb to Notre Dame de la Garde, overlooking the panoramic view of the city, see hidden gems that can be only seen on foot, lose ourselves in Le Roucas Blanc, and go back in time visiting the little fishing port of Le Vallon des Auffes.

And so, so much more.

Join us exploring this southern treasure.

Location
Cathédrale Basilique Sainte-Marie-Majeure, dit « La Major »
Place de la Major
We meet right in front of the Cathedral La Major's entry gate. There is big lamppost facing straight at the entry gate. I will be there, wearing a white cap.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(12 Ratings)
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311suziec
Jun 5, 2024
MUST DO - Charles is a very welcoming, empathetic guide (he was worried about me because I was wearing CROCS sandals instead of sneakers or walking shoes). with humor and kindness, he knows how to captivate the group's attention with relevant questions, incredible anecdotes about certain districts of Marseille by crossing unusual streets or taking surprising shortcuts! Advice: be a good walker and be well equipped with good walking shoes because in places it’s hard to climb!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sumer_t
Jun 4, 2024
Fantastic Tour - Charles is the absolute best! He is so knowledgeable about the history of Marseille. It was a great learning experience for me and my daughter. He is so polite and easy to communicate with and he is genuinely interested in learning about those he is taking on the tour as well. I would recommend him to anyone!
Review provided by Viator
Kevin_z
Jun 3, 2024
Highlight of Marseille in One Day - I had a great time with Charles and he is passionate, enthusiastic and has great knowledge/fun facts of Marseille. The tour was great and I've seen the highlights of Marseille in one day. In the end, Charles sent a list of great recommendations I will visit/try in the next few days. The walking part was not as bad as I had expected, and I managed to get some great pics taken (the weather was also absolutely amazing today!). P.S. He also speaks perfect English in case anyone is concerned.
Review provided by Viator
Rahul_j
May 23, 2024
AWESOME - Charles was so so good. He made walking so much fun & was super kind and informative. If you’re looking to discover Marseille in a day, this tour is highly recommended. He also gives a list of recommendations for the rest of your stay. Had a memorable experience, you’re a star, Charles :)
Review provided by Viator
Amandathomas
May 18, 2024
Wonderful Marseille tour - This was an excellent tour. I got lost on the way (totally my error) and messaging Charles he immediately responded and tried to help all he could. I managed to find the group at the 2nd stop and he couldn't have been kinder. The tour was fascinating and beautiful. Some great viewpoints and interesting info. He also let us stop for takeaway coffee and croissants even though we overran into his time. Really lovely knowledgable guide. Thank you Charles for your kindness.
Review provided by Viator
Linda
May 18, 2024
C'est magnifique! - Charles was extremely knowledgeable, friendly and ensured the pace was adequate for the whole group. We got a great feel for the place. After we saw the Basilica De Notre Dame Charles took us off the beaten track via a lovely, quiet area towards the old port. I highly recommend this tour. Wear comfortable runners and be warned it is a steep ascent towards the basilica with a mixture of steps and footpaths.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Zanita
May 17, 2024
Charles is a knowledgeable and entertaining guide who knows Marseille and its history well. - Charles is an enthusiastic local guide who is able to answer a wide range of questions. He was able to keep us entertained for over 4 hours so the time flew! I loved learning about the history thru the different stages of Marseilles development into what it is today. Would highly recommend this tour to get you oriented to Marseille and all it has to offer.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Departure04718050058
May 15, 2024
Charles is a great tour guide! - This walking tour was great! We enjoyed seeing and walking through streets and areas we wouldn’t have discovered on our own. Charles, our guide was very informative. He had printed maps and pictures illustrating the historical part of the tour. He answered questions and had a good sense of humor. The walk was a bit heavy at times as we walked several inclines and stairs, but doable. Overall I would 100% recommend this tour. It played a part in making our stay in Marseille truly memorable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Deepak_n
May 7, 2024
Charles, the best guide we ever had - We were at the pick up spot 15 mins before the scheduled time. Charles, our guide arrived 5 minutes before the scheduled time. He is very passionate with his work and its very much visible in his commitment and the rich history knowledge about the place, rulers and the years. He had explained every places of interest in detail, with historical contexts. I would recommend this guided walking tour for anyone interested in knowing the city's history and culture. Charles is one of the best guides that I have seen in these trips..
Review provided by Viator
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up to 8 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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