The French either love or detest Marseille, but it certainly leaves no one indifferent. Whereas Parisians once snubbed Marseille, they are now heading south on the high-speed TGV train to experience the charm and sun of this thriving cosmopolitan city.

Marseille has rhythm and spice, and its inhabitants are fiercely proud of their city. Though twice as big in area as Paris, it is still thought of as a series of small “villages,” each with its own unique history and traditions. The more popular villages include le Panier, La Belle de Mai, Mazargues, le Roucas Blanc and Saint Giniez.

Some are known for their beaches (La Vielle Chapelle), some for the famous artists who were inspired there (in L’Estaque, Cezanne and Braque), still others for their charming ports (La Vallon des Auffes, La Pointe Rouge, le Vieux Port).

With its rich history, diverse culture, authentic character, immense pride and warm people, Marseille will have you lowering your anchor to stay a while.

The Jardin du Pharo, for the best views of the Vieux Port; the morning fish market on the Quai des Belges at the Vieux Port; walk or, easier, take the tourist train up to the magnificent church of Notre Dame de la Garde, for views over the whole city.

The exhibitions centre and the congress hall, are not far from the hotel. The beach and the Chanot Parc are also close enough for visits.

With access to Rond Point du Prado metro station on Line 2, you can enter the centre of the city to discover the attractions it has to offer.

Rooms: 100. Hotel Chain: Mercure.

Each floor has been decorated with a distinctive ethnic theme: Pondichéry, Vera Cruz, Arabian nights, African adventures, Rising Sun. New Hotel Vieux-Port is an ideal place to stay for both business travellers and leisure travellers, since the hotel features 2 meeting rooms.

Moreover, thanks to the nearby Metro station, you will reach quickly and easily all the attractions Marseilles has to offer.

Rooms: 42. Hotel Chain: New Hotels.

The Sofitel Marseille Vieux-Port 4-Star Luxe features 134 spacious and cosy rooms and 8 seminar rooms that can accommodate up to 130 people.
Ideal for long stays and families, the hotel is also equipped with all the necessary facilities for business travellers and offers a panoramic view of the great Phocean city.

The hotel benefits from a privileged location to experience Marseille and the French Riviera and the charms of a region with a rich cultural, historical and gastronomic patrimony.

Rooms: 131. Hotel Chain: Sofitel.

Pullman Marseille Palm Beach is a non smoking hotel with 150 rooms and 10 junior suites with sweeping views overlooking the sea. It features an auditorium for 330 people, 10 meeting rooms for up to 600 people, and a landing dock. The Mediterranean restaurant serves fish and seafood.

The hotel benefits from a privileged location 10 minutes from the city centre, and near a jogging circuit, tennis courts and water sports.

Rooms: 160. Hotel Chain: Pullman Hotels and Resorts.

+33 491 55 0263

Open HoursLunch: 11a-2:30p M-Sa, Dinner: 7:30p-11:30p M-Sa, closed Su

For the past 12 years, this establishment, located in the heart of Marseille, has offered buffet dining and southern cuisine. The “all-you-can-eat buffet” includes simple regional dishes like spiced and marinated sardine fillets, caviar d’aubergines (eggplant mousse), and grilled peppers. For a main dish, you can take your choice of meat cuts, aloyau, bavette or faux-filet, accompanied by the sauce of your choice. The dessert buffet is also unlimited, so you can go back for seconds. It is worth noting that champagne is complimentary for birthday dinners, and that Beaujolais Nouveau is free, during the week of its arrival.

+33 491 33 1797

Open Hours8a-midnght M-Su

In days gone by, the Carre Thiars and the surrounding area was home to most of the city’s art galleries, and artists would gather in this very bar to compare talent and technique. Names such as Seyssaud, Verdilhan, Chabaud, Ambrogiani made up the most famous partisans of a school of art known as L’Ecole de Rive Neuve. Today the bar is still mildly reminiscent of this time, and the terrace evokes gentle dreams of the exchanges and conversations that must have taken place here, against the perfect blue backdrop of the sea, harmonising with the ochre-coloured buildings in the port. Deliciously simple cuisine, served by welcoming and attentive waiters, uses local produce for a typically southern-French flavour. Dish of the day costs around 46F (EUR 7.01).

+33 496 11 2435

Open Hours11p-12:30a

This renowned chain bistro is conveniently located in the Old Port. The menu offers a wide selection of dishes at very affordable prices: Beef Carpaccio, Salmon Lasagna, thick sirloin steak, and Fillet of Duck Breast, to name but a few. The decor is bright and captures the essence of Rome.

+33 491 92 6664

Open HoursNoon-2:30p & 7:30p-11p Tu & W, 7:30p-11p Th-Sa

A mishmash of various styles of furniture, curios and modern paintings set the tone here. Cuisine too is inspired, imaginative and beautifully prepared - living up to its mouth-watering descriptions. Choose from an attractive selection of reasonably priced wines, rounding off your meal with one of the heavenly desserts.