The Old Port of Marseille is one of those romantic and perfectly scenic spots that makes for lifelong memories and magic moments. If you have found a vacation rental in Marseille, you should definitely set aside some time to visit this must-see star of the city and to go wander, experience all that it has to offer the discerning tourist, maybe grab a bite or a drink, and, ideally, time it to take in the sunset over this historic part of this city in France, the boats clustered around, and the glittering waters.
Located at the end of the Canebière, the main street of Marseille, the pedestrianised area that is the Old Port has been the natural harbour of the city since antiquity and remains a spiritual hub of Marseille as one of its most iconic areas. When the city was first founded by Greek settlers in 600BC, they originally built up their settlement around what is now the Old Port. It was the centre of maritime activity until the 19th century when new harbour moles, quays and docks were built to the north-west of the city, eventually resulting in the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille. While the Old Port was left in ruins after bombing by the Nazis in World War II, it has since been restored and is now a marina and a terminal for local boat trips, as well as a local fish market. In 2013, it was largely pedestrianised and renovated extensively under Michel Desvigne Paysagistes, with Foster and Partners following an international competition.
Located at the end of the Canebière, the main street of Marseille, the pedestrianised area that is the Old Port has been the natural harbour of the city since antiquity and remains a spiritual hub of Marseille as one of its most iconic areas. When the city was first founded by Greek settlers in 600BC, they originally built up their settlement around what is now the Old Port. It was the centre of maritime activity until the 19th century when new harbour moles, quays and docks were built to the north-west of the city, eventually resulting in the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille. While the Old Port was left in ruins after bombing by the Nazis in World War II, it has since been restored and is now a marina and a terminal for local boat trips, as well as a local fish market. In 2013, it was largely pedestrianised and renovated extensively under Michel Desvigne Paysagistes, with Foster and Partners following an international competition.
Works continue to further preserve and beautify the area and it is a vibrant place dotted with bars, brasseries and cafes that remain alive until late. It is filled with boats and lots of impressive yachts and makes for a great spot for both people and boat-watching. If you want to see things from a different perspective, you can head out to sea on a ferry and admire the port and city from the water.
In the morning, the Old Port is where vendors set up on the Quai des Belges for the daily fresh fish market and is where those interested in French food and cooking should head for the freshest catches to cook up a storm in Marseille. For those more interested in eating than cooking, never fear, just head to the amazing eateries in the area, order some fresh seafood and other local dishes, grab a seat outside and soak up the amazing atmosphere of this beautiful French seaside city.
In the morning, the Old Port is where vendors set up on the Quai des Belges for the daily fresh fish market and is where those interested in French food and cooking should head for the freshest catches to cook up a storm in Marseille. For those more interested in eating than cooking, never fear, just head to the amazing eateries in the area, order some fresh seafood and other local dishes, grab a seat outside and soak up the amazing atmosphere of this beautiful French seaside city.
To walk things off afterwards, take a stroll down to the lovely Phare de Sainte-Marie, the brilliant white 19th century lighthouse on the Esplanade de la Joliette that marks the northernmost point of Marseille’s harbour. Or, if you’re interested in learning more about the history of the city, head a couple of streets back from the port to The Museum of Old Marseille, in the beautiful 16th-century palace Maison Diamantée, which also boasts an extraordinary view from its rooftop café.
Of course, the best time to visit of all is towards the evening to catch the sunset over this beautiful part of the world. See out a day of your vacation in France in style from a bar’s terrace, with a good drink in hard, and watch the last of the sun’s rays illuminate the water, the gently bobbing boats, the wandering locals and tourists, and all of the pretty buildings that are laid out below you. That is most certainly the only way to do a proper night out in the lovely Marseille in real style!
Of course, the best time to visit of all is towards the evening to catch the sunset over this beautiful part of the world. See out a day of your vacation in France in style from a bar’s terrace, with a good drink in hard, and watch the last of the sun’s rays illuminate the water, the gently bobbing boats, the wandering locals and tourists, and all of the pretty buildings that are laid out below you. That is most certainly the only way to do a proper night out in the lovely Marseille in real style!
