10 Places Where Locals Love to Go in Marseilles

<p>Despite being a popular destination, Marseilles still has the odd hidden highlight to discover. With the attention mostly on the most famous attractions like the Old Port and the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, some of the smaller points of interest can be overlooked. However, if you want to explore like a local, you’ll need to know where to look for them.</p><p>It’s now time to take a fresh look at the familiar, deep into those narrowest of corners, taking care this time to venture off the beaten track and to unveil the best-kept secrets. Why not use these few suggestions and let your passion lead you to discover <a href=“/go/france/marseille”>Marseille</a>s in a completely new way?</p>

Marseille Hotels

1. Discover Marseilles with a local

It’s better to get Marseilles’ story from someone who lives there

Good for: History, Budget, Unusual

Turn to the Marseilles greeters to break away from traditional sightseeing routes. These locals, passionate about their city, will help you discover it “from the inside” and usually for free. There are as many greeters available as interested visitors.

Whether you’re passionate about history, curious about culture, a fan of gastronomy, or even just keen to do some shopping, you’re bound to find the greeter for you. Local tips, unexpected anecdotes, favorite spots, little-known neighborhoods are all on the agenda. Greeters can offer all this with the added bonus of sincerity and friendliness.

2. Hôtel de Cabre

The oldest house in Marseilles took an unusual turn

Good for: History, Budget, Unusual

The Hôtel de Cabre is located on the corner between Rue de la Bonneterie and Grande Rue, in the city’s 2nd district. The Maison de l’Échevin de Cabre is the oldest house still standing in Marseilles. Built close to the Vieux-Port (Old Port of Marseilles) in 1535, it survived the French Revolution and World War II raids. But that’s not the only special thing about it.

When the neighborhood was rebuilt in 1954, the building was moved one block and turned 90 degrees to line up with its new street. This Renaissance-style building with a few Gothic touches traveled several feet fully intact thanks to the support of specialized companies that came together from all over the world.

Location: 27 Grand Rue, 13002 Marseille, France

3. Carry Nation

Prohibition era-style secret bar

Good for: Couples, Nightlife, Unusual

Although Carry Nation is a secret bar, there’s nothing illegal about it. It’s essential to book online if you want to pay a visit: only once you’ve done that will you be told the address. After you’ve given the password and gone through a cupboard door, you’ll enter the enthralling universe of prohibition and speakeasies, sampling some delicious beverages straight out of the 1920s.

But beware, you must never reveal the Carry Nation’s secrets. If you do, the ghost of Carrie Amelia Nation, the lady who believed she was on a mission from God as she destroyed “Satan’s” bars with her hatchet, will never let you sleep again. This unusual bar can also be hired for private events.

Location: Adresse secrète !, 13006 Marseille, France

Open: Tuesday to Thursday 7 pm to 1 am, Friday 7 pm to 2 am, Satuday 6 pm to 2 am, Sunday 7 pm to 1 am, closed Monday

Phone: +33 (0)9 50 26 01 66

4. Humans and Drones Society

New technology soars over the city

Good for: Families, Photo, Unusual

Head to Digue du J4 where the Humans and Drones Society offers a flight over Marseilles at an altitude of 300 feet thanks to a drone with connected goggles. By wearing this headset, you can see what the drone sees as it gains height and heads toward some exceptional places in the city, which are sometimes inaccessible over land. You’ll feel like you’re flying, all from the comfort of your deckchair.

This 10-minute activity is recommended for those aged 7 years and up, as the helmet is relatively heavy. Bear in mind that the flight may be canceled due to bad weather or if official visits are planned. Wearing varifocal lenses may also affect the quality of the image.

Location: Malecon J4, Promenade Robert Laffont, 13002 Marseille, France

Open: Book online

5. Cristal Lamiñana

The secrets of making pastis

Good for: History, Budget, Unusual

Cristal Limiñana, located a quarter of a mile from Marseille-Blancarde station and easily accessible by public transportation, has been a specialist in aniseed-flavoured aperitifs since 1884. It’s now one of the last remaining factories still making the famous Marseilles pastis.

The great-granddaughter of this divine beverage’s creator will tell you the fascinating story of her family and disclose the secrets to making the range of local Marseilles beverages that are produced here during a guided tour. Tours are available in English, French, Spanish, and Portugese but should be booked in advance. You’ll also find a pleasant gift store on site.

Location: 99 Boulevard Jeanne d’Arc, 13005 Marseille, France

Open: Monday–Friday from 8 am to midday and from 2 pm to 5 pm

Phone: +33 (0)4 91 47 66 72

6. Fer à Cheval soap factory

Where the iconic Marseilles soap is made

Good for: Couples, History, Budget, Unusual

Savonnerie Fer à Cheval (Fer à Cheval soap factory) is the oldest soap factory in Marseilles. It’s located 15 minutes from the Vieux-Port (Old Port of Marseilles). Established in 1856, the city’s tradition continues as it transforms oils and lye into white and green blocks stamped with the name of the city.

While you can visit 6 days a week, book ahead to join a tour in French or English. Discover all the steps of making Marseilles soap from mashing, salting out, and boiling to washing and liquidation. Here, it’s still the human touch that makes all the difference. The 45-minute visit and parking are free. For safety reasons, the tour is not recommended for children under 10.

Location: 66 Chem. de Sainte-Marthe, 13014 Marseille, France

Open: Monday–Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday from 10.30 am to 12:30 pm and 1 pm to 6 pm, closed Sunday

Phone: +33 4 91 10 30 95

7. Marseille Gangster Tour

Behind the scenes of organized crime

Good for: History, Adventure, Unusual

The Marseille Gangster Tour invites you on 2 unusual walks to relive one of the capital of crime’s darkest periods in the space of just a few hours. Led by passionate guides, sometimes even former gangsters or police officers, the tours explore neighborhoods like Le Panier and the Old Port, using vintage photos and newspaper clippings to bring stories of the French Connection and notorious Marseille mobsters to life

Discover the merciless universe of the Marseilles gangsters. From the terrible white slave trade to the Évêché police headquarters, you’ll plunge headfirst into a gripping Marseilles crime story.

Location: 66-68 Quai du Port, 13002 Marseille, France

Open: Daily from 9 am to 8 pm, tour times vary

Phone: +33 (0)6 95 77 10 47

8. Fountain of Voire

Stories guide you through the nature of Marseilles

Good for: Couples, Families, Budget, Unusual

Choose a narrated walk leading to the Fontaine de Voire (Fountain of Voire) and listen to different speakers, both specialists and locals, tell you the story of this beautiful region. When you arrive, you’ll discover this mythic part of Marseilles that you’ll have mapped with each step you’ve taken through the green paradise. It’s an invigorating discovery in winter and a refreshing one in summer.

Take the number 23 bus from Rond-point du Prado toward Beauvallon and get off at the Sormiou-Jarre stop for a nice walk. All you need is a smartphone with a good internet connection as you go on a narrated walk.

Location: 13009 Marseille, France

9. Le Miramar

A lesson in creating the famous bouillabaisse

Good for: Couples, Food, Unusual

Le Miramar enjoys an excellent location in the Vieux-Port de Marseille (Old Port of Marseilles), close to the fish market. It’s also a hot spot for Marseilles gastronomy and founding member of the Charte de la Bouillabaisse to respect traditional cooking. On the third Thursday of each month, the chef gives a class on how to prepare a succulent, fresh ragoût de poissons (fish stew) for groups of 5 to 8.

All the kitchen equipment is provided, so all you need to do is follow the instructions to master the meticulous preparation and cooking process. This authentic bouillabaisse tasting will, of course, be preceded by an aperitif, accompanied by wine and followed by dessert and coffee. Bon appetit!

Location: 12 Quai du Port, 13002 Marseille, France

Open: Tuesday–Sunday from midday to 2.30 pm and from 7 pm to 10.30 pm, closed Monday

Phone: +33 (0)4 91 91 41 09

10. Roy d’Espagne’s pyramid

An intriguing Egyptian-inspired mausoleum

Good for: History, Budget, Unusual

Roy d’Espagne’s pyramid is an astonishing 20 feet tall and yet is virtually unknown. It’s hidden in the 8th district behind some lush vegetation. The enchanting and mysterious backdrop tells the story of Dominique Bastide, a rich merchant from Marseilles who erected the building at the beginning of the 19th century. He built it as a place to bury his young son and, later, his wife.

The bodies now rest at Saint-Charles cemetery, leaving the pyramid in disuse. However, it continues to do the residents of the neighborhood proud. Today, it’s the only witness to the large property where the King of Spain lived between 1788 and 1808.

Location: All. Yvon Morandat, 13008 Marseille, France

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