On Budget Itinerary for 3 Days in Marseille

Marseille is definitely a must-visit coastal city in the south of France. I spent a 3-day trip in Marseille, and it was so fascinating! Although there are some pros and cons, Marseille is still a perfect destination to stay and explore, not only the city but also the charming Côte d’Azur region. Here is my budget itinerary for 3 days in Marseille, including day trips to Calanques and Valensole, as well as secret tips and tricks for a perfect visit to this lovely city.

Marseille Travel Tips

How to Get from Marseille Airport to Marseille City Center

It’s very convenient that Marseille airport is located not too far from the city center, about 27 km. From the airport, you can get to Marseille by shuttle bus, rental car, or taxi, with the shuttle bus being the most affordable option (10 euros one way – price of 2024). You can book the Marseille airport shuttle bus online, or buy a ticket directly from the kiosk at the bus station in front of the airport. The journey lasts approximately 30 minutes to the last stop at Saint-Charles Train Station. From here, you can easily catch a train, bus, metro, or taxi to your booked hotel/Airbnb.

I have some small notes for you if you get to Marseille city center by airport shuttle bus.

Marseille Saint-Charles station is situated higher than the surrounding streets. When you arrive at the station by airport shuttle bus, you might have to carry your luggage up and down many stairs, namely  Escalier Gare Saint-Charles. Be prepared for this. However, these steps are cool, aren’t they? Additionally, this station is quite large, so when you arrive to catch the shuttle bus to the airport, make sure to arrive a bit early to reach the bus stop on time. Last time, we spent 20 minutes at the station to find the bus stop.

itinerary for 3 days in marseille
Escalier Gare Saint-Charles in front of Marseille Station

Public Transportation in Marseille

Like other cities in France, public transportation tickets are not sold online. You should buy them at metro stations or train stations. There are 2 types of unlimited tickets: 24h (5.2 euros) and 72h (10.8 euros), ideal for a 3-day trip in Marseille. These tickets allow you to travel unlimited with buses, metros, trams, and the ferry-boat line within the RTM (Régie des Transports Métropolitains) network.

Car Hire in Marseille

Hiring a car makes your trip more comfortable in Marseille. Depending on your plan, you can hire a car for the whole trip or just 1-2 days. If you would like to hire a car for the whole trip, it’s easy to book and get one from the airport, then return it when departing. However, in case you just need the car for 1-2 days, it’s better to hire a car in Marseille city center.

From my experience, the number of available cars for hire in the city center is not as many as at the airport, so you should book the car in advance. The cost for car hire in Marseille is a bit more expensive than the average cost in Europe. We paid ~200 euros for 1-day car hire from the city center.

Where to Stay in Marseille

As the second-biggest city in France, Marseille offers plenty of accommodations for you to choose from. There are hostels, hotels, Airbnb rooms, and apartments, so it’s easy to find a place that meets your requirements.

However, not all parts of this city are beautiful and safe. When I wandered around Marseille train stations, I was a bit worried. It’s too crowded, the traffic is chaotic and reckless, and many buildings are old and haven’t been updated in a long time. However, a place near the station seems great for traveling with public transportation and is cheaper. So, if you plan to stay near the station, pay attention when going out.

The center and far south of Marseille are all good with charming sights and lively activities. Of course, the price is higher, but it’s worth it.

Best Time to Visit Marseille

Located in southern France, Marseille has a typical Mediterranean climate, which is warm and sunny. You can visit Marseille anytime, but in my opinion, the best seasons are early summer and early fall because the sea will be at its most beautiful at this time, and the number of rainy days is lower than in spring and winter.

However, the Mediterranean heat is also not comfortable, especially in the mid-summer months like July and August. During the summer months, because the weather is lovely with the sun and the sea, the city will be loaded with tourists. I visited Marseille in June, and all the buses running along the coastal lines were always full.

What to Do in Marseille in 3 Days

Marseille has a lot to offer its tourists! I visited Marseille, Calanques, and Valensole’s lavender fields during my 3-day trip in Marseille. Luckily, I still had enough time. Here’s my budget itinerary for 3 days in Marseille:

Marseille Itinerary Day 1

3 days in marseille
Le Panier de Marseille
  • Le Panier de Marseille: Commonly known as “Le Panier,” this is the oldest district in Marseille. It is known for its narrow, winding streets, vibrant street art, and charming atmosphere. This neighborhood also offers numerous cafés, boutiques, galleries, and cultural sites to experience. There is a small restaurant here that is my favorite, Entre Terre & Mer. The seafood here is very fresh and reasonably priced.
seafood in marseille
Enjoying seafood in Marseille
  • Cathédrale La Major: This is a Roman Catholic cathedral situated near Le Panier de Marseille. Its architecture is a blend of Romanesque and Byzantine styles, with distinctive green and white stripes on the exterior. The interior is also magnificent.
  • Museums: There are several museums nearby this area, such as the Museum of Illusions Marseille and Regards De Provence Museum.

Marseille Itinerary Day 2: Day Trip to Calanques & Valensole

calanque d'en Vau
Calanques d’en Vau

You can take a day tour to the Calanques and Valensole’s lavender fields, or rent a car for a road trip. Renting a car is more cost-effective and offers flexible timing. To visit both locations in one day, start early and expect to finish late in the evening. The total distance for this road trip is 200 km. For a more relaxed experience, consider splitting the trip into two days: one day for the Calanques and another for Valensole.

Additionally, you can reach the Calanques by public transport from Marseille, though it significantly increases travel time. Doing both Calanques and Valensole in one day using public transport is impossible; you must separate the trip into two different days.

We rented a car for a day and went to Calanques d’en Vau from Marseille at 9 AM. We spent about 4 hours there, then traveled from Cassis to Aix-en-Provence, where we took a short break in this beautiful city. Afterward, we continued from Provence to Valensole village. The late afternoon, near sunset, is the best time to visit and take photos of the vast lavender fields here. It took us about 1.5 hours to drive back from Valensole to Marseille. It was a wonderful experience, though quite exhausting to visit both places in one day.

valensole lavender fields
Lavender field in Valensole

Marseille Itinerary Day 3: Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde

On the last day in Marseille, continue exploring the city center and the southern coastline.

  • Vieux Port (Old Port): This historic harbor is one of the city’s main attractions. It has been the heart of Marseille for over 2,600 years, serving as a hub for trade and commerce. Nowadays, the Vieux Port is always filled with luxury boats and has many restaurants and cafes around. The port is also a starting point for various boat tours to nearby attractions, such as the Calanques and Château d’If.
  • Panorama View of Marseille from the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde: Leaving the Vieux Port, we can visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde in Marseille, a church situated on a high hill where you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire city. You can take a bus or drive up to the Basilica. Once there, stroll around the church to admire the breathtaking views of the charming city by the Mediterranean Sea. The red-tiled rooftops, clear blue waters, and small offshore islands are sure to steal your heart.
3 days in marseille
Marseille from Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde
  • Marseille Beaches: Marseille has many beautiful beaches along the coastline stretching from the city center to the Calanques National Park. If you visit Marseille in the summer, take time to enjoy the turquoise waters and bright sunshine of these beaches, or take a walk along the scenic coastal route.
3 days in marseille - marseille coastline
Marseille scenic coastal route

Q&A About Marseille

Is Marseille Safe?

Not all areas of Marseille are safe. The areas near Saint Charles station and the northern parts of the city can be quite chaotic, so you should be more cautious, especially at night. The city center and southern areas are generally cleaner and safer for tourists.

How Do You Pronounce Marseille?

In French, “Marseille” is pronounced as “mar-SAY.” The “r” is softly pronounced, and the “ille” at the end sounds like “ay.”

How Far is Marseille from Nice?

Nice is another beautiful coastal city in southern France, located near Marseille. Nice has a more tranquil atmosphere compared to Marseille. You can travel from Marseille to Nice by train, bus, or car. The distance between the two cities is approximately 200 km.

How far from Marseille to Avignon

The distance from Marseille to Avignon is approximately 100 kilometers (about 62 miles). You can travel between these two cities by train, bus, or car. Avignon is also a great place to visit in a day trip from Marseille.

Are there Ubers in Marseille

Yes, there are Ubers in Marseille that you can easily book via Uber app.

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