10 Best Sustainable Tourism Activities for Cruise Excursions in Marseille
Marseille is certainly one of the most beautiful cities in France, one of those places to see at least once in your life!
Its streets are full of history and the culinary, seaside and mountain offer is unique in its kind!
Many monuments, unique attractions, beaches and natural parks just a stone’s throw from the city: Marseille is truly an extraordinary destination and the historic center lends itself very well to being explored at foot, soft transport, electric buses, bicycles and many other ways to protect and enjoy the environment!
There are so many things to do and see, but if you are visiting the city for the first time or if your time is limited for you as a cruise passenger, here are the things to do in Marseille:
10 Best Sustainable Tourism Activities for Cruise Excursions!
1. Our Lady of the Guard
Breathtaking viewpoint on the cliffs, Calanques D’En Vau bay, Calanques National Park near Cassis fishing village, Provence, South France, Europe[/caption]
The Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde is one of the emblematic historical monuments of Marseille.
It was built from 1853 on the homonymous hill, in a Romano-Byzantine style, highlighted by the presence of domes, the use of polychrome stones, gold ornaments and mosaics.
This fantastic historical colossus offers the possibility of seeing the interior of a religious crypt and the interior of the church; Moreover, thanks to its very high position, it offers the possibility of an unprecedented and extraordinary view of the entire city of Marseille and the sea.
At the top of the cathedral is a golden statue of a Virgin holding a child in her arms, which is said to watch over the city of Marseille, because at night it lights up and can be seen in the night sky.
A truly imposing and unmissable structure!
The basilica is accessible on foot or with a tourist train that will drop you off right under the splendid church!
2. The Frioul Islands and the Chateau d’If
The Frioul Islands archipelago, made up of 4 islands, is certainly one of the special features of Marseille.
Accessible by boat in about 15 minutes, the islands of If, Pomegues, Tiboulen and Ratonneau are among the favorite places for tourists, as they offer an escape from the chaos of the city and the landing on islands that are home to unique natural and historical beauties!
The most popular is undoubtedly the island of If, thanks to the castle of the same name that dominates the island and also reminds it of the city of Marseille.
The fortress, a former prison, was built in 1500 to defend the coast, it was only later that it was transformed into a prison to house major criminals, also defined as very safe because it is located on an island and therefore very difficult for prisoners to escape.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the prison was closed and was transformed into a museum, still open to the public and very famous, thanks also to the book The Count of Monte Cristo, which refers to this imposing castle, which made the island famous throughout the world.
3. Palais du Pharo
This splendid historic mansion from 1855 is today a favorite of tourists from all over the world.
It was built during the epic of Louis Napoleon Bonaparte, who gave the splendid palace to his wife, today open to the public in all its beauty and authenticity, both inside and out.
It housed the Faculty of Medicine for a long time and then was transformed into a congress center, today also open to the public and available for tourist visits.
Thanks to the large garden that surrounds the house and the view it offers, both on the new port and the old port, it is one of the best historical and panoramic places in the city of Marseille!
One way to access the Palais du Pharo is to take electric bikes: you will find them in all corners of the city and they have no impact on the environment!
4. Old Port and La Canebière
In the heart of Marseille is the Vieux Port, a very popular area for residents and especially tourists.
This fantastic corner of the city is a tourist port, in fact there are many boats and there is the possibility of taking the boat from this area to disembark on the Frioul Islands!
The Vieux Port is characterized by the immense square where there is a huge mirror on the roof, pleasant for tourists and for taking souvenir photos.
Surrounded by many restaurants offering French specialties and more, and also dominated by the historic Fort Saint-Jean, located near the Romanesque church of Saint-Laurent.
Opposite the square is the most famous and beloved street in Marseille, the Canebière, born in 1666 on the ashes of a hemp field, which gives its name to the street.
The particularity of this famous street is the presence of prestigious and fascinating buildings, and many cafes, clothing stores, shopping centers, restaurants, theaters and large hotels.
In short, 1km of pure immersion in the past but at the same time also in the highest modernity.
To reach the central district of the city of Marseille, the most comfortable and efficient means of transport is certainly the metro, or the ecological bus that will stop at the very beginning of the Via Canebière!
5. Calanques National Park
Breathtaking viewpoint on the cliffs, Calanques D’En Vau bay, Calanques National Park near Cassis fishing village, Provence, South France, Europe[/caption]
This magnificent earthly paradise extends across the whole of the south of France, about 20 minutes from the centre of Marseille.
By taking the road of Coves, you can immediately immerse yourself in a unique state in the middle of nature, arriving after a few minutes in front of the rocks that form the perfect backdrop for the crazy panorama.
This park was created in 2012 and includes a marine area and a land area, although these two elements can be combined to offer visitors a complete and extraordinary experience!
Through the paths it is possible to reach the crystal clear waters below: in fact, during the excursions in the Calanques, it is precisely the landscapes with the cliffs overlooking the sea that hide senaturations and small beaches where you can have fun and relax surrounded by a natural giant.
Without a doubt a place where you can spend a few hours in close contact with nature and relax between fantastic rock walls, the green of the vegetation and the blue of the crystal clear sea.
The Calanques are easily accessible by public transport, the B1 bus will take you to the entrance of the natural park!
A safe, fast and sustainable way!
6. Radiant City in the Housing Unit
After the ravages of World War II, the Swiss architect.
Le Corbusier designed this architectural masterpiece Starting with a 9-storey concrete building, he transformed this residential area of Marseille into a cultural and sports centre, providing citizens with, in addition to 1,600 homes, also shops, offices, a gym, a swimming pool and even a nursery school.
A completely innovative idea, today the site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and also houses a bookshop, a hotel, a grocery store and many other services.
On the third floor of the building it is now possible to find a children’s playground, a restaurant, one of the city’s most important museums, the Mamo, a contemporary art centre and also a splendid terrace offering a splendid view of Marseille!
7. Cathedral of Sainte Marie Majeure
Symbol of the city and certainly one of the most beautiful monuments of Marseille is the Cathedral of Sainte Marie Majeure.
The imposing church was built at the request of Napoleon III between 1852 and 1896, it can enjoy its immense charm thanks to the white and black marble and its imposing height of 146 meters, which stands out over the city!
Admiring it from afar is an ecstasy without equal, it appears as an imposing single structure, but approaching it you can see that in reality they are two separate cathedrals: in fact the Antica Major, which dates back to the first half of the 1100 century, is divided by the New Major, dated 1850, now visible and open to visitors.
It is undoubtedly one of the most important and beautiful symbols of the city, and what is more, without a doubt an essential stop not to be missed!
The cathedral is located in the city centre, which is why it is very convenient to get there by zero-emission public transport, on foot or by electric bike!
8. The village of Goudes
This small port, nicknamed “the end of the Marseille world”, located south of the city, is a place that fascinates and spoils all tourists.
This small corner of the port city, with more than 200 boat berths, is surrounded by Napoleonic and World War II remains, while offering a beautiful view of the sea and the Frioul Islands.
Added to this is a beautiful church, the Chapelle Saint-Lucien built in the 20th century, today a religious heritage of the Nation.
In addition to this, you can relax and enjoy good French cuisine in many renowned restaurants in this region, eating excellent fish or classic dishes from the south of France!
To reach this extraordinary place, it is possible to go on foot, by electric bike or by public transport!
Respect for the environment is everyone’s priority!
9. La Corniche Kennedy
The Corniche, named after the former American president, is 5 km long.
With a 3km bench with a sea view, it is the longest bench in the world.
In addition, in 2019, following renovation work, a 2-kilometer cycle path connecting the Catalans beach to the Prado park was inaugurated.
For this reason, it is advisable to rent an electric bike and ride while enjoying the splendid panorama.
It offers one of the most beautiful seaside landscapes of Marseille on the Mediterranean and its Friou islands; in fact, this splendid promenade has been the subject of many film shoots and music videos, just because it offers a breathtaking view of the sea.
Without a doubt, the best time to walk on this road is sunset, so that you can enjoy the sunset from a spectacular view!
10. Parc Balnéaire du Prado
Although Marseille is not known for its sea, this destination will surely change everyone’s mind.
About 20 minutes by bus from the city center, there is a vast expanse of sand that offers the opportunity for young and old to enjoy the cool waters of the city of Marseille in complete tranquility!
Reaching the beaches is not only comfortable but also fascinating for the eyes: the promenade offers a view of the entire Mediterranean that extends on the Marseille side and the sun shining on the water makes everything much more inviting to swim or play with family and friends.
A few steps from the fine sandy beaches, the Seaside Park extends over 26 hectares, a green space on the entire Mediterranean coast that offers relaxation areas and even a skate track.
Right next door, you will not fail to notice the Ferris wheel of Borély beach which offers a bird’s eye view of the surrounding sea and the entire city of Marseille
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