Apartments in Marseille -- Boutique Holiday Rentals
Marseille is France's second largest city and flanks a beautiful port that's filled with history and a hearty creative scene. In true French style there are plenty of authentic bistros dotted round and a sense of traditional culture imbued around every twist and turn. But for as long as time remembers, settlers and immigrants have flocked to Marseille's shores, giving it a multicultural and diverse landscape. This is evident in the mishmash of cuisines available and the mixture of design styles throughout the city. The area surrounding the port is where all the action takes place. Here, you can stroll amongst fresh fish markets which flaunt the catch of the day, as well as grab a bite to eat and a cocktail or two at one of the picturesque dockside bars. Along the coastline there are a handful of sandy coves perfect for kicking back and relaxing in the French sunshine. Whatever aspect of the city you're looking forward to exploring, our Marseille apartments provide comfortable and affordable places to stay.
Foods to Try in Marseille
Marseille is, first and foremost, a French city, but its influence from nations all over the world has created a diverse menu that can be found on every corner.
Bouillabaisse is Marseille's most traditional dish. It is inherently French and Marseille was actually one of the first places to serve up this delicious fish dish. Thanks to its portside location, the Bouillabaisse in Marseille is always made using the freshest ingredients. For a taste of the city, it's an absolute must-try.
Pizza might seem like a weird food choice in a French city, but Marseille has a rich Italian scene. So much so, that it's famed for its excellent selection of pizzerias. For a long time, Marseille has nurtured connections with Naples, and millions of Italian immigrants have flocked to the shores of Marseille to set up authentic pizza restaurants. That means you'll find a whole range of delicious recipes all over the city, many of which are borne from thousands of years of tradition.
As well as Italian immigrants, Marseille has seen an influx of people coming from North Africa, which means there are a whole host of traditional Algerian and Moroccan restaurants floating around. Couscous is a hugely popular dish throughout the city, and you'll find it served up with all manner of fresh, local ingredients.
To wash it all down with, try pastis, the local anise-flavoured drink. It's a sweet liquor that is a popular after dinner drink amongst locals.
Marseille Accommodation
Marseille accommodation covers a wide range of options. Along wide boulevards and amongst stylish architecture there are a number of high-end opulent hotels that bring the city well and truly into the modern day. For cheap accommodation, you can always opt for one of the many hostels which are both trendy and affordable, as well as a holiday apartment. These can be found all over the city, close to the major attractions. For a traditional look at Marseille, try the cosy French guesthouses that can be found down winding laneways and the quaint B&B that are dotted around.
Ports, Parks, and Palaces - Things to do in Marseille
- Old Port of Marseille -- This has been the focal hub of Marseille for thousands of years, offering a backdrop of antique buildings and a vibrant fishing scene.
- Notre-Dame de la Garde -- This impressive building takes a similar name to its Parisian counterpart but it looks completely different. Sitting on a hill overlooking the city, it boasts an intricate design and an ornate spire.
- Calanque -- Dotted along the Mediterranean coast you'll find lots of calanques, which are coastal inlets with high cliff walls and turquoise lagoons.
- Fort Saint-Jean -- Built by Louis XIV back in the 17th Century, Fort-Saint Jean is the city's main fortification and marks the entrance of the Old Port.
- Palais Longchamp -- Located in Marseille's fourth arrondissement, this eye-catching monument is home to the Musee des Beaux-Arts and the city's natural history museum.
- Abbey of Saint Victor, Marseille -- A late Roman building that was, at one point in time, an important monastery in the city. Its name comes from Victor of Marseille, a soldier and a martyr.
- Marseille Cathedral -- Situated in the heart of Marseille, the cathedral is a vital monument in the country and remains the seat of the Archdiocese of Marseille.
- Parc Borely -- For a splash of greenery and a breath of fresh air in the city centre, head to this municipal park. It sprawls out over 17 hectares and boasts manicured gardens and neoclassical architecture.
- Marseille History Museum -- This local museum showcases historical exhibitions and displays archaeological artefacts.
- Calanque de Morgiou -- One of the biggest calanques in Marseille, the Morgiou used to be a fishing port and is famed for its population of giant tuna.
- Stade Velodrome -- Home of the Marseille football club, this stadium hosts a range of sporting events throughout the year.
- La Vieille Charite -- A former alms house, La Vieille Charite is a popular museum and cultural centre and is located in the bustling Panier district of Marseille.
- Frioul Archipelago -- This group of four islands sit just off the coast in the Mediterranean Sea, about 4km from Marseille.
- Musee Cantini -- Founded back in 1936, the Musee Cantini is a hub of modern art and showcases a wealth of paintings from the early 20th Century.
- Musee des Beaux-Arts Marseille -- This is one of the main museums in Marseille and in the entire region. It's dedicated to exhibiting decorative arts from a range of different eras.
- Musee Grobet-Labadie -- Situated in the lush confines of a 19th century hotel, this museum showcases an eclectic collection of paintings and artefacts owned by the hoteliers.
- Unite d'Habitation -- A prominent modern building in the city, the Unite d'Habitation was the brainchild of Le Corbusier.
See all of these attractions and more when you stay at our apartments in Marseille. We have a selection of boutique holiday accommodation dotted throughout the city.
Moving Around Marseille
Our Marseille apartments are mostly located in the centre of the city within close walking distance of all the major attractions. However, if you want to travel to the outskirts of the city, or get from one location to another quickly, there is an efficient public transport system that services Marseille. There are regular bus routes that traverse between the major attractions as well as between the various districts. During rush hour these buses can get busy with locals going to and from work, but they offer a great insight into local life. There's also a great metro service with two lines that connect up the entire city.
