Vieux Port, Marseilles © Georges Seguin

Marseille is a spicy, ancient and exotic French city that has served as a port for more than two thousand years. For cruisers it is the gateway to Provence and the many charms offered by the south of France. Marseille's main drawcard is Vieux Port - a picturesque old port, dotted with fishing boats and pleasure craft, and ringed with boutiques, restaurants and the diverse people that make up this fascinating cultural melting pot.

Cruise ships dock at the Place de la Joliette, known as La Port Autonome de Marseille. The terminal has all the amenities and comforts passengers could want, including shops, transport links and tourist information. The area around the terminal has an industrial character and is of little interest to passengers.

Contact

Marseille Tourist Office
11 la Canebière, 13001 Marseille
Tel: +33 (0) 826 500 500

www.marseille-tourisme.com

Transport

The port is only a 20-minute walk from town, but walking is not recommended. Rather, visitors should catch the metro from Joliette station outside the terminal or hail an awaiting taxi. There is also a shuttle service to and from Vieux Port although this is irregular. Once in town, visitors can happily explore the Vieux Port area on foot.

Attractions

The Vieux Port area is filled with worthwhile sites and can easily occupy a full day. Nearby Fort Saint-Jean is also worth a visit, and the beach is excellent. Travellers should see the ancient Abbaye St-Victor and the splendid interior of the 19th-century Cathedrale de la Major. They can also climb the hill to Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, which provides great views and photographic opportunities.

Restaurants

L'Epuisette - great seafood from a scenic rocky promontory

Restaurant Femina - cosy Moroccan restaurant with large portions

Best Dish

Bouillabaisse, invented and perfected in Marseille

Shopping

Some of the best and most varied shopping in Marseille can be done around the old port. Visitors can find antiques, artwork, lots of maritime gear and sailor garb, plus smaller souvenirs such as santons (wooden figurines). Travellers should head to the car-free St-Fereol Street and fashion epicenter Cours Julien for more upmarket shopping. The mega mall L'Escale Borély is about 25 minutes away by metro.

Best Buy

Provencal-style ceramic plates

Excursions

Take a day trip to Avignon and Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Visit Aix-en-Provence for charming fountains and squares

Pilgrimage to Arles where Vincent can Gogh lived and worked

Hop on a boat to the island of Chateau d'If

Walk up the hill to Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde and take photos of the city