Marseille is France’s second largest city in population, with over 800,000 citizens as well as being home to France’s biggest harbour. Browse accommodation from apartments, b&bs to luxury holiday homes to find the best offer for you. Marseille is also one of the ancient dwellings in France, with a cave portrait found dating back to 30,000 years BC.
Find and book the perfect apartment or holiday home in Marseille to enjoy the sun of the French Riviera
The city and harbours were severely damaged during German bombings in WWII, and in the 50's Marseille was completely rebuilt. But nonetheless, there are still numerous old, often majestic buildings, making it the perfect holiday for historians to book apartments. As well as plenty history to get stuck into, this city is surrounded by the beautiful Calanques National Park, the perfect place to book a holiday rental or Airbnb.
When to visit Marseille
Marseille's Mediterranean climate makes it pleasant to fly, visit and stay in the city any time of year, nevertheless most tourists tend to visit during the months of June, July and August, when temperature levels are at their warmest and rainfall season is at its lowest. Considering that the summer is the busiest time, the odds of finding cheap flight tickets are minor. When travelling to Marseille during the summer months, international and national visitors can relish the Festival de Marseille from mid-June to mid-July. The festival is a celebration of world music, dance, theatre and cinema and visitors can expect to experience some spectacular events and shows such as contemporary music and dance performances.
How to get to Marseille from the UK
There are 161 flights between the UK and Marseille per week, an average of 26 per day. London to Marseille is an easy journey with Wednesday being the economical day to fly on average and Thursday is the most expensive. We'd recommend making an advanced booking for accommodation in Marseille, for a long holiday or a short-stay with family.
Travel directly from London to Marseille by train without shifting either trains or stations. The new service launched in May 2015, takes you from St.Pancras International to Marseille, with a few stops at Lyon and Avignon in just 6 hours 27 minutes.
How to get around in Marseille
The city's superb public transport network makes it quite simple for passengers to get around. Underground railways, trams and bus systems offer an extensive and effective system. Driving isn't recommended because of narrow lanes and traffic in the city centre, and while bicycle rentals are easy to access, there are not many tracks for cycling in the city. Walking and public transportation are the best options for getting around Marseille.
Where to stay in Marseille
With more than 20 museums and galleries to explore and many other tourist attractions, such as the 19th-century Notre Dame de la Garde, the Palais de Longchamp and the Cathedral of the Major, this French Riviera city is a well-known European destination.
Are you looking to rent an apartment in Marseille for short holiday break? Book your accommodation in Marseille and choose the best locations: near the Vieux Port, close to the beach, Endoume, in the Pointe Rouge and Prado districts or in Les Goudes in the south of the Bay.
Choose from a selection of Marseille apartments to ensure your stay is perfectly suited for you. You should go for advance booking as far as possible to save on accommodation in Marseille, particularly if staying during the busy summer months. You may treat yourself to a scenic escape to the most beautiful city of Marseilles by looking into alternative options other than with an Airbnb in Marseille. As Marseille continues to develop and emerge from its somewhat traumatic past, so too have accommodation options. You will be warmly welcomed at any one of the thoughtfully and strikingly designed luxury hotels, as well as the clean but basic hostels in Marseille. Stay in Vieux Port, or the Old Port to truly seize the southern French lifestyle. If you do not mind a bit of a trek back to town, you could also plan the beach-side hotels in the southern part of the Marseille.
What to do in Marseille
Vieux Port
The Vieux port from the most sophisticated to the magnificent. From exquisite restaurants that spill onto the esplanade, quirky places and shops to fishermen selling fresh seafood on the dockside, the port has lots to see. Take a look at the extraordinary Miroir Ombriere, mirrored shade designed by Norman Foster. You will also find Marseille apartments with mesmerising sea views, so book your furnished holiday apartments near the Vieux Port.
Take a dip in clear blue sea
La Couronne is a captivating beach on the Mediterranean with crystal clear blue water and pristine sand. It is a little journey by the famous blue train line from the central station St Charles. It is worth the effort and energy for the journey alone as there are spectacular views.
Relax on a city beach
You can head to the strip known as La Corniche. Move to the area below the Corniche where you will find sandy beaches, rocky inlets and the Vallon des Auffes, a small fishing port that holds a traditional feel with its tiny huts and some extremely great restaurants – here is where you will find some of the world's best bouillabaisse.
The Island of If
It is just 20 minutes away by boat from the city harbour and is home to a chateau built in 1531 which is popular worldwide as it is where the Count of Monte Cristo was detained as a prisoner.
Mediterranean Civilizations and Museum of European
There are many museums in Marseille including MUCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations). With its honeycomb-shaped wall this museum is a big draw, especially for the more than one million people who stop take a break at Marseille on cruise ships.
Notre-Dame de la Garde's Nautical Ex-Voto
The view from the Basilica is simply beyond breath-taking as you watch Marseille spread out around you. There is a fascinating azure backdrop of sky and sea for you to capture the perfect photo at the end of your trip to Marseille.