10 Things to Do Off the Beaten Track in Marseille
Interesting Places in Marseille Only Locals Know
Marseille is a thrilling destination in Southern France where you’ll find endless fun along a Mediterranean trading port that’s been a popular spot since ancient times. While there’s plenty to draw all kinds of visitors here, it can be rewarding to check out the parts of town that typically aren’t on most itineraries.
The hidden gems in Marseille are one of a kind, and visiting them can bring you closer to the city and the fascinating culture you’ll find here. Check out the top 10 things to do off the beaten path in Marseille.
1. Parc Borély
One of France’s remarkable gardens
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
Parc Borély is a relaxing and gorgeous park where you can take a lovely stroll among vibrant greenery that’s just a few steps away from the beach. You’ll find several walking paths throughout the park that are open to bikes as well, and bikes are available for hire.
One of the more unique aspects of this park is its whimsical replica of Notre-Dame de la Garde that you can see in all its green splendor during a visit. This is located on the east side of the park along with a fountain and a playground. Read more
Location: Avenue du Parc Borély, 13008 Marseille, France
Open: Daily from 6 am to 10 pm
Phone: +33 (0)4 91 55 25 51
Parc Borély
2. Rooftop Bar at La Friche
An unexpected rooftop treat
Good for: Couples, Nightlife
As the sun dips behind Marseille’s skyline, the rooftop at La Friche la Belle de Mai transforms into a buzzing cultural haven. Locals and visitors gather for “On Air” nights, sipping chilled rosé and craft beers while DJs spin eclectic sets.
The panoramic view stretches from urban rooftops to distant hills, casting golden light over the crowd. A vegetable garden adds a quirky touch to the industrial setting, blending nature with nightlife. Whether you’re dancing under the stars or lounging with friends, the rooftop offers a unique blend of art, music, and Marseille’s laid-back charm.
Location: 41 Rue Jobin, 13003 Marseille, France
Phone: +33 4 95 04 95 95
Rooftop Bar at La Friche
3. Côte Bleue
There’s more to the coast than the French Riviera
Good for: Couples, Families, Adventure
Côte Bleue is a popular seaside region slightly west of the city that offers scenic views on coastal cliffs that let you get away from the crowds. While most people are heading east to the French Riviera, traveling west can offer unrivaled tranquillity.
In this region, you’ll find sunshine, coastal views, and welcoming waters you can explore. Additionally, you’ll find several small towns in the region that offer unique local stores with one-of-a-kind items you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
Côte Bleue
4. Sentier Pédestre de l’Huveaune
A secluded walk
Good for: Adventure, Budget, Couples
Sentier Pédestre de l’Huveaune is a relaxing walkway near Parc Borély that can make you forget you’re in a city. This walking path is situated next to a small river with brilliant greenery and mature trees on both of its banks.
Along this path, you’ll notice plenty of color as well, especially if you’re visiting during the spring or summer when the bushes are in bloom. Many flowers line the path, so you can take in their vibrant colors as you stroll along with the gentle sounds of the water filling the air.
Location: 13008 Marseille, France
Sentier Pédestre de l'Huveaune
5. Cité Radieuse Le Corbusier
An architectural masterpiece
Good for: Couples, Families, Unusual
The Cité Radieuse Le Corbusier is a brutalist architectural achievement designed by Swiss architect Charles-Edouard Jeanneret that you can tour. The building emphasizes Jeanneret’s style with impressive visual effects not found in most apartment buildings. Several designs implemented in this building made it unique for its time.
You’ll find several home extensions and even an internal street with stores. The roof terrace is particularly appealing thanks to its relaxation area and wading pool. Kids can have fun as well at the playground on the roof.
Location: 280 Boulevard Michelet, 13008 Marseille, France
Open: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm
Cité Radieuse Le Corbusier
6. Les Goudes
A picturesque fishing village
Good for: Photo, Budget, Adventure
Les Goudes is an ideal place to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city by retreating to a quaint fishing village. It’s located east of Marseille just along the shore, so you’ll find easy access to the water when you visit whether you’re looking for a swim, a spot of fishing, or just gazing out to the horizon.
The village faces west, so it’s an ideal place to be when the sun sets. You’ll find several local bars around as well if you’re looking for a refreshment to accompany the unforgettable experience.
Les Goudes
7. Ensuès-la-Redonne
An idyllic port town
Good for: Photo, Food, Adventure
Ensuès-la-Redonne is a fun-filled destination west of Marseille that offers beach access, seafood, and several fish festivals that are held throughout the year. It’s important to know that the beach here is best suited for walks and viewpoints rather than bathing, as it’s quite rocky.
Photographers tend to love it, however, and there are many restaurants are right on the seafront to make the most of those incredible views. Be sure to check the local calendar to see if any fish festivals are being held during your visit. They tend to draw crowds of people looking to get the first catch of the season.
Ensuès-la-Redonne
8. Friche Belle de Mai
An essential cultural complex
Good for: Couples, Families, Shoppers
Friche Belle de Mai is a massive cultural complex that houses a wide variety of attractions all built within what was once a factory. Art is on display throughout the complex with paintings, sculptures and more that are mostly by artists in residence. You’ll find it just northwest of the Palais Longchamp.
Within this complex, you’ll find quite a few different things to do aside from the galleries. Several miniature theaters that frequently host performances are inside as well, along with a nursery, a playground, a food market, and a library.
Location: 41 Rue Jobin, 13003 Marseille, France
Phone: +33 (0)4 95 04 95 95
Friche Belle de Mai
9. Vallon des Auffes
A gorgeous cove
Good for: Families, Food, Adventure
Vallon des Auffes is a hidden cove along the main coastal road in Marseille that boasts a traditional atmosphere with plenty to see and do. The beach is one of the most popular locations here, as it’s a great place to take the family swimming.
The cove is relatively small, but it’s packed with quite a lot of things to do. For example, you’ll find a quaint family-run pizza restaurant in the area if you’re looking for something delicious yet simple. For fine-dining experiences, however, this cove also boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant. Read more
Vallon des Auffes
10. Monument Arthur Rimbaud
A strange monument
Good for: Families, Photo, Unusual
Monument Arthur Rimbaud is a unique and peculiar monument in town that at first appears to be a strange rock formation, but is actually an intricate sculpture. The monument was crafted by Jean Adamo with the intention of blending seamlessly into the landscape on the northern edge of Parc Balnéaire du Prado.
The monument appears as a rock formation from a distance but gets stranger upon closer examination. Judging by its profile, it appears to be a primitive ship that has seemingly run aground only to be somehow turned to stone.
Location: 33 Prom. Georges Pompidou, 13008 Marseille, France
Phone: +33 (0)4 91 55 15 84
Monument Arthur Rimbaud
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