Marseille is one of those cities that sparks mixed opinions—raw, vibrant, chaotic, beautiful. Located on the southern coast of France, it’s the country’s oldest city and a gateway to the Mediterranean, full of contrasts, history, and personality.
We visited Marseille from 29th till 31st of December as part of a extended family road trip, and while the weather shaped our experience more than expected, the city still left a strong impression. This Marseille travel guide is based on our real experience and is designed to be practical, honest, and useful, especially if you’re visiting by car or traveling in winter.
Why Marseille Was Our Midway Stop
Marseille became our meeting point right in the middle of a special family journey.
- We were coming by car from Barcelona
- My sister’s family and my parents were driving from Turin
- The plan was to celebrate New Year together, with Montpellier as our final destination (more about that in another post)
Marseille made perfect sense geographically—a natural crossroads between Spain and Italy, and an opportunity to experience a city we hadn’t explored deeply before.
Visiting Marseille in Winter: Expect the Unexpected
One thing we truly weren’t prepared for was the cold.
Despite Marseille’s Mediterranean location, the weather during our visit was surprisingly cold and windy. It wasn’t the kind of cold you imagine when thinking about southern France, and unfortunately, we hadn’t packed properly for it.
Because of this:
- We walked much less than planned
- We explored a large part of the city from the car
- Short stops replaced long strolls
Still, even from the car, Marseille’s character is impossible to miss.
What We Visited in Marseille
1. The Old Port (Vieux-Port)
The Port of Marseille is the heart of the city. Surrounded by cafés, boats, and historic buildings, it’s lively even in winter.
We drove around the port, stopped briefly to enjoy the view, and soaked in the atmosphere. Even on cold days, this area feels alive and essential to understanding Marseille.
2. The Church at the Port
Near the port, we visited one of the churches overlooking the waterfront. These smaller stops, even short ones, add depth to the experience and give a sense of Marseille’s spiritual and maritime history.
3. Notre-Dame de la Garde
No Marseille travel guide is complete without Notre-Dame de la Garde.
Perched high above the city, this basilica offers:
- Panoramic views of Marseille and the sea
- One of the most iconic landmarks in southern France
- Easy access by car (especially useful in cold weather)
Given the weather, this stop worked perfectly for us. We could reach it comfortably and still enjoy one of the best viewpoints in the city.
Getting Around Marseille by Car & Parking Tips
We visited Marseille by car, and overall, it was manageable if you plan ahead.
🚗 Parking in Marseille
We opted for paid underground parking, which we highly recommend.
Why underground parking is a good choice:
- Safer for your car
- Well-located near tourist areas
- Less stress than street parking
- Ideal if you’re traveling with family or luggage
Yes, it’s paid—but absolutely worth it for peace of mind.
Is Marseille Safe for Tourists?
Marseille often gets a reputation for being “not the safest city”, and while it’s true that some areas require caution, our experience was positive.
Our honest opinion:
- Touristic areas felt safe
- We had no issues visiting the port or Notre-Dame de la Garde
- Parking properly and staying aware is key
Like in many big cities:
- Avoid leaving valuables in the car
- Use paid parking
- Stick to well-known areas, especially if visiting for a short time
If you take normal precautions, Marseille is perfectly safe to visit.
Is Marseille Worth Visiting?
Absolutely—especially if:
- You’re doing a road trip through southern Europe
- You want to experience a city with strong identity
- You enjoy ports, viewpoints, and cultural contrast
Even with cold weather limiting our walking time, Marseille gave us:
- A memorable stop between countries
- A strong sense of place
- A reason to come back again, maybe in warmer months
Final Thoughts on Our Marseille Experience
Marseille wasn’t a slow, romantic stroll kind of destination for us this time—but it was real, intense, and memorable.
Despite the cold:
- We enjoyed discovering the city at our own pace
- Driving allowed us to see more than expected
- It worked well as a meeting point for family traveling from different countries
Sometimes travel isn’t about perfect weather—it’s about being together and discovering places as they are.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marseille
Is Marseille safe for tourists?
Marseille is safe if you stay in touristic areas, use common sense, and park your car properly. Like any big city, some areas should be avoided.
Is Marseille worth visiting in winter?
Yes, but be prepared for cold and wind. Winter is great for sightseeing by car and avoiding crowds.
Can you visit Marseille by car?
Yes. Marseille is accessible by car, and paid underground parking is the safest and most convenient option.
What are the must-see places in Marseille?
The Old Port, Notre-Dame de la Garde, and the port-side churches are must-see landmarks.