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The French city of Marseille is known for many things - glorious year-round sunshine, its charming Old Port, the culinary dish, Bouillabaisse, Savon de Marseille (soap) and delicious Navette de Marseille pastries.
There are several ways to experience the main tourist landmarks of the city in a day or less, from port Marseille cruise terminal.
There are two ports in Marseille, La Joliette, within a short distance of the city centre and MPCT (Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal) eight kilometres away.
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If you only have a short stay in the city and arrive at MPCT, take the port shuttle to and from Vieux Port to access the city centre. It costs €11, or you can jump in a taxi for €17.
There’s also a No. 35 city bus (RTM) 20 minutes’ walk from the port. Disembark at Joliette and transfer to the No. 55 to the Old Port (€1,90) or walk there, or into the city centre in around 15 minutes.
It’s possible to see most of Marseille’s attractions in a day. The must-see highlights include the Old Port (Vieux Port), Le Panier neighbourhood, Mucem and Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde.
If you have one day to spend at Marseilles cruise port, here is a suggested itinerary to make the most of your time in this fascinating city.
Vieux Port is a hive of activity, characterised by quays, cafes, shops, and fabulous seafood restaurants.
If you dock early, the lively fish market is open at Quai des Belges. You can also try the city’s famous bouillabaisse for lunch at one of the best restaurants in Marseille Vieux Port, Une Table au Sud.
Alternatively, hop on a ferry to the island of Chateau d’If, the former fortress and prison, made famous by Alexander Dumas’ tale “The Count of Monte Cristo”. The journey time is 20 minutes each way.
Culture buffs will adore visiting MuCEM near Vieux Port. The contemporary Museum showcases exhibits dedicated to Mediterranean civilisations, which may tie into your cruise itinerary. The museum is also located next to Fort Saint-Jean, so you can combine two attractions in one.
The Old Port is also a good starting point for a walk into the city centre and to Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde. The Roman-Byzantine Basilica, sits at the highest point of Marseille, boasting incredible 360 degree views of the city, and is easily recognisable, courtesy of the Virgin Mary statue on the bell tower.
The neighbourhood of Le Panier lies north of Vieux Port with its narrow streets, pastel-hued houses, quirky shops, and galleries. It’s a perfect place to purchase Savon de Marseille and Navette de Marseille pastries. Time a visit to Le Panier for a late lunch or an early alfresco dinner, as the district boasts everything from tearooms and patisseries to tapas bars and traditional Mediterranean cuisine.
If you only have a few hours to spend in Marseille, one of the best Marseille excursions from port to take is the free shuttle tour. The shuttle takes in all the main landmarks and operates every 30 minutes during high season. In addition, taxis offer tours and there are hop-on/hop-off Marseille cruise port buses.
Should you be blessed with a full day in Marseille, consider taking a short train ride (€9) to historic Aix-en-Provence with its outdoor markets and tree-lined squares.
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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Zenonis est, inquam, hoc Stoici. Duo Reges: constructio interrete. Quasi ego id curem, quid ille aiat aut neget. Equidem, sed audistine modo de Carneade? Quae tamen a te agetur non melior, quam illae sunt, quas interdum optines. Est igitur officium eius generis, quod nec in bonis ponatur nec in contrariis.
Quid est igitur, cur ita semper deum appellet Epicurus beatum et aeternum? Conferam tecum, quam cuique verso rem subicias; Earum etiam rerum, quas terra gignit, educatio quaedam et perfectio est non dissimilis animantium. Nam quibus rebus efficiuntur voluptates, eae non sunt in potestate sapientis. Hanc ergo intuens debet institutum illud quasi signum absolvere. Summus dolor plures dies manere non potest?
Scientiam pollicentur, quam non erat mirum sapientiae cupido patria esse cariorem. An est aliquid, quod te sua sponte delectet? Non igitur de improbo, sed de callido improbo quaerimus, qualis Q. Mihi enim satis est, ipsis non satis. Hoc sic expositum dissimile est superiori. Eademne, quae restincta siti? Tu vero, inquam, ducas licet, si sequetur; Videsne quam sit magna dissensio?
Cum autem venissemus in Academiae non sine causa nobilitata spatia, solitudo erat ea, quam volueramus.
