WHERE TO STAY IN MARSEILLE, FRANCE

Where is the best area to stay in Marseille?

If you´re planning on spending a weekend away in Marseille, or even if you´re looking for somewhere to stop-over on your way to the Côte d´Azur, the area around the Old Port (Vieux Port) is the best place to stay. The Old Port is right at the heart of Marseille´s old town and is the city´s most beautiful area, as well as being the centre of its activity.

Aside from the Old Port, which is one of the many wonders Marseille has to offer, you should also pay a visit to the city´s other main attractions, for example; The Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, Jain-Jean Fort, or the old fishing neighbourhood of Le Panier.

This area is also the centre of the city’s main leisure activities, boasting a multitude of bars, restaurants and shopping streets, such as Rue de la Tour, which is now often referred to as “Fashion Street”.

Among other advantages of staying in the Old Port area is its easy access to the metro, which makes travel to all of the city´s main monuments and places of interest a lot easier. It is also has a number of good bus routes, and has easy access to the tourist train. If arriving by car, there are plenty of public parking spaces available and Marseille´s train station is just a 15 minute walk away.

BEST LOCATED HOTELS IN MARSEILLE
Hotel	Avg price
B&B HOTEL Marseille Centre Vieux Port 62 Rue Puvis de Chavannes RECOMMENDED / BEST VALUE	86€ - 92$
Holiday Inn Express Marseille Saint Charles 15 Boulevard Maurice Bourdet	90€ - 96$
Hôtel Carré Vieux Port 6, Rue Beauvau	105€ - 112$
Escale Oceania Marseille Vieux Port 5, La Canebière	105€ - 112$
Hotel	Avg price
NH Collection Marseille 37 Boulevard des Dames	145€ - 155$
Grand Hotel Beauvau Marseille Vieux Port 4 Rue Beauvau	146€ - 156$
La Residence Du Vieux Port 18 Quai Du Port	166€ - 178$
Radisson Blu Hotel Marseille Vieux Port 38-40 Quai de Rive Neuve	174€ - 186$
Hotel	Avg price
Hotel C2 48 rue Roux de Brignoles	240€ - 257$

On the map, which shows the best area to stay in Marseille, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.

If you were interested in finding out where to stay in Marseille, you may also be interested in knowing where to stay in Nice.

Old Port, the best area to stay in Marseille

Posh cafes, upscale hotels, and seafood brasseries line the waterfront of the Old Port of Marseille in the 1st arrondissement. Romanesque, Renaissance, and art-deco architecture is fully preserved along the Old Port, the lasting centre of Marseille, founded by the Greeks, circa 600 B.C. Fort St. Nicolas and Fort St. Jean guard opposite ends of the harbor, reminding visitors of Marseille’s key role as a seaport for over 26 centuries.

The lively and colorful area of the Old Port is the best area to stay in Marseille, as it offers plenty of entertainment and dining options. Waterfront restaurants serve fresh seafood, sourced from the adjacent quayside fish market. Near Fort St. Jean on the north side of the Old Port, culturally inclined travelers will enjoy the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations and Musée Regards de Provence. While the southern quay is bustling with brasseries, boutiques, and bars. The Palais du Pharo and adjacent jardin is a lovely green space to enjoy a stroll and seafront views. When the sun dips below the Atlantic, the city comes to life with cocktail bars and clubs remaining open until the early morning, especially on the streets of Place Thiars and Cours Honoré d’Estienne d’Orves.

The Old Port’s central location and pedestrianized streets make this the ideal neighbourhood for getting around Marseille. Additionally, the cross port ferry leaves from the Town Hall throughout the day, allowing tourists the pleasurable sight of Marseille from the sea.The Old Port is only 20 minutes by car from Marseille Provence Airport.

Hotels in Old Port

Other areas to stay in Marseille

La Corniche

To the south of the Old Port lies the 7th arrondissement of La Corniche. The area is named for the seaside road of La Corniche, dotted with small beaches along the coast. This is the best area to stay for a peaceful beachside holiday.

This area houses Notre-Dame de la Garde, a Catholic basilica of Byzantine influence and one of Marseille’s most notable landmarks. Parc Valmer is a lovely respite with lush green spaces and the 19th century Villa Valmer. Located only 10 minutes by car or public bus, La Corniche is incredibly accessible to the central Old Port area.

Hotels in La Corniche

Euromed - La Joliette

The newly revitalized area of La Joliette is a nice area to stay just north of the Old Port. This area in the 2nd arrondissement holds the business district, known as Euromed Centre. La Joliette also includes the Docks de Marseille and Marseille Cathedral. Additionally, Place de La Joliette is one of Marseille’s most popular and bustling markets.

Les Terraces du Port shopping mall houses top French and international brands, with lovely views of the port from its namesake terrace. La Joliette is only 10 minutes by car or public transport from the Old Port, allowing simple access to the town centre.

Hotels in Euromed - La Joliette