The second largest city in France, Marseille is part of the hirtorical Provence province and is known for its Old Harbour, la Bouillabaisse and its typically Southern culture of pastis and pétanque.
The city is a regional centre for culture, by way of its opera house and of its history of attracting artists such as Paul Cézanne and Auguste Renoir. Marseille was the European Capital of Culture in 2013, and chose to celebrate cultural diversity within Europe throughout the year. Home to many museums, cultural landmarks and a unique cuisine, Marseille truly stands out as one of the most distinctive and lively cities in France. Find out more here: https://www.marseille-tourisme.com/en/
All you need to discover the city at your own pace and covers public transports, tourist buses and small trains, museums, culture and leisure activities. All-inclusive packages are available for 24hrs (27 EUR), 48hrs (37 EUR) or 72hrs (43 EUR).
For more information on the Marseille CityPass, call +33 (0)826 500 500 or visit their website: https://www.marseille-tourisme.com/en/experience/marseille-citypass/.
The Euro is the official currency of France. Mastercards and Visa Cards are accepted everywhere in the city. However, American Express may not be accepted in some limited venues.
Many restaurants, cafés, hotels, and other public places in Marseille have free Wi-Fi. You may also find Wi-Fi hotspots Wi-Fi in cultural sites, malls, and plazas.
Like in all major cities, some parts of Marseille are safer than others. The Prado area where the congress centre and the EENA selected hotels are located is one of the safest parts of the city. Local police forces are doing their best to protect both citizens and tourists, but nobody is safe from pickpockets. Keep an eye on your passport, credit cards, and other valuables and carry your bag across your body rather than on your shoulder.
The public transport network in Marseille is run by la Régie des Transports Métropolitains (RTM). The network includes 3 tramway lines, 2 metro/subway lines et 93 bus lines running everyday from around 5am to approxiately 12:30am.
The Palais des Congrès of Marseille Chanot is located just next to the M2 metro line station so-called Rond-point du Prado, only 10 minutes from the Old-Port.
Cost: A 1 trip card is 1,70 EUR. A 10 trips card is 15 EUR. A 24-hour XL pass: 5,20 EUR. A group 4 people card: 4,90 EUR, this includes 4 tickets for 4 people.
More info on: https://www.rtm.fr/.
By bike
There are also around 130 Levélo stations located around the city that let you borrow city bikes. This services costs about 1 euro for a short-term subscription. The first 30 min are free, then it’s 1 EUR per hour of use. More info on http://en.levelo-mpm.fr/
Completed in 1897, the Notre Dame de la Garde cathedral is the unequivocal emblem of the city of Marseille and watches over sailors, fishermen, and the people of the city. Locally known as “la Bonne Mère” (the Good Mother), climbing to the top of the hill the cathedral sits on allows visitors to see some of the most breathtaking views in the city, as the basilica faces the Mediterranean sea from above.
The Vieux-Port (Old Port) is the most iconic landmark in Marseille, and is also one of the most idyllic places to sit down and have a nice meal in the city, with a row of cafés and restaurants lining the provincial seafront.
Historically, Marseille’s economy centered around its port, serving as France’s gateway to its Empire, linking metropolitan France to its colonies in North Africa.
Today, the city’s functional port has been moved up north of the city, leaving the Vieux-Port as the social and cultural center of the city. Its buildings largely remain as they were, most notably, the Fort Saint-Jean, a fortification at the port’s entrance. Fishing still remains an important activity and you can find fresh fish at the market at the Quai des Belges.
This beautiful promenade towers over the sea from L’Anse des Catalans to the Parc Balnéaire du Prado and features an array of stunning views of the Frioul Islands and Château d’If. The promenade is 5km long and was redeveloped at the end of the 1950s and was then renamed Corniche J. F. Kennedy in 1963.
For all the sports fans attending the conference, this iconic multi-purpose arena continuously hosts many sporting events and is unmissable. To find out what’s on, head to their website: https://www.orangevelodrome.com/.
Le Panier is Marseille’s oldest district and currently stands where the city was first born in 600BC. To make the most of this legendary area, don’t be afraid to wander around and get lost in the narrow streets, taking in the beauty of the old buildings and basking in the glorious sunlight.
Le Panier also features many cultural sites, be sure not to miss the iconic ‘Maison Diamantée’, the Daviel Pavillion, the ‘Place de Lenche’, the Cabre Hotel, the church of ‘Accoules’, the ‘Hôtel Dieu’ and the ‘Place des Moulins’.
The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations is the first major national museum dedicated to the civilisations of the Mediterranean for the 21st century. It opened in 2013 and is located at the entrance to the port, on the J4 harbor mole and in Fort Saint-Jean. Website: https://www.mucem.org/en.
Depending on what you enjoy exploring and how long you are willing to walk, you will find many options of free walking tours here: https://www.guruwalk.com/marseille.
We recommend a tour that takes you on a 2,5 hour walk around Marseille to discover the history of the city. Find more here: https://www.guruwalk.com/walks/31236-free-walking-tour-marseille.
Meeting Point: 2 Quai du Port, 13002 Marseille. You’ll find the guide in front of the Hôtel de Ville with a purple umbrella.
