MARSEILLE TOURS AND MSC SHORE EXCURSIONS
Several thousand years of activity, both human and natural, have helped shape Marseille, France, into the city it is today. Sailing into the port provides a view of its curved coastline and mountainous border, opening Marseille to the Mediterranean and beyond, ensuring its standing as a prominent cultural crossroads.
Marseille’s terracotta rooftops, turquoise sea, limestone rocks and vivid street art form a landscape like no other in France. Even as France’s second-largest city, locals liken it to 111 villages. The best way to visit Marseille is with a guide who can further unlock its riches.
MSC shore excursions let you discover tucked-away treasures like the model boats that hang from the ceiling of Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. Snap photos of the Cathedral of Marseille that sits overlooking the ocean. Amble around Le Vieux-Port, admiring the sea views and lingering over a drink at a cafe terrace. Behold the Palais Longchamp, built to commemorate the arrival of water to Marseille. View the limestone cliffs that beckon nature-lovers to Calanques National Park.
Marseille’s terracotta rooftops, turquoise sea, limestone rocks and vivid street art form a landscape like no other in France. Even as France’s second-largest city, locals liken it to 111 villages. The best way to visit Marseille is with a guide who can further unlock its riches.
MSC shore excursions let you discover tucked-away treasures like the model boats that hang from the ceiling of Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. Snap photos of the Cathedral of Marseille that sits overlooking the ocean. Amble around Le Vieux-Port, admiring the sea views and lingering over a drink at a cafe terrace. Behold the Palais Longchamp, built to commemorate the arrival of water to Marseille. View the limestone cliffs that beckon nature-lovers to Calanques National Park.
Excursions IN MARSEILLE
Discover Marseille’s many treasures with our Marseille tours. Come ashore to learn why France’s oldest city is a feast for the senses, as local guides bring the city to life and reveal its stories. Better than a guidebook, MSC shore excursions are an unmissable part of any cruise itinerary.
book your cruise TO MARSEILLE (Provence)
Like the ancient Greek sailors who founded Marseille over 2,600 years ago, you’re sure to be captivated by this Mediterranean port. Discover the heritage, striking contrasts and diversity of France’s oldest city, and after exploring Marseille, your Mediterranean adventure continues. Peruse great Italian ports, such as Sicily and Sardinia, or head west to Barcelona and the Balearic Islands. All these sun-kissed Mediterranean gems and many more can be explored when you book a Marseille cruise.
Why choose MSC Shore Excursions to Marseille
Discover Marseille’s many treasures with our Marseille tours. Come ashore to learn why France’s oldest city is a feast for the senses, as local guides bring the city to life and reveal its stories. Better than a guidebook, MSC shore excursions are an unmissable part of any cruise itinerary.-
QUALITY AND VALUEMeticulously planned excursions -
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCEWe take care of all the details
MARSEILLE TOURS AND EXCURSIONS FAQ
In which language Marseille excursions are conducted?
MSC Shore Excursions in Marseille can be provided in 5 languages (English, German, French, Spanish and Italian) based on guide availability. We'll confirm the final language during your cruise.
Are Marseille tours always available to be booked?
Due to their popularity, some Marseille excursions may not always be available. For this reason, we strongly recommend booking your Marseille tour in advance to ensure availability.
Can Marseille excursion programme be changed?
The excursion programme only provides an overview of the tours that can be arranged in Marseille. The final tour descriptions and prices will be confirmed on board. MSC Shore Excursions programs and itineraries may vary due to local conditions or unforeseen events, which may impact the timing of the tour. Also, the program is subject to change in compliance with local regulations or other restrictions.
How can I reach the centre of Marseille?
When you’re travelling with MSC Cruises, it couldn’t be easier to reach the centre of Marseille to enjoy its many historic sights. Many of our shore excursions transport guests directly to the city centre, making things as smooth as possible. Our Marseille City Tour features sightseeing in the heart of the city, including popular attractions like the atmospheric Vieux-Port (the Old Port – lined with cafes and restaurants) and opulent Palais Longchamp. Sights just outside of the city centre are also covered, such as Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, perched high on a hilltop overlooking the city. Another option is our Marseille Walking Tour, beginning with a shuttle ride from the ship to the city centre, followed by an informative guided walk. Stroll through the Old Town and past Marseille City Hall and Fort Saint-Jean, a 17th-century defensive complex, before being driven back to the ship. If you prefer to explore on two wheels, book our Cycle Through Marseille excursion, which lets you glide around the city centre and beyond on a bike tour. The route is around 30 kilometres, covering areas such as the Vieux-Port and the Pharo Garden, before some free time for shopping or relaxing. Book on to a Marseille shore excursion to make the most of this exciting city.
How can I see the lavender fields in Provence?
Summer is the best time to visit Provence’s famous lavender fields (from late-June until mid-August, with July seen as the peak viewing month), as this is when the sweeping carpets of lilac flowers will be in full bloom. There are various regions across Provence where it’s possible to view lavender, but the most popular (mainly due to the number of lavender fields they house) are the Valensole Plateau, Luberon and Sault. MSC Cruises offer an excursion to see the lavender fields of Valensole from Marseille. On this tour, guests are transported directly from the cruise terminal to the Valensole Plateau, regarded as one of the most beautiful areas for lavender across the entire region of Provence. Guests will have the chance to learn more about lavender production in the area by meeting a local lavender producer, who will discuss the history and processes behind this skilled profession. After taking in the scenery and the unique scents, guests will get to soak up the atmosphere of Valensole itself, a traditional French town. This excursion makes visiting Provence’s lavender fields an easy and enriching experience.
How long does it take to get from Marseille to Cassis?
Cassis, hometown of the world-famous liquor of the same name, is a picturesque fishing village that’s slowly become a much-loved destination thanks to its surrounding natural beauty, idyllic beaches and relaxed Provencal atmosphere. MSC Cruises offer an excursion directly to Cassis from Marseille via a scenic 90-minute coach journey. After being dropped off by the coach, guests will then ride the famous ‘little train of Cassis’ into the town centre, before enjoying a generous amount of free time on their own to experience the charms of Cassis. These include its beautiful harbour (take some time to admire the ocean views), pristine beaches, and continental-style cafes and restaurants – make sure to sample a glass of the famous blackcurrant liqueur. For a more active experience, journey out to Calanques National Park for hiking trails. The excursion finishes with a return journey back to the coach on the local train, before guests are driven back to the cruise terminal.
