Marseille Private Guided Walking Tour

Marseille is France’s most Mediterranean, multicultural, and vibrant city. Founded as a Greek colony in 600 BC under the name Massalia, it is the oldest city in the country. Its strategic position on the Mediterranean Sea made it a historic crossroads of cultures and trade. It officially became part of France in 1480, while preserving a strong maritime identity shaped by centuries of exchanges.

Your tour begins where the city was born: the Panier district. Perched on a hill in the heart of Marseille, this historic neighborhood charms visitors with narrow streets, colorful façades, and lively squares. The area thrives thanks to cafés, restaurants, artisans, and creative studios that give it a unique atmosphere. Walk along Rue du Petit Puits and stop at Place de Lenche for a pleasant view toward La Bonne Mère.

Marseille has been famous for soap-making since the Middle Ages, thanks to olive oil and soda. Authentic Savon de Marseille remains a local specialty worth discovering in traditional shops. Continue your walk to the Cathedral of La Major, a unique monument built in the 19th century, remarkable for its bold architecture and monumental scale.

Discover Marseille’s modern side at the MUCEM before strolling down the Canebière toward the Old Port. Lined with sailboats, cafés, and restaurants, the Vieux-Port is the city’s vibrant heart, offering beautiful views of Notre-Dame de la Garde. The reconstructed Cosquer Cave also offers a fascinating journey into prehistoric times.