Marseille is a city with a vibrant temperament, a mixture of French elegance and Mediterranean relaxation. Tourists often limit themselves to a stroll through the Old Port and photos of the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, but the locals have their own take on the city. They know the hidden corners, quiet beaches, cozy places and traditions that remain behind the scenes of tourist photo albums.
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In this article, we will share the secrets of Marseille that will help you see the city for real.
Secret beaches and trails: where the locals go
Marseille is known for its beaches, but locals have their own favorite spots that rarely make it into guidebooks.
The Ensemble de Malmus beach is a small wild corner among the cliffs, where a narrow path leads to the beach. This is where those who appreciate silence, clear water and an atmosphere of solitude come. You’ll often find Marseille families with picnic baskets and old men playing petanque on the sand.
If you’re ready for a longer walk, head to Calanques Sormiou and Morgueux. These bays are true natural wonders. To reach them, you have to walk along winding paths, but the reward is worth it: turquoise water, rocky cliffs and the feeling that you have entered a paradise.
And then there’s Les Goudes, an old fishing village on the outskirts of town. It’s especially beautiful here at the end of the day, with the sun slowly sinking below the horizon and the smell of the sea and fresh fish in the air.
Tip: Bring comfortable shoes, water and sunscreen – many of the trails can be a real challenge on a hot day.
Marseille’s culinary secrets: what the citizens themselves taste
Marseilleans know a lot about gastronomy and are happy to share their culinary discoveries. If you want a real taste of the city, check out these places:
- La Fournée des Navettes Start your morning with a visit to this bakery with a history. The legendary navettes have been baked here for generations. They are shaped like little boats and infused with the delicate aroma of floral water – a true taste of Marseille.
- Chez Fonfon At midday, head to this family-run restaurant for a traditional bouillabaisse recipe. Unlike the touristy spots on the Old Port, this place has a homely atmosphere: the buzz of local conversation, the smell of fresh seafood and waiters who are always ready to tell the story of each dish.
- Maison Saint-Honoré Do you like sweets? Try the almond croissants from this bakery. Marseilleans are ready to line up for them before they even open.
- Market at Vallon des Auffes Early in the morning, visit this small fish market. Here you can buy oysters, dorade and mussels straight from the boat and watch fishermen mending their nets while discussing the latest news.
Street art and the bohemian spirit
Marseille is a city that breathes art. Here street art is not just painted walls, but a real cultural value.
Cours Julien is the center of the city’s creative life. Every corner of the quarter is decorated with brightly colored graffiti, and cafes and bars bring together Marseille’s bohemians: musicians, artists, poets. In the daytime you can walk here with a camera, and in the evening you can listen to live music with a glass of local wine.
If you want to feel the atmosphere of old Marseille, go to Le Panier. This is the oldest district of the city, with narrow streets, staircases and houses covered with greenery. Local artists have turned the walls into a real open-air museum – each mural here tells its own story.
For lovers of unusual evenings, there is Carry Nation, a speakeasy bar hidden behind an inconspicuous door. You can only find out the password from people who have been there before, or from the friendly Marseillais in the café next door.
Secret sunsets and the best views in town
Most tourists go up to the majestic Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica to admire the panorama of Marseille. The view from there is really impressive: The old port, rows of boats, the vast Mediterranean Sea and the setting sun coloring the city in golden pink tones. But locals have their favorite, less crowded spots where you can enjoy a moment in silence.
- Saint-Cyr Rock is a secluded spot rarely known to visitors. From its top, it offers a breathtaking view of the coast and the city’s neighborhoods. There are almost no tourists here, just a few Marseillais who come to watch the sunset alone or with friends. The sunset here is particularly beautiful, with the sky slowly changing from bright orange to deep purple and the sea seeming to merge with the horizon.
- Pharo Park is another secret spot for romantics. This green corner overlooks the Old Port and is ideal for evening strolls. Local families come here with plaids and picnic baskets, while couples sit on benches watching the city light up. Sometimes you can hear the sounds of a guitar or saxophone as street musicians choose the park for their small sunset concerts.
Legends and traditions cherished by the people of Marseille
Marseille holds many stories and rituals that are rarely shared with tourists.
- The locals do not call their city Marseille, but Massilia, which is what the ancient Greeks called it.
- In August there is Fête de la Mer, a colorful celebration of the sea with a boat parade, music and fireworks.
- In the old quarters you can find ancient fountains with drinking water, which only the townspeople know about. Many Marseillais still come here to fill their bottles.
- On Sundays, locals gather on the quays to play petanque and discuss the latest news over a strong cup of coffee.