France
Marseille
France
Marseille
Updated Wed, Nov 26, 2025
Overview
Marseille pulses with multicultural energy unlike anywhere in France. The ancient Vieux-Port buzzes with fishmongers selling daily catches while North African spice markets perfume narrow streets. Beyond tourist areas, locals gather at hidden pastis bars and family-run restaurants serving authentic bouillabaisse recipes passed down generations.
Best time to visit. Visit May through June or September through October for perfect weather and fewer crowds. Spring brings wildflowers to the calanques while fall offers warm seas and local festival season.
City stats
Population
870,018
Land area
93 sq. mi.
Currency
Euro
Year founded
600 BCE
Official langauge
French
English speaking
Somewhat spoken, esp. in hospitality
State/Province
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Timezone
Central European (UTC+1)
Driving side
right
Website
Google Maps link
Quick links
How to get there
Neighborhoods
Getting around
Where to stay
Day trips
Cities within 8 hours
Active pursuits
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Bars, pubs and nightlife
Breakfast and brunch
Lunch and snacks
Dinner restaurants
Laptop friendly places
Where to stay for work trips
Work trip activities
Average weather
Country holidays
Major annual events
Cultural tips
City details
Hotels
Nearby
Nearby
Things to do
Food & restaurants
Work friendly
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 57°F - 41°F | 55°F - 38°F | Partly Cloudy | 8:08 am | 5:24 pm | 8 days 2.1 in | 1 days 0.2 in | 11 mph |
| February | 59°F - 43°F | 57°F - 40°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:42 am | 6:03 pm | 7 days 1.7 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 11 mph |
| March | 64°F - 48°F | 62°F - 45°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:54 am | 6:49 pm | 6 days 1.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 11 mph |
| April | 68°F - 52°F | 66°F - 49°F | Sunny | 6:56 am | 7:32 pm | 6 days 1.8 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| May | 75°F - 59°F | 73°F - 56°F | Sunny | 6:11 am | 8:11 pm | 5 days 1.4 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| June | 82°F - 66°F | 81°F - 64°F | Sunny | 5:46 am | 8:38 pm | 3 days 0.9 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| July | 88°F - 72°F | 88°F - 71°F | Sunny | 5:55 am | 8:34 pm | 2 days 0.4 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| August | 88°F - 73°F | 89°F - 72°F | Sunny | 6:24 am | 8:02 pm | 3 days 1.3 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| September | 81°F - 66°F | 80°F - 64°F | Sunny | 7:02 am | 7:14 pm | 5 days 2.4 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| October | 73°F - 57°F | 71°F - 54°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:42 am | 6:20 pm | 7 days 3.4 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| November | 64°F - 48°F | 62°F - 45°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:28 am | 5:09 pm | 7 days 2.3 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 11 mph |
| December | 59°F - 43°F | 57°F - 40°F | Partly Cloudy | 8:02 am | 5:04 pm | 7 days 2.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 11 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Celebrates the beginning of the new year. Public holiday with festive atmosphere. | Avoid travel. Most places closed. | ||
| Easter Monday | Varies (March or April) | Christian holiday following Easter Sunday. Day of rest and family gatherings. | Limited services. Plan activities ahead. | ||
| Labor Day | May 1 | Celebrates workers' rights. Public holiday with demonstrations and parades. | Expect closures. Plan alternative activities. | ||
| Victory in Europe Day | May 8 | Commemorates the end of World War II in Europe. Official ceremonies held. | Some closures. Patriotic atmosphere. | ||
| Ascension Day | Varies (May or June) | Christian holiday marking Jesus' ascension. Often creates a long weekend. | Plan for reduced services. Popular travel time. | ||
| Whit Monday | Varies (May or June) | Christian holiday celebrating the Holy Spirit. Often creates a long weekend. | Expect some closures. Plan activities ahead. | ||
| Bastille Day | July 14 | French National Day. Celebrations, parades, and fireworks across the country. | Festive atmosphere. Plan for crowds. | ||
| Assumption of Mary | August 15 | Catholic holiday honoring the Virgin Mary. Religious processions in some areas. | Some closures. Popular vacation time. | ||
| All Saints' Day | November 1 | Honors Catholic saints. Families visit cemeteries to remember loved ones. | Expect some closures. Solemn atmosphere. | ||
| Armistice Day | November 11 | Commemorates the end of World War I. Official ceremonies and remembrances. | Some closures. Patriotic atmosphere. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Christian holiday celebrating Jesus' birth. Family gatherings and festive spirit. | Avoid travel. Most places closed. |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Festival de Marseille | June - July | Major performing arts festival featuring theater, dance, and music from Mediterranean cultures across multiple venues citywide. | Great time to visit with extra cultural events and performances available. | ||
| Marseille Jazz des Cinq Continents | mid-July | International jazz festival bringing world-class musicians to outdoor venues throughout the city for five days. | Excellent timing with warm weather and outdoor concerts throughout the city. | ||
| Fiesta des Suds | late October | World music festival celebrating global sounds with artists from Africa, Asia, and Latin America performing across venues. | Good time to visit with diverse music events and mild autumn weather. | ||
| Foire aux Santons | late November - December | Traditional Christmas market featuring handmade Provençal nativity figurines and local crafts along La Canebière. | Charming holiday atmosphere with traditional crafts and festive decorations. |
1 | Learn basic French phrases like 'Bonjour' and 'Merci'. Always greet shopkeepers with 'Bonjour' when entering and 'Au revoir' when leaving. It's considered rude not to do so. |
2 | Dress neatly in public. Avoid athletic wear, shorts, or flip-flops in cities. French people tend to dress more formally, even for casual outings. Blend in to avoid looking like a tourist. |
3 | Don't assume everyone speaks English. Start conversations in French, even if it's just to ask if they speak English. This shows respect for the local language and culture. |
4 | Keep your voice down in public spaces. French people generally speak more softly in public. Loud conversations, especially in restaurants or on public transport, are frowned upon. |
5 | Embrace the leisurely pace of meals. Lunch and dinner are social events that can last hours. Don't rush through your meal or ask for the check until you're ready to leave. |
6 | Tipping is not expected as service is included in the bill. However, it's common to round up or leave small change for good service in cafes and restaurants. |
7 | Always say 'Excusez-moi' (Excuse me) before asking for help or directions. The French appreciate politeness and good manners in social interactions. |
8 | Learn about French cuisine and try local specialties. Avoid asking for menu substitutions; it's often seen as rude. Instead, embrace the chef's creations as they are. |
Brainstorm ideas, plan your way, then navigate on the ground with personalized recommendations that adapt in real time.
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