The Best Way To Experience Marseille And Its Cruise Port

Table Of Content

• WHATSINPORT.COM: YOUR CRUISE GUIDE TO 1200 PORTS OF CALL
• MAJOR ADVANTAGES
• Cruise Terminal Information
• Opening Hours and Holidays:
• Tours Excursions Transportation:

The cruise terminals in Marseille are located in two different areas. French cuisine, especially in this southern part of the country, is a gastronomic delight. Seafood is a staple here, with the traditional Bouillabaisse – a rich fish stew – being a must-try for every visitor. Head to the Old Port’s fish market to witness the freshest catch of the day being auctioned off, providing an intriguing spectacle for cruise guests.

WHATSINPORT.COM: YOUR CRUISE GUIDE TO 1200 PORTS OF CALL

Click here to read about the Blue Coast Line, with a link to the current train timetable, and here for our full guide to Marseille's public transport system. In the past the Port of Marseille (GPMM) has offered a free shuttle bus service exclusively for cruise tourists. If you are coming to Marseille by rail or coach, you will arrive at Saint Charles train and bus station. From here, take the metro (line 2, direction Capitaine Gèze, stop Joliette). Click here for our full guide to Marseille's public transport system. Alternatively you can catch the airport shuttle bus to Marseille Saint Charles station and continue according to the instructions below.

MAJOR ADVANTAGES

Sometimes Sailing is a cruise-focused website by Dan and Mikkel Woodruff, a couple passionate about cruising. The list of French Riviera (Cote d'Azur) ports also includes Antibes, Bandol, Cannes, Cassis, Sanary-sur-Mer, St Raphael, St Tropez, Toulon, Villefranche-sur-Mer (Nice) and Monte Carlo (Monaco). Aix-en-Provence is a historic city with many cobblestone areas that are not wheelchair-friendly.

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Cruise Terminal Information

The Old Port of Marseille, pictured, is the place to head straight for when your ship arrives in town. Passengers are given a time slot ahead of embarkation, in order to avoid bottlenecks of people arriving at the same time. Unless your cruise liner is leaving from the Joliette (J4) Terminal, you will then need to catch an onward bus (no. 35, direction L'Estaque, stop Littoral Gourret).

Opening Hours and Holidays:

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Head to rue St-Ferréol for higher-end clothing, handbags, and chic fashions. When you get off the ship, you’ll already be where all the action is. Shops, quaint cafes, glamorous restaurants, and umbrella-filled bar patios are all located nearby just waiting to be explored.

For the train ticket from Vitrolles-Aerport Marseilles Provence train station to Marseille St-Charles train station, we booked online with Trainline. From St-Charles, you transfer to a local underground metro train or above-ground tram to reach La Joliette. The Marseille port's ferry terminals serve all 4 companies leaving out of Marseille to the islands of Corsica and Sardinia, also to north Africa (Algeria and Tunisia). These companies are Maritima Ferries ((fka SNCM), CMN (aka La Méridionale), Algerie Ferries and CTN (Tunisia Ferries). Located in the 7th arrondissement of Marseille, 2.5 km/1.5 miles (a 30-minute walk) southwest of the Vieux Port, Vallon des Auffes is a small Provençal fishing village and a fishermen’s paradise. Old Port is also one of the main places to eat in Marseille, so make sure you try out delicious local seafood specialties.

Find Cruises to France's Provence (Marseille) Port

The beautiful façades, historical structures, and the rhythmic lifestyle of the city make it an enchanting place for every visitor. This site focuses on small-format cruises and ship-within-a-ship concepts on large cruise ships, including special cruise experiences you can enjoy during your next vacation. But it’s also really large, so we were grateful for their easy-to-navigate public transportation when we were there. We used public transportation to get to more places in our limited time. Total travel time is approximately an hour and 15 minutes, but don’t forget to account for time waiting for the next bus, train, or shuttle in between the various modes of transportation.

THE PORT OF MARSEILLE FOS ADOPTS ITS STRATEGIC PROJECT: A GREEN PORT SERVING THE BLUE ECONOMY

It’s an easy introduction to the city, plus you can walk around, watch the boats sail out in the harbor, or stay for a sunset. Take a ride on the Ferris wheel here for a fun vista of the entire city. What you unexpectedly get as an extra enjoyment is the astounding 360 degree scene that can be seen from its terrace. The Marseille Saint Charles Train Station provides direct access to the cruise terminal for those coming by train. If you prefer driving yourself, personal vehicle directions are also provided. However, transportation options are available to help you explore the city easily.

Besides a large number of historic monuments and landmarks, Avignon is also famous for Festival d’Avignon, an annual arts festival that attracts tourists and art lovers from all across Europe. The Frioul Islands (Îles du Frioul) are a French archipelago located within the protected area of the Calanques National Park, about 4 km/2 miles off the coast of Marseille. Frioul archipelago is made up of four scenic islands including Pomègue, Ratonneau, Tiboulen, and If, where the legendary Château d’If is located. The Calanques National Park is a paradise for nature lovers and those of you who seek breathtaking landscapes. Calanques are narrow, steep-walled inlets found along the Mediterranean coast and the most beautiful examples of this formation can be found in the Massif des Calanques, in the Bouches-du-Rhône department. The iconic Château d’If is a fortress and former prison famous for being one of the settings of Alexandre Dumas’ adventure novel “The Count of Monte Cristo”.

This blog post equips you with all the information about getting around Marseille’s Cruise Port to ensure a hassle-free vacation. The shuttle was discontinued during the pandemic because of health restrictions and the current situation is still a little unclear. If your ship is sailing along the Côte Bleue (Blue Coast), you will be treated to some lovely views of the northern calanques as you arrive.

In addition, the route will take you along a busy road and so it's not a particularly attractive walk. Whether you were aboard small cruise ships seeking an intimate vacation or large cruise ships loaded with grandeur, your time in the Marseille Cruise Port will be etched in your heart. The essence of the city, the warmth of its people, and the charm of its culture make Marseille more than just a stopover; it becomes a home away from home. Marseille France is not just a port city; it's an intricate tapestry of culture, cuisine, and history. Each part of the city, from the vibrant city centre to the tranquil Mediterranean coast, tells a unique story.

The renaissance is just beginning, starting with the Vieux Port, while Marseille continues to dance to the beat of its own drum. The stop name is “Terminal Croisières”It takes between  600 m and 2,5 km when getting off the bus to reach the boarding platform.More information on public transport in Marseille.This train only runs on cruise days. Unless your ship is docking at Joliette, it's too far to go on foot from the cruise terminal to the Old Port, especially if time is limited.

Powered by our affiliate partner, it will instantly compare the current rates on offer from all major suppliers at your chosen location to ensure you get the best deal. If you are planning to rent a car in Marseille, please consider our comparison search engine for all grades of hire car from Smarts to 4x4s and limousines. From 12h-14h the trains only run if there are at least 10 passengers. Carnival Cruise New Orleans is a popular cruise line that offers a wide range of exciting and fun-filled activities...

The ultimate specialties that you have to try are pastis and bouillabaisse (fish stew). Although surrounded by many other tourists, you get to enjoy the Old Port restaurants with their heart-stopping view. It's here, in the Panier district in the centre of Marseille, that the history of the city begins and the true spirit of the Cité Phocéenne can be found.

Marseille Cruise Port Info + Things to Do in the Historic City

Table Of Content

• Maritime stations and cruise terminals
• Marseille France Cruise Port Guide
• Parts of Marseille Cruise Port
• How to Get from Marseille Airport to the Cruise Port with a Private Transfer

Aix-en-Provence is also known as the ‘City of Counts’, once being the home of the Counts of Provence. For this reason, there are several impressive aristocratic palaces to explore, as well as numerous inviting fountains. Aix-en-Provence is 22 miles from Marseille or just over a 40-minute train ride. Most cruise guests opt to explore the charming Old Port (Le Vieux Port). As a vibrant harbour and meeting place for many of Marseille’s residents and visitors, it has an array of cafes and seafood restaurants, where you can sample the region’s infamous bouillabaisse. There are also boutiques and traditional fish markets selling the freshest produce.

Maritime stations and cruise terminals

The port is also easily accessible by TGV (high-speed trains) from Lyon (90 min), London England (4 1/2 hours) and from Brussels Belgium (5 hours). Today, Vieux Port houses a large Yacht Marina, local tour boats terminal and a huge fish market. Vieux Port renovation project's 2nd phase (by the year 2020) includes building nature parks around the port and has budget of EUR 64 million. Located 27 km/17 miles (a 45-minute drive) east of Marseille, Cassis is a charming port town and the French Riviera’s popular tourist destination. This lovely town is known for its falaises (cliffs) and the Calanques (sheltered inlets), renowned wines, pebbly beaches, and a picturesque harbour filled with seafront cafes and restaurants.

Marseille France Cruise Port Guide

To improve your experience, you can book your Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal tickets online. Tourist information offices at 4 La Canebière and within Gare St-Charles train station offer navigational guidance around this bustling site. If you are arriving by car and your cruise is leaving from the J4 (Joliette) Terminal, take exit 4 off the A55 motorway.

Parts of Marseille Cruise Port

There is usually a service charge included on your restaurant bill, which is required by law. Arles is a historical city notorious for being the home of the artist Vincent Van Gogh. Here he painted his famous ‘Sunflowers’ and ‘Café Terrace at Night’ paintings.

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The cruise port consists of two terminals which are positioned on two different sides of the pier. The first one, Marseille Provence Cruise Center (Mole Leon Gourret piers) is a docking area for most of the cruisers arriving in Marseille. There is only a distance of 10 km between the terminals and the old city centre. On the other side of the pier, the Joliette (J4) Terminal harbors serve the small and middle size ships. No direct connection between Marseille Provence Airport and the Cruise Terminals.

Marseille, France – Cruise Port Guide

Located on the south coast of France, it has been a hub of immigration and trade since 600 B.C. Nowadays, it attracts visitors as the gateway to Provence, with stunning scenery and plenty to see and do. The Grand Port Maritime de Marseille has set up a free shuttle that runs every day that there are ships calling. Marseille has become known for its city highlights and local activities that cater to all interests. So whenever you plan your visit to Marseille Cruise Port, rest assured that you’ll have plenty of options to keep you entertained. With a beach pass, you’ll have access to beautiful beaches and nearby attractions.

Architecturally, it’s one of the most recognizable sights in Marseille, and the entire museum celebrates and honors the anthropological and artistic achievements of the Mediterranean. In this artistic, bohemian neighborhood, you can stroll along Rue du Panier and relax at Place des Pistoles or Place de Lenche. On a Marseille cruise, an afternoon at Le Panier will feel like living in a French fairytale. By choosing the online ticket booking option for Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal, you can skip the line and save time on the day of your visit. MSC Cruises offers a luxurious experience with elegant accommodations and world-class dining options. Costa Cruises is renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere and diverse entertainment options for all ages.

Your cruise may provide free transfers from the airport to the port or transfers for a fee. The station names are clearly stated on the tram screens while you ride and are usually clearly announced. As long as you pay attention, you’ll easily know which stop is next.

The city is also home to various UNESCO-listed ancient monuments, such as the renowned bullring, Les Arènes and a Roman theatre, thermal baths and necropolis. You can also catch the train, which takes just under an hour and a half. Exploring the city’s gastronomic scene is a must-do activity while visiting Marseille cruise port.

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If you’re arriving at Marseille Provence Airport, you can take a shuttle bus between the airport and the train station. One of the highlights for cruise passengers visiting Marseille is undoubtedly the varied range of shore excursions. A walking tour around the city of Marseille is a must, starting from the Old Port of Marseille, where you can explore La Panier, the oldest neighbourhood in the city. Don’t miss out on visiting the bustling fish market for a slice of local life.

Some excursions you can book yourself will even pick you up at the cruise port. Statistical data for 2011 showed that over 65% of the world's large-sized cruise liners were in the Mediterranean, making ship repairs a profitable business in the region. Port Marseille's other 2 dry-dock yards operating under concession are No 8 (320 x 50 m / 1050x165 ft) and No 9 (250 x 37 m / 820x121 ft). In 2014, Fos Port's cargo shipping traffic was 78,5 million tons, the number of handled TEU-containers 1,18 million, the number of handled passengers (ferries and cruise) 2,5+ million. Fos Port is at ~20 min drive distance from the Marseille-Provence airport and at ~20 min drive distance from the MP2 airport (budget flights).

Between two visits, there is no shortage of gourmet addresses, such as La Chassagnette by chef Armand Arnal. Welcoming over 1.5 million cruise passengers every year, Marseille cruise port can get pretty busy, and as the largest port in France, it is worth doing your research to decide how best to navigate it. When visiting Marseille Cruise Port, remember the importance of the Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal. It serves as a key gateway for cruise ships and offers various amenities and facilities for travelers.

The city centre is abuzz with chic cocktail bars, traditional bistros, and dance clubs. Music lovers can enjoy live performances ranging from jazz to French pop across the city. For cruise passengers with late departures, an evening in Marseille's city centre is a must. If your cruise doesn’t provide transfers, it’s easy to get between the airport and Marseille cruise port with private transfers, like a taxi or Uber, or a private prearranged car. Next door to Môle Léon Gourret is La Joliette cruise port, where smaller ships dock. For season 2019, the cruise port handled 524 ship calls (80 different vessels) and ~1,9 million tourists (passengers plus crew).

Culinary-focused cruises have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among foodies who want to... From the Old Port, take a ferry to the Chateau d'If, famous for its role in Alexandre Dumas' novel, The Count of Monte Cristo. Art lovers should head towards Palais Longchamp, a grand edifice housing both the Museum of Fine Arts and the Natural History Museum.

Start by visiting the iconic Vieux Port area, where you can soak in the charming surroundings and enjoy coffee at one of the many cafes. Practical maps and bus and shuttle schedules are readily available to make moving around effortless and stress-free. Another crucial terminal is Môle Léon Gourret, the Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal. Access to the Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal and all the terminals A, B, C, D and E is via Gate 4 of the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille.

In 2018, the cruise port had scheduled 512 ship calls with estimated 1,75+ million passengers. Over 1/3 of cruise ship tourists visit on roundtrips, and most are from the French-speaking source market (France, Belgium, Switzerland). There’s a shuttle bus to and from Vieux Port when you arrive, and that’s how most Marseille cruise passengers arrive in the heart of the city.