Share this tour
Offered languages
- English
- French
Discover the charm of Marseille's oldest district, Le Panier, during an immersive guided tour through its narrow streets and vibrant squares.
Experience the rich history and culture of this Mediterranean gem as you stroll past colorful façades, artisan shops, and iconic monuments like La Vieille Charité.
Savor the captivating scents of local shops and admire street art that reflects the district's creative spirit.
Engage with the stories of Marseille's past, from fortresses to the unique architecture of its cathedral, while enjoying breathtaking views of the Old Port and Mediterranean Sea.
- Explore the picturesque streets and squares of Le Panier
- Visit La Vieille Charité for a glimpse into Marseille’s history
- Discover local artisan shops and contemporary galleries
- Learn about the district’s past and its cultural significance
- Take a look at many old black and white photos of what Marseille used to look like
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We meet right in front of the City Hall of Marseille, at the corner between "Rue de la Prison" and "Quai du Port".
We will end our at the very center of the city, the heart of the Vieux Port, likely to be close to your hotel!
Itinerary
-
1Hotel de Ville de Marseille
Our tour starts at the iconic XVIIth century City Hall of Marseille. A place formely known as the "Loge", where merchants would negotiate and trade the thousands of goods imported into the city every year!
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
We start our walk at the Quai du Port of Marseille, wandering by the Old Port of the city, talking about what happened to the city during World War II, and going back the Greeks arrival into the port in 600 BC.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
It is then time to walk passed the Fort St Jean, a grandiose XVIIth century fortress built at the entry of the city. The reason? Not what you expect, and your guide will of course let you know everything essential about this iconic landmark.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Cathedrale de la Major
It is now time to enter the Cathedral La Major. This stunning XIXth century Cathedral perfectly reflects the personnality and identity of the cosmopolitan city of Marseille, whose Romano-Byzantine architecture will make you wonder whether you are in the western or eastern part of the Mediterranean sea. The answer? Both! nested at the edge of the old city, it was built near the sea like the Alexandria's lighthouse, so that ships coming from the four corner of the sea can see it from afar. Enter this gorgeous landmark which marks the renewal of the city of the XIXth century.
25 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Le Panier
Time to fully discover "Le Panier" (i.e The Basket), the oldest district in France. This artistic, bohemian neihbourhood wasn't always this trendy, and your guide will tell you some crazy stories that have happened in this area. Why is Le Panier called Le Panier? How did the people live? How do the people live now? Why did we have so many windmills in the middle of the city? You will lose yourself in the multitude of narrow streets and passageways but don't worry, we will find our way home!
40 minutes • Admission ticket included -
6Centre de la Vieille Charite
At the edge of the Old Town is located a former hospice destined to house, feed and educate the poor and orphans. The beautiful building, designed by Pierre Puget who was litterally born 30 seconds away from its entry, has many arcades and a beautiful pink colour, typical to the old monuments of Marseille. We will stop there for a restroom break. Note that, since it is today a museum, the Vieille Charité hospice is closed on mondays.
25 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7
We will finalize our tour by walking onto the most parisian street of Marseille, filled with Haussmanian type buildings, making you feel that you are back in the French capital. Why does it have such an architecture? Why was it built? Did the people here like it? Do they like today? Find out all of its secrets! Your guide will also have a folder filled with old photos, taken at the very same spots you will be walking onto for better immersion into Marseille's past!
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8Le Vieux Port
We will finish our tour at the heart of Marseille, the Vieux Port, where your hotel will likely be. A place where you can watch concerts, go to the fish market, of simply stroll, as the sun sets or rises gently onto the oldest city in France.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Popular Countries
Company
Get our app
