Marseille Essentials

Marseille Essentials & Tourist Information

National Holidays In Marseille

Marseille Tourist Attractions
Full day English language bus tours are popular with UK visitors and take in most of the inspiring sights in Marseille such as the old harbour, the Corniche and castellane Square. It offers the perfect introduction to the city and its attractions and costs from €20. Musee de la Faience is one of the most significant museums in Marseille and is sited in a suitably ornate manor house just south of the city centre. It houses one of France’s most comprehensive collections of porcelain dating back to early Neolithic times. These beautifully preserved exhibits show how life in France evolved through the ages and is sure to inspire anyone with an interest in history and art. Entrance costs €7 per adult.

French Phrases For Tourists

Marseille Opening Hours
Small shops and businesses close for 2 hours at lunchtime but stay open well into the evening until 8 or 9pm. Shopping malls such as Centre Bourse are open all day from 10am to 7pm along with tourist shops, department stores and supermarkets. Only a small number of stores are open on Sundays. Marseille open air markets are open most days but in the mornings only, from 8am - 1pm. 

Tipping & Etiquette in Paris
In Marseille most menu prices include a service charge and any additional tipping is at your discretion although 5-10% seems to be customary for good service. In cafes the bill for each drink you order will be brought to your table each time but payment is only expected when you leave. 

Marseille Food & Drink
The most celebrated dish in Marseille is the traditional fisherman's stew of La Bouillabaise. Eaten as a soup or filling stew, it comprises copious fish and seafood and flavoured with saffron. Similarly Pitou is a delicious soup of basil, crevettes and mussels and found in many Marseille bistros. Marseille food has taken on many influences from the past and several dishes comprise couscous, rice and pasta and of course seafood is all important for the local palate. Crab, langoustines, oysters and fish are all an essential part of many inventive recipes.

Marsille Useful Numbers
• Calling the UK from Mardeille – 0044 + area code minus zero + number
• Police – 112
• Ambulance – 112
• Fire – 112

Disabled Access In Marseille
There is a real commitment to the enhancement of disabled facilities in the city and many Marseille museums and attractions offer free entry for the registered and blind visitors. Most also provide ramps and elevators, audio and braille guides. Public transport is free or at a much reduced rate for disabled passengers and virtually all Marseille buses have step free access and wheelchair spaces.

French Embassies
• British Consulate 24 Avenue du Prado, 13006 Marseille Telephone: 04 91 15 72 10
• France Embassy - 58 Knightsbridge London SW1X 7JT Tel. (44) 207 073 1000

Marseille City Breaks  Getting Around Marseille

Things To Do In Marseille  Marseille Weather