Holiday rentals in Marseille

If you were to pick out the most popular postcard of Marseille, it would likely be of the Old Port — an impressive, rectangular marina flanked by historic townhouses and colourfully painted warehouses dating back to the 18th century. Nowadays, this port town in southeastern France is an enticing spot to sit along the water and take in the city’s glamour with a glass of wine in one hand and a pastry from the downtown local shops in the other. At sundown the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde is adorned with lights, and those who take on the steep climb up to the monument will be rewarded with views across the city to the sea.

For an easier stroll, Marseille’s main street, La Canebière, is worth a wander for its shops, restaurants, cafes, and sights including the opera house and the Les Réformés Church. The Corniche road is a famous coastal drive, but it also makes for a magical walk along the sparkling Mediterranean. Those looking for outstanding rural beauty should head to Calanques National Park, where craggy, limestone cliffs fall into the turquoise blue of the sea. Back in town, you’ll find cute cafes, trendy shops, and a young, vibrant scene along the charming cobbled streets and steep steps of Le Panier district.

The weather in Marseille is hot in the summer months of June, July, and August but still pleasantly temperate year-round. Winter can have a chill in the air, brought by the northwesterly mistral winds, but there are still days where eating outside is pleasurable. Stay in one of the apartments in Marseille in summer to enjoy events such as the Fête de la Musique in June and Bastille Day in July. In early October, for one night only, you can head to the city’s museums and galleries free of charge on Nuit Blanche. And if you’re game for some holiday shopping, late November is a great time to stock up on presents, when the city hosts an enormous Christmas market.

La Friche la Belle de Mai

Once a tobacco factory, La Friche de la Belle de Mai is now a thriving arts centre with five concert venues, public gardens, and exhibition spaces. But its crowning glory is an enormous public roof terrace where you can relax with a drink and take in the city below. If you time it right, you could catch a movie or concert, or show off your moves on the rooftop dance floor.

Château d’If

Located on its own island just west of Marseille, Château d’If’s stunning location is reason enough to visit. It started life as a fortress, complete with huge gun platforms to defend the coast from attack by sea. Later the château was featured in a famous book that put it on the tourist map and is now often scouted for film features.

Noailles Markets

If you wander around the Old Port, you’re certain to find a few food-related markets. The daily catch is sold here straight from the fishermen’s boats and Saint Victor market sells cheese, coffee, and wine. Wander a little farther up La Canebière to find the Noailles Markets (North African Markets), where you’ll find spices, fabrics, food, and homewares. If you’re interested in antiques, the Brocante (flea market) is found near the historic square by the name of Place Castellane. Every three months on a Sunday there’s a huge, all-day, open-air street market that attracts antique sellers from all over the country and is renowned for its bargains.