Visiting Marseille in 1 Day
Published on 01/10/2025 by CAMPASUN
Marseille, the vibrant Phocean city, is a destination full of history, culture, and Mediterranean landscapes. Wondering what to do in Marseille in 1 day without the stress of the city? There’s a solution. By staying at our Campasun campsites in the South of France, Mas de Pierredon and Parc Mogador, you enjoy the best of both worlds: the tranquility of the seaside and easy, direct access to the metropolis. Here is our program for visiting Marseille in 1 day without stress.
Your Program to Visit Marseille in 1 Day: The Essentials
| Heure (indicative) | Activité principale | Conseils et astuces Campasun |
|---|---|---|
| Matinée (09:00-12:00) | Arrivée en train, découverte du Panier et du Vieux-Port. | Prenez un TER direct depuis la gare d’Ollioules-Sanary (à 2 km du camping) pour arriver détendu en 40 min. |
| Midi (12:00-15:00) | Déjeuner sur le pouce, découverte du MuCEM et de la Cathédrale de la Major. | Accès gratuit aux passerelles du MuCEM pour une vue superbe sans payer le billet d’entrée. |
| Après-midi (15:00-18:00) | Montée à Notre-Dame de la Garde (Bus 60 ou petit train). | Le petit train est une option commentée, parfaite pour une sortie en famille. |
| Soirée | Retour en train vers Sanary-sur-Mer. | Terminez la journée par un plongeon dans la piscine du Mas de Pierredon ou un moment au calme au Parc Mogador. |
How to Visit Marseille in 1 Day Without a Car from the Coast?
The key to a successful day: leave the car behind. To fully enjoy a one-day visit to Marseille, it’s best to forget the hassles of traffic and parking. The Ollioules–Sanary-sur-Mer station, located just a few minutes from our campsites, is your ideal starting point. More than 35 direct trains connect daily to
This solution, both practical and economical, turns a logistical constraint into a moment of comfort. Marseille welcomes over 5 million visitors each year, according to the Tourist Office: exploring without a car becomes a real advantage to fully enjoy your one-day getaway with peace of mind.
What Itinerary for a Perfect Day in Marseille?
Wondering what to see in Marseille in 1 day? A good itinerary should be both dense and realistic. We have designed a route that brings together the must-see attractions for a successful discovery of Marseille, while still allowing you time to soak in the city’s unique atmosphere. A guided tour is not essential to enjoy these iconic places at your own pace.
Morning: Le Panier and the Old Port, the Beating Heart of the City
Upon arrival at the station, head towards the Panier district, the oldest in France. A true maze of colorful alleys and shaded squares, it offers, from the very morning, the atmosphere of a Provençal village. Facades covered with street art (similar to those of Cours Julien) and local artisan workshops give it a unique charm.
Reviews are unanimous: this district is a must-see, even if it’s advisable to exercise the usual caution, as in any major city.
Continue on to Marseille’s Old Port, the true historic heart of the city. Stroll along the Quai de la Fraternité, where fishermen still sell their daily catch. The view of Fort Saint-Jean and Fort Saint-Nicolas, which frame the entrance to the harbor, is simply iconic. For a one-day visit to Marseille, this stop is unmissable.
Lunch Break and Afternoon: Culture and Panoramic Views at the MuCEM
For lunch, the surroundings of the Old Port offer a wide choice of restaurants and local specialties. Treat yourself to panisses, those delicious chickpea fries typical of the South.
In the afternoon, it’s time for culture. Walk up the port to the MuCEM, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations. This iconic site is both an architectural masterpiece and an exceptional viewpoint.
Tip for your “Marseille in 1 Day” itinerary: there’s no need to buy a ticket to enjoy it. Access to the outdoor areas is free. Take the impressive footbridge that connects the museum’s rooftop to Fort Saint-Jean, then a second one that leads you directly back to the Panier district, near Saint-Laurent Church. This walk reveals stunning views of the sea and the Old Port, without going through the exhibitions.
Right next door, don’t miss the Cathédrale de la Major, one of Marseille’s symbols. And if you still have some time, end your visit at the Palais Longchamp and its park: another jewel of Marseille’s heritage.
End of the Day: How to Get Up to Notre-Dame de la Garde?
No visit to Marseille would be complete without a stop at the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, a symbol of the city. There are two options to get there:
- Bus No. 60: departing from the Old Port, it drops you off at the foot of the basilica. This is the most economical option.
- The tourist mini-train: ideal for a family outing during a day in Marseille, it offers a guided tour along the Corniche Kennedy, with a stop near the Vallon des Auffes.
Once at the top, the panoramic view of Marseille, the Frioul Islands, the Calanques National Park, and the hills beloved by Marcel Pagnol is breathtaking. The basilica is open daily until 6 PM.
Your Evening: Return to Calm in Sanary-sur-Mer
After a full day discovering the treasures of Marseille, the train ride back to Sanary-sur-Mer offers a truly relaxing moment. This is the advantage of visiting Marseille in one day from our campsites: a much more peaceful alternative than staying in the city center.
Imagine the perfect end to your day: a relaxing dip in the heated pool of the 5-star Mas de Pierredon campsite, certified Camping Qualité, or a moment of relaxation in the jacuzzi of the 4-star Parc Mogador campsite, open year-round. And why not extend the pleasure the next day by strolling through Sanary’s famous Provençal market, voted the most beautiful market in France in 2018, or by planning an excursion to the Calanques National Park, another regional gem within easy reach?
