Marseille events this weekend & beyond

About Marseille

Marseille is France's oldest city and its second largest, a Mediterranean port where 2,600 years of history collide with a fiercely proud sporting culture centred on Olympique de Marseille. The Stade Velodrome, with its 67,394-seat capacity, produces one of the most intense matchday atmospheres in European football. OM's Ligue 1 home fixtures and European nights under the lights are bucket-list experiences, with the Virage Sud ultras creating a wall of noise that rivals any stadium on the continent. Beyond football, the Orange Velodrome hosts major rugby union internationals and concerts from global headliners throughout the year. The cultural scene is anchored by MuCEM, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations, which occupies a striking latticed cube on the waterfront at the entrance to the Vieux-Port. From the old harbour, boat excursions run to the Chateau d'If, the island fortress made famous by Alexandre Dumas, and to the turquoise coves of the Calanques National Park, a dramatic limestone coastline stretching southeast toward Cassis. Notre-Dame de la Garde, the hilltop basilica visible from almost anywhere in the city, rewards the climb with sweeping views over terracotta rooftops to the Mediterranean. Late spring through early autumn is the prime season, when outdoor concerts fill the Frioul archipelago and the Fiesta des Suds music festival brings world and electronic acts to the docks each October.

Top things to do in Marseille

• Olympique de Marseille matches at the 67,394-seat Stade Velodrome
• Boat trips to Chateau d'If and the Calanques National Park
• MuCEM waterfront museum with rooftop terrace over the Vieux-Port
• Panoramic views from Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica

Local tips for visiting Marseille

• Book Stade Velodrome tickets as soon as fixtures are announced; Le Classique against Paris Saint-Germain and European group-stage nights sell out within hours.
• Take the morning boat to Chateau d'If and combine it with an afternoon Calanques cruise to make the most of a day on the water.
• The Vieux-Port fish market runs every morning until about 1 PM and is the best place to pick up fresh seafood for a bouillabaisse lunch.
• Use the RTM metro and tram network to move between the port, Velodrome and main attractions; a day pass is cheaper than individual rides if you make three or more trips.

Frequently asked questions