Old Port

Marseille`s old port is a very lively area with mast-to-mast yachts and pleasure boats. Here you`ll find fishermen selling fresh fish straight off their boats, or from stalls set up on the quayside. Ferries also take day trippers over to the Château d`If and the Iles de Raoul. At nighttime, this district of Marseille is just as busy, thanks to the abundance of seafood restaurants around the port and pedestrianized cours d`Estienne d`Orves (famous pedestrian square), and nearby place Thiers. There are also museums in this part of town that should not be missed.

Panier

Located on the northern side of the Old Port is Le Panier, a popular place filled with houses that resemble something out of the medieval times, great restaurants, charming shops and museums. This area of Marseille was almost completely destroyed during WWII. During its rebuilding, archaeologists discovered the remains and contents of a Roman dockside warehouse. These are now housed on the site in the Musée des Docks Romains. Highlights in this part of Marseille include a number of fine 17th-century buildings, which survived destruction in 1943. These include the Centre de la Vieille Charité, the Hôtel de Ville and the Hôtel de Cabre, as well as a good selection of museums.

La Canebière

LaCanebiére is the main boulevard that has been in existence since the 17th-century and the streets that intersect with this main avenue lead to some great shopping locations including a produce market. This is a vibrant area where people come to buy and sell pretty much everything and its many street traders help to retain its lively, multicultural atmosphere.

The streets south of La Canebière, including Rue Pardisand Rue St-Ferréol, are becoming even more trendy in Marseille, a must see area for shopping if you`re looking for something special to take home. As well as boutiques, this area is also where most of Marwille`s bohemian cafes, fashionable restarants and theatres can be found. Be sure to check out the city`s open air market held every Wednesday morning on Cours Julien.

Corniche

A coastal area extending from the centrally located Plage des Catalans, the Corniche is near to the Palais du Pharo and ends at Marseille`s main sandy beach, the Plage du Prado.

The Corniche features a number of tiny, isolated beaches which can be accessed from the coastal path. This district is also home to the city`s largest green space, the Parc Borèly.

St. Charles

This is where people go to access the main railroad station. Most tourists do not go to this area to sightsee, but it does contain some very old buildings and it provides a great view of the city.