
French Daze & Ibiza Nights
Peak elegance on the French Riviera
Virgin Voyages' guide to Marseille
From France's second-largest city to its countryside, discover medieval villages frozen in time (or Van Gogh's paintings).
The Mediterranean melting pot
With the glamorous French Riviera to its east and quaint Provençal towns to its north, Marseille is the crossroads of Southern France. Its bustling port welcomes in a wave of diverse cultures giving it a distinct character that has contributed to the soul of Marseille.
As the oldest city in France, the streets of its Vieux Port and Le Panier quarter preserve thousands of years of history while also embracing modernity — with vibrant additions like murals, funky potted plants, and street art displays accenting the city. The Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde (affectionately called the La Bonne Mére for short) overlooks the city from the highest hill; giving visitors a bird’s eye view of Marseille. And if you’d really like to make like a local and get to know the city, order a pastis on ice (the official drink of Marseille) and post up at a cafe — taking in the incredible personality of the second-largest city in France.
The near and the far, far away
Hike the Calanques from Cassis
With a hiking guide, opt for adventure in Calanques National Park . Over a dramatic coastline of beautiful bays, turquoise inlets, and rocky terrain, you’ll reach the small sandy beach of Port Pin. Surrounded by incredible natural beauty — the kind reserved for Top Places to Visit lists — cool off in shallow crystalline waters and recharge with a tasty picnic lunch.
Le Castellet Tour with Winery Visit
Enjoy a relaxing, scenic ride toward the seaside village of Le Castellet, a charming feudal town nestled on the tip of a cliff. Stroll through the historic cobblestone streets with your guide to see more than meets the eye before taking some time to explore the local galleries, shops, restaurants, and bars. Then, reboard the coach to embark on a different journey-- a local wine tasting experience that will teach you about the origin and production of Bandol wines.
A Tuk-Tuk Tour of Marseille
Leave a big bus behind with this quirky drive through the smaller streets of Marseille by tuk-tuk. See the historic district up close, zipping past charming cafes on your way to Notre Dame de la Garde basilica. Breathe the ocean air as your tuk-tuk whips along the Kennedy Corniche before stopping to explore and take photos in the small port of Vallon des Auffes. A chocolate tasting awaits at the end of your tour.
Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
Journey through the countryside to Avignon, a city rich with medieval history and the capital of the Vaucluse region of Provence. There, you'll visit the Palais des Papes, a former fortress-palace with over two acres of galleries, passages, and chapels, and enjoy a walking tour of the rest of the city. Enjoy lunch at your leisure before continuing on to the small town of Les Baux-de-Provence, where you'll experience the Carrières de Lumières' stunning visual performance of light and music.
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Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
Begin with a drive to Aix-en-Provence and take to the streets on a walking tour to the cathedral. Stroll down the stunning Cours Mirabeau and enjoy some free time in the city before rejoining the coach. You'll then return to Marseille for a city tour, stopping off at sites like the famous Notre Dame de la Garde cathedral for a 360-degree panoramic view over the city. Finally, you'll head to Marseille's Vieux Port explore at your leisure before going back to the ship.
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Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
Sightsee by coach on your drive through the Rhone countryside to the small town of Châteauneuf-du-Pape — whose prized wines were first harvested by Pope Clement V in the 1300s. You’ll taste rich reserves and special blends, then see if you cut it as the next sommelier. After a short ride to Avignon, you'll receive a guided tour, then it's free time for you to explore on your own. Grab some (more) wine, a baguette, or a full meal — you really can’t go wrong in Avignon.
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Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
Power up your e-bike’s motor, feel the wind on your face, and explore Marseille in a fun, active, and eco-friendly fashion. You’ll pedal through charming neighborhoods and the museum district, stopping at must-see sights like the old port. With less effort than a standard bicycle would require, you’ll see Marseille’s famous cathedral and the Kennedy Corniche before wrapping up your tour with refreshments, including navette biscuits and olive oil chocolates.
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Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
Join the Marseille cafe scene for the day, beginning with a visit to Le Logis du Panier, nicknamed “Le Panier” and known as a neighborhood that welcomes all. Follow your guide and climb the steps of La Montée des Accoules to see the historic building that houses the Vieille Charité Museums. Stop to taste olive oil, chocolates, and the “navette” biscuits, a local specialty, before grabbing a drink near the Cathédrale de la Major. Choose to return to the ship or go off on your own to explore more.
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Citizens marched in Paris singing “La Marseillaise” — the national anthem.
Discovered by the Greeks in 600 BCE, Marseille has a past as diverse as its people. MuCEM, a waterfront museum with striking architecture, shares the story of the Mediterranean and its many civilizations. Whether perusing Marseille’s historic streets, admiring the Palais Longchamp, or taking the train up to La Bonne Mére — you’ll get a peek into how France’s very first settlement turned into an essential and can’t-miss city. As Marseille continues to grow, the contrast between the bustling Provençal town and its neighboring quiet villages become more and more clear. And with 300 days of sunshine, Marseille is a must-see destination on the shores of the Mediterranean.
With an extended stay in Marseille, there’s more time to seas the day. Between approximately 8 am to 8 pm, we are offering a complimentary shuttle service to/from the cruise terminal and the Old Port of Marseille. So when you’re finished with your Shore Things adventures (or even if you did not go on one), you’ll have plenty of time to immerse yourself in the local Marseille scene.Set Sail the Virgin Way
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