Sights
La Major Cathedral
A vast striped cathedral by the sea, between the Joliette shuttle stop and the old town. Free, open daily.
- Most ships use the Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal at Môle Léon Gourret (terminals A–F), about 8 km by road from the Vieux-Port. Smaller ships use the J4 terminal right beside the MuCEM.
- The port's free shuttle runs only inside the port area, between the roundabout opposite berth 186 and the Joliette gate near Les Terrasses du Port, every 20 minutes from 9:00 to 17:00. It does not pick up at the ship's side.
- MuCEM is closed on Tuesdays and the Château d'If on Mondays; the Château d'If also stays shut in bad weather.
Where ships dock
Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal (Môle Léon Gourret)
Too far to walk. Many cruise lines run their own shuttle bus to the centre (often charged). Otherwise take the port's free shuttle (every 20 minutes, 9:00–17:00) from the roundabout opposite berth 186 to the Joliette gate, then walk about 20 minutes past La Major cathedral to the Vieux-Port, or take the tram or metro. A taxi takes about 20–25 minutes.
J4 cruise terminal (La Joliette, beside MuCEM)Walk about 10–15 minutes past MuCEM and Fort Saint-Jean to the Vieux-Port.
Ready-made days
Add your ship's times above to see what fits in your time ashore.
SightsClosed Tuesdays
MuCEM and Fort Saint-Jean
A museum of Mediterranean life in a lace-like concrete cube, linked by footbridge to an old harbour fort. The fort, gardens and roof terrace are free.
Sights
Le Panier old quarter
The oldest part of the city: steep lanes, street art, small squares and soap shops.
Sights
Vieux-Port and the fish market
The old harbour, where fishermen sell the morning catch from stalls on the Quai des Belges, under the mirrored Ombrière canopy.
Beaches & parks
Plage des Catalans
The closest sandy beach to the centre, a 20-minute walk from the Vieux-Port.
Boat & day trips
Calanques boat trip
White cliffs and turquoise coves of the Calanques National Park, by boat from the Vieux-Port. Check the return time before you buy.
Food & drink
Noailles market (Marché des Capucins)
Spices, olives, fresh produce and North African bakeries, a few streets from the Vieux-Port. Busiest in the morning.
Practical
Tourist office, La Canebière
At the top of the Vieux-Port, open daily: maps, the CityPass and transport help.
Beaches & parks
Palais Longchamp
A grand 19th-century fountain palace with a park behind it, built to celebrate water reaching the city.
Food & drink
Vallon des Auffes
A tiny fishing harbour under a road bridge, known for bouillabaisse and seafood lunches.
Sights
Notre-Dame de la Garde
The basilica topped by a golden Virgin, high above the city, with the widest views in Marseille. Bus 60 or the little tourist train from the Vieux-Port; open daily.
Boat & day tripsClosed Mondays
Château d'If
The island fortress made famous by The Count of Monte Cristo, by ferry from the Vieux-Port. Closed on Mondays and in bad weather.
Map
Your ship's times
Type your ship's arrival and departure times at the top of this page and everything here is marked for your day. Your times are on your cruise documents or in the cruise line's app.
Marseille publishes its cruise calendar: see the port's schedule ↗
Sources we checked on 2026-10-21: marseille-cruise.com marseille-cruise.com marseille-cruise.com chateau-if.fr marseille-tourisme.com marseille-tourisme.com marseille-tourisme.com marseille-tourisme.com