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Cruises to Marseille

France’s second largest city and the capital of the Provence- Côte d'Azur region, the cosmopolitan city of Marseille lies on the southeast coast of France. Find the perfect cruise to Marseille with MSC Cruises

Marseille: A delightful blend of history, outstanding seafood, culture and heritage

France’s second largest city and the capital of the Provence- Côte d'Azur region, the cosmopolitan city of Marseille lies on the southeast coast of France .

As France’s most important port, Marseille boasts connections with Africa, Italy and Spain. The strong mistral wind blows away all traces of pollution and provides a clarity of air so pure that many famous artists have been attracted to the city: Cézanne; Braque; Derain; Dufy and Marquet.

Although Marseille is the economic and industrial capital of France , it manages to remain true to its own traditions and culture, reflected in the Marseille way of life and its numerous museums, theatres and opera houses.

If you choose to leave your MSC cruise ship you really will be spoiled for choice during this part of your Mediterranean cruise vacation.

Marseille itself is one of the most vital cities in Provence – a delightful blend of history, outstanding seafood, culture and heritage. Food-lovers will be eager to try the city‘s world famous dish, the tempting ‘bouillabaisse’ with its six different types of fish.

MSC guests already familiar with Marseille are invited to join us on our excursions that take you further afield. From the cultural hotspot that is Aix-en-Provence to the charming town of Cassis, you will enjoy the best deals on all local attractions.

Book-lovers may wish to swap one marine ship for another and hop on a boat transfer to the island of Chateau d’If, home to Alexandre Dumas’ fictional legend, the Count of Monte Cristo.

 		Cruises to Marseille - France - MSC Cruises

Directions


A bus shuttle service and a taxi service to the city centre is available.

Port average temperature

Marseille has a Mediterranean climate, with mild, humid winters and hot, dry summers. January and February are the coldest months, averaging temperatures of around 8 to 9 °C. July and August are the hottest months. The mean summer temperature is around 23 to 24 °C.

In July the average maximum temperature is around 30°C. Marseille is known for the Mistral, a harsh cold wind originating in the Rhône valley that occurs mostly in winter and spring. Less frequent is the Sirocco, a hot sand-bearing wind, coming from the Sahara Desert.

The temperate figures shown are based on monthly average weather conditions for the selected port. Weather data is not real-time, and sometimes no data is shown for a specific date, month or port in general.

MARSEILLEMonths
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Average high °C101114172125282825201411
Average low °C235812161818151163
 MRS02 - AIX-EN-PROVENCE (approx. 4 hours) - 2013
Level of difficulty: moderate  Panoramic Tour  Cultural  Best Seller  We will leave Marseille port for a 40-minute drive to the lovely town of Aix-en-Provence. The excursion starts with a visit to the famous XII century St. Saviour’s Cathedral and gardens. The Cathedral was built on the site of a Roman Temple and dates from a period that spans the XI and XIII centuries. Fronted by a richly decorated Gothic-style portal with elaborately carved doors, the Cathedral is flanked on the north by an unfinished tower. Enjoy a pleasant walk (1,5 hours) through the historic town centre before reaching the famous Mazarino Quarter, a residential district created by Cardinal Mazarin’s brother in the last half of the XVII century for the gentry of Aix en Provence. Free time for shopping. Please note: this tour includes long periods of walking on uneven ground and is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties. Conservative attire is recommended for visiting sites of religious importance. On holidays shops may be closed.

Price per person $66.00 Adults $46.00 Children

   


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 MRS02WI - AIX-EN-PROVENCE (approx. 4 hours) - 2013/2014
Level of difficulty: moderate  Panoramic Tour  Cultural  Shopping  Best Seller  We will leave Marseille port for a 40-minute drive to the lovely town of Aix-en-Provence. The excursion starts with a visit to the famous XII century St. Saviour’s Cathedral and gardens. The Cathedral was built on the site of a Roman Temple and dates from a period that spans the XI and XIII centuries. Fronted by a richly decorated Gothic-style portal with elaborately carved doors, the Cathedral is flanked on the north by an unfinished tower. Enjoy a pleasant walk (1,5 hours) through the historic town centre before reaching the famous Mazarino Quarter, a residential district created by Cardinal Mazarin’s brother in the last half of the XVII century for the gentry of Aix en Provence. Free time for shopping. Please note: this tour includes long periods of walking on uneven ground and is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties. Conservative attire is recommended for visiting sites of religious importance. On holidays shops may be closed.

Price per person $64.00 Adults $45.00 Children

   


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 MRS03 - CASSIS (approx. 4.5 hours) - 2013
Level of difficulty: moderate  Panoramic Tour  Limited Availability  No guide available  Formerly a quiet fishing village on the southern coastline of France near Marseille, Cassis has grown into a charming small town and popular international tourist resort. The town is particularly famed for its cliffs, calanques – steep-walled inlets – and the local white and rosé wines. On leaving the port of Marseille, your tour begins with a 1-hour coach transfer, followed by a local train to the town. Once there, you will have plenty of time to stroll around Cassis’ charming streets, lined with the brightly coloured homes of the locals, and beautiful port as well as enjoy splendid views afforded from the waterfront. Your tour ends with your return trip back to the ship. Please note: the station of the local train may be crowded so please expect some queues. On holidays shops may be closed. Click HERE to watch the video

Price per person $47.00 Adults $33.00 Children

   


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 MRS06 - MARSEILLES CITY TOUR (approx. 4 hours) - 2013
Level of difficulty: moderate  Panoramic Tour  Cultural  Join us on a visit around this important maritime town. We will begin at the Cathedral of Notre Dame de la Garde which stands majestically on top of a hill. The Cathedral is made up of a lower and an upper church and was built on the site of an ancient chapel. Continue along the “Corniche” (coast road) where we will admire Borely Castle and garden (no inside visit). The excursion includes sightseeing in the centre of Marseilles and photos at Longchamps Palace before enjoying some free time in the “Vieux Port” (old port). Please note: this tour is not suitable for guests with mobility problems or using a wheelchair due to many steps and uphill path around the Cathedral. Conservative attire is recommended for visiting sites of religious importance.

Price per person $63.00 Adults $44.00 Children

   


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 MRS06WI - MARSEILLES CITY TOUR (approx. 4 hours) - 2013/2014
Level of difficulty: moderate  Panoramic Tour  Cultural  Join us on a visit around this important maritime town. We will begin at the Cathedral of Notre Dame de la Garde which stands majestically on top of a hill. The Cathedral is made up of a lower and an upper church and was built on the site of an ancient chapel. Continue along the “Corniche” (coast road) where we will admire Borely Castle and garden (no inside visit). The excursion includes sightseeing in the centre of Marseilles and photos at Longchamps Palace before enjoying some free time in the “Vieux Port” (old port). Please note: this tour is not suitable for guests with mobility problems or using a wheelchair due to many steps and uphill path around the Cathedral. Conservative attire is recommended for visiting sites of religious importance.

Price per person $61.00 Adults $43.00 Children

   


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 MRS07 - AVIGNON AND MARSEILLES (full day, lunch not included) - 2013
Level of difficulty: moderate  Panoramic Tour  Cultural  Our starting point for this day-long tour begins in Marseilles, as the Cathedral of Notre Dame de la Garde. This Neo-Byzantine church stands on top of a hill and was designed by the French architect Esperandiu between 1853 and 1864. The site was formerly a XIII century chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Guard and features several votive offerings from safely returned sailors. Stop for an inside visit before continuing on a 1.5-hour coach ride to the medieval city of Avignon. Here we will visit the Palace of the Popes, an ancient fortress rich in galleries and chapels. The frescoes and hand-painted tapestries in the Popes’ bedrooms and private rooms bear witness to the former opulence of this residence. Make the most of your free time to stroll around and have lunch (non-inclusive) in one of the typical French brasserie-restaurants. Return to Marseilles for embarkation. Please note: walking on uneven ground and steps. This tour is not suitable for guests with mobility problems or using a wheelchair due to many steps and uphill path around the Cathedral in Marseilles. Conservative attire is recommended for visiting sites of religious importance. This tour is not available on following call: 21.03.2013 (MSC Preziosa)

Price per person $104.00 Adults $73.00 Children

   


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 MRS07WI - AVIGNON AND MARSEILLES (full day, lunch not included) - 2013/2014
Level of difficulty: moderate  Panoramic Tour  Cultural  Our starting point for this day-long tour begins in Marseilles, as the Cathedral of Notre Dame de la Garde. This Neo-Byzantine church stands on top of a hill and was designed by the French architect Esperandiu between 1853 and 1864. The site was formerly a XIII century chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Guard and features several votive offerings from safely returned sailors. Stop for an inside visit before continuing on a 1.5-hour coach ride to the medieval city of Avignon. Here we will visit the Palace of the Popes, an ancient fortress rich in galleries and chapels. The frescoes and hand-painted tapestries in the Popes’ bedrooms and private rooms bear witness to the former opulence of this residence. Make the most of your free time to stroll around and have lunch (non-inclusive) in one of the typical French brasserie-restaurants. Return to Marseilles for embarkation. Please note: walking on uneven ground and steps. This tour is not suitable for guests with mobility problems or using a wheelchair due to many steps and uphill path around the Cathedral in Marseilles. Conservative attire is recommended for visiting sites of religious importance.

Price per person $100.00 Adults $70.00 Children

   


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 MRS08 - MONTE CRISTO TOUR (approx. 4 hours) - 2013
Level of difficulty: moderate  There may be Opportunities to take a swim. It is Advisable tobring a beach towel, bathing suit, sun protection cream, and a hat.  Panoramic Tour  Limited Availability  Recommended for families  Cultural  A boat transfer will take you to the island of “Château d’If” for a guided visit of this fortified prison built between 1524-28 and which became a state prison in the XVII century. The popular XIX century French author, Alexandre Dumas, brought literary fame to the castle who used it as a setting for his adventure novel, the Count of Monte Cristo. The tour will continue to the “Frioul” island, not far from the historic port, where we will enjoy free time on the beach. Return to the ship. Please note: this tour operates from June until middle of September and is subject to weather conditions. Click HERE to watch the video

Price per person $78.00 Adults $55.00 Children

   


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 MRS12 - RELAX ON A BEACH (6 hours) - 2013
Level of difficulty: easy  There may be Opportunities to take a swim. It is Advisable tobring a beach towel, bathing suit, sun protection cream, and a hat.  Wheelchair and disabled-friendly tour  No guide available  Recommended for families  An excursion of complete enjoyment and relaxation awaits you, which begins with a short drive-by tour of wonderful Marseille – the second-largest city in France and a major centre of art and history with a whole array of museums, galleries, historical buildings and beautiful old churches – en route to your destination: the Plage du Prado city beach area. Once you have chosen one of the area’s public beaches to enjoy, you can then spend a few hours simply relaxing, going for a swim or merely soaking up the special laid-back atmosphere afforded only by sun, sea and sand. This stress-busting experience comes to a close with a relaxing drive back to the pier and your ship.

Price per person $43.00 Adults $30.00 Children

   


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The excursions in the program above are intended to provide MSC Guests with an idea of the different tours that can be arranged in each port of call; this program is merely a guide and confirmation of each excursion and its description and prices will be made during your cruise. Full information can be found in the onboard Tour Magazine.