Maritime and multicultural Marseille, France’s second largest city and the country’s biggest sea port has seen many changes over the centuries. Originally founded by Greek commercial traders over 2,600 years ago, Marseille was destined to become an important crossroads and has rarely had a quiet moment to breathe. The recent regeneration programme and urban renewal scheme leading to its stint as European City of Culture in 2013 was a huge step in shedding preconceptions that Marseille was a dangerous place to visit. This isn’t to say that the character and thumping heart of the city has been ripped out and sanitised – culture, music, sporting passion and pride still runs deep in it veins.

We can now enjoy the harbour side and central boutique and designer hotels, chic bistros and restaurants, designer shopping, trendy bars and al fresco cafes, all very accessible on the new tram system. Marseille is very much an year ‘round destination that never shuts or takes time off. Winter months can be mild enough for taking a stroll in shortsleeves.

Spring is an ideal time to walk the Calanques before the intense heat of the summer arrives.The city has a broad range of excellent hotels to choose from.

Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

By air:
Marseille Provence Airport has direct flights from the following UK departure points:

• Bristol
• Edinburgh
• Glasgow
• London Stansted
• London Luton
• London Gatwick
• London Heathrow
• Manchester

By Eurostar & fast TGV train:
There is a direct service (seasonal) from London and Ashford that takes 6 ½ hours as well as connecting services via Lille and Paris, arriving at Marseille St Charles in the city centre.

On days when Eurostar services to and from Lyon, Avignon and Marseille aren’t running or are fully booked, you can still get there and back by catching a local high-speed train from Lille Europe station. Trains run regularly every day and making your connection there is simple – all you need to do is change platforms.