The south of France has no shortage of wonderful places to take a couples holiday – think Nice, Cannes and the like. But one spot that often gets overlooked is the vibrant port city of Marseille. Culturally rich and effortlessly cool, Marseille is the perfect destination for a couples trip… if you can uncover its local haunts. Luckily, we’ve partnered with NatWest and our Marseille Secrète editor to help you unlock those authentic recommendations.
Our second holiday guide with NatWest, brings you that southern France sun without racking up the air miles. But sustainability isn’t the only thing to bear in mind when making travel plans – don’t forget to think about your travel finances! Using your credit card to book your trip can give you extra protection and with The NatWest Credit Card, you won’t be charged foreign transaction fees on payments and purchases made while you’re abroad*.
Representative 12.9% APR (variable).
*Use worldwide at Mastercard® locations, in-store and online. Not valid for ATM withdrawals. Local fees may apply.
Available to UK residents, aged 18+ earning at least £10k per year. Subject to status
Now that you’re ready to start planning your dream itinerary, Keep reading to scoop up some insider knowledge on how to have an unforgettable couples trip to Marseille.
Things to do
1. Le Panier
Nicknamed the ‘open air museum’, the narrow, Marseille’s oldest district is oozing with character. The narrow, hilly streets of Le Panier are dotted with colourful murals, designer boutiques and historical cultural sites a-plenty. Perfect for a leisurely afternoon of exploring, this is a must-visit on your couples trip bucket list.
2. Les Goudes
If you want to see a different side of Marseille, Les Goudes is the place to do it. This small fishing village on the city’s outskirts is a lovely place to go for a peaceful swim. And despite its sleepy feel, the village is home to some top dining spots including Tuba, which you’ll learn more about in the restaurant section!
3. Les Calanques
Snugly nestled between Marseille and Cassis, the Calanques is a stretch of dramatic rockface, forming a number of secluded coves. Crystal clear waters snake through the valley onto the bay of each Calanque, making it easy to spot the beautiful fish below. Visit the Calanque National Park for the full wildlife experience or simply relax on the shore and soak in the astounding coastline.
4. Cours Julien
This lively Marseille neighbourhood is known as the district of artists and street-art. Just a stone’s throw from the city centre, Cours Julien has lots to offer, regardless of what hour you’re visiting. Explore streets filled with vibrant street art and market stalls by day, then return to discover the city’s best nightlife.
5. Malmousque
Discover the traditional Marseille way of life with a visit to this fishing district right in the city centre. Filled with narrow streets and buckets of French charm, Malmousque is also home to some very prestigious restaurants. But for many, this quaint village is simply a spot to lay a towel upon the rocks and enjoy the rays.
6. Noailles
The residents of Noailles hail from far and wide, and this wonderful diversity shines through in the local cuisine. But if you already have dinner reservations, head to the daily market and browse an abundance of foodstuffs and spices from around the world in the “Belly of Marseille”. Or enjoy a pre-dinner activity at Daki Ling Le Jardin de Muses, a cultural centre hosting everything from art exhibitions to theatre and cabaret.
Restaurants
1. Le Four Des Navettes
It’s hardly surprising that our first foodie recommendation is of the boulangerie variety. No one does baked goods quite like the French, and Le Four Des Navettes is living proof of that. We’d never suggest you limit yourself to ordering one thing, but be sure to try the traditional cookies, after which the boulangerie is named. 136 Rue Sainte, 13007 Marseille
2. Le Grand Bar des Goudes
Stunning waterfront views and delicious fresh seafood – that’s what draws the people to Le Grand Bar des Goudes. Despite being located on the harbour, this spot is less-known by tourists. And what could be more satisfying than eating a bowl of bouillabaisse overlooking the very shores where the dish originated?
28 Rue Désiré Pelaprat, 13008 Marseille
3. La Mercerie
Included in the 2023 Michelin Guide, La Mercerie serves innovative set menus with fantastic wine pairings without any pretentiousness. Despite the gorgeous aesthetic of their dishes, this restaurant is the opposite of style over substance. Their menus are designed around high-quality, local ingredients, giving guests a true taste of Marseille in a romantic setting.
9 Cr Saint-Louis, 13001 Marseille
4. La Bonne Mere
Although pizza is certainly not the dish that springs to mind when picturing French cuisine, we ask that you reserve judgement. La Bonne Mere is known for its pizza moitié moitié, their signature half-and-half topped with cheese and anchovies. But don’t be alarmed if anchovies aren’t your thing, all of the popular toppings are available at this woodfired pizzeria. 16 Rue Fort du Sanctuaire, 13006 Marseille
5. Tuba Restaurant
Every night is date night on a couples holiday, but if you’re looking to raise the romance levels further, a meal at Tuba is guaranteed to do the trick. Its cliffside location affords stunning sea views, and you can enjoy Mediterranean cuisine barefoot and beach-style with a table on the rocks, or bask in the understated glamour of the first-floor terrace. Tough call, we know. 2 Bd Alexandre Delabre, 13008 Marseille
6. Le Bon Air
The rustic terrace at Le Bon Air sits 139m above altitude, offering panoramic views over the sea and the city. It’s also at the foot of one of Marseille’s most iconic monuments, the Basilica Notre-Dame de la Garde (affectionately known as “la Bonne Mère” to the locals). Take in the sights of this majestic cathedral before you sup on seasonal French cuisine and sip your drinks in the glow of the sunset at a table for two. Rue Fort du Sanctuaire Notre Dame de la Garde, 13006 Marseille
7. Encore un Morceau
Indulging in copious amounts of pâtisserie is a non-negotiable when visiting France. And you’ll find irresistible, artisanal baked goods in all shapes and sizes at Encore en Morceau. Best enjoyed fresh in the morning with a piping hot coffee. 2 Pl. Saint-Eugène, 13007 Marseille
8. Peron
Another sea-view dining situation to add to the list, and this one’s got a Michelin star. This elegant spot serves refined Mediterranean cuisine on a sprawling terrace. Sitting on the very precipice of the rockface, seafood doesn’t get fresher than this. 56 Cor Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 13007 Marseille
Don’t forget that with The NatWest Credit Card, you won’t be charged foreign transaction fees on payments and purchases made while you’re abroad*.
Representative 12.9% APR (variable).
*Use worldwide at Mastercard® locations, in-store and online. Not valid for ATM withdrawals. Local fees may apply.
Available to UK residents, aged 18+ earning at least £10k per year. Subject to status
Bars
1. Ciel Rooftop
Resting at the crown of one of the city’s tallest buildings, Ciel Rooftop might be the evening drink spot. This Italian-inspired rooftop restaurant and bar boasts jaw dropping views over Marseille, so whether you’re stopping for antipasti, sundowners (or all of the above!), we strongly recommend you catch the sunset. 17 Rue Haxo, 13001 Marseille
2. Livingston
This award-winning natural wine bar and bistro is situated in the aforementioned (and impossibly trendy) Cours Julien. Visit this characterful local spot at the end of an afternoon of strolling, or make it your first pit-stop before transitioning into the evening. 5 Rue Crudère, 13006 Marseille
3. Le Cabanon Paulette
As we’re ticking off idyllic spots to enjoy an evening drink, we’ve got to include Le Cabanon de Paulette. This beach bar perfectly encapsulates the blissful, relaxed setting one hopes for when imagining that first cocktail of the holiday. Secure your spot on the sand from 10am onwards and enjoy their food and drink offering until as late as 11.30pm. Bd des Baigneurs, 13008 Marseille, France
Shopping
1. Jogging
This is probably one of the coolest places to shop in Marseille if you’re looking to treat yourself. Jogging is a concept store combining fashion, lifestyle, interiors and homeware and they have some seriously gorgeous products here. Plus, they invite different chefs to take up residence in their restaurant so you can always enjoy a delicious meal if all that retail therapy has worked up an appetite. 103 Rue Paradis, 13006 Marseille, France
2. Epicerie L’Idéal
Looking to stock up on some delicious Marseille-specialty cheeses, meats, wines and snacks before you head for home? This grocery store has everything you could want and they serve a great lunch here too if you want to stop for a bite to eat. 11 Rue d’Aubagne, 13001 Marseille, France
3. Explore the vintage shops of Le Panier
For those who live for the thrill of thrift shop wins, the vintage shops of Le Panier are guaranteed to yield some amazing one-off gems. Find rare antiques and characterful curiosities at Curios or visit Le Makadam for retro clothing to upgrade your wardrobe sustainably. Curios, 2 Rue de l’Évêché, 13002 Marseille, France. La Makadem, 24 Rue de l’Évêché, 13002 Marseille
Remember that with The NatWest Credit Card, you won’t be charged foreign transaction fees on payments and purchases made while you’re abroad*.
Representative 12.9% APR (variable).
*Use worldwide at Mastercard® locations, in-store and online. Not valid for ATM withdrawals. Local fees may apply.
Available to UK residents, aged 18+ earning at least £10k per year. Subject to status
Landmarks
1. Cathédral de la Major
Its official title might be Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure de Marseille but the locals most commonly refer to this breathtaking historical monument as ‘La Major’. The cathedral is one of the largest in France and as it’s located in the Old Port, there’s no need to go out of your way to take in its grandeur. Pl. de la Major, 13002 Marseille, France
2. Les Iles de Frioul and Château d’If
You’ll need to hop on a boat to explore these small islands facing the city of Marseille, but it’s well worth the trip. There are four Frioul islands: Pomègues, Ratonneau, Tiboulen and If with rugged terrain, quiet calanques and one of them even boasts a 16th century fortress made famous by Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo.
3. Grotte Cosquer
This unique museum has created a replica of a prehistoric underwater cave in its basement. The famous Grotte Cosquer was discovered by diver Henri Cosquer in a calanque between Marseille and Cassis. The actual cave has since flooded with seawater and is completely inaccessible, but with some clever technology and a faithful replica you can experience the wonder of this prehistoric find. Promenade Robert Laffont, Esp. J4, 13002 Marseille, France
*Use worldwide at Mastercard® locations, in-store and online. Not valid for ATM withdrawals. Local fees may apply
Available to UK residents, aged 18+ earning at least £10k per year. Subject to status
Article written by Caitlin Odell, Secret Media Network, all recommendations provided by Marseille Secrète staff.