Marseille

Essential Marseille: Famous Sites & Local Stories

Iconic Sights & Hidden Gems • 6 hours 5

(78)

Essential Marseille: Famous Sites & Local Stories

Start with Marseille’s icons, then explore hidden corners with a local host who plans around you.

What makes this experience special

Your host balances Marseille’s big landmarks with tucked-away corners. Famous sights feel personal, while hidden alleys and markets reveal the city’s true rhythm.

Key highlights

A private day planned around your style and pace
See Marseille’s icons with fresh stories and views
Contrast landmarks with tucked-away backstreets
Pause in markets or slip into quiet courtyards
Choose when to linger and when to move on
Flow from icons to local corners seamlessly
End with sea views and a reflective close

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

At a glance What’s included Things to know

6 hours

Fully tailored to your preferences

English Other languages may be requested

Walking experience may use public transport for long distances

What’s included

Tailored itinerary based on your preferences

A knowledgeable host who knows the hidden gems

Flexible start times to fit your day

What’s not included

Food, drinks and shopping expenses

Transport fares or attraction entry fees

Meeting point

L'Ombrière de Norman Foster, Quai de la Fraternité, 13001 Marseille, France

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

Here’s what your experience could look like

These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes

Meeting point

L'Ombrière de Norman Foster, Quai de la Fraternité, 13001 Marseille, France

Vieux-Port & Fresh Views

Marseille’s lively waterfront

Essential Marseille: Famous Sites & Local Stories

You might begin at the Old Port, where fishing boats and ferries set the scene. Some guests pause for history and stories, others take a few photos before slipping into nearby alleys that most visitors overlook.

Le Panier Backstreets

Artisan shops and hidden corners

From the port, your host could lead you into Marseille’s oldest neighborhood. Some guests explore painted staircases and courtyards, others keep moving through artisan shops and cafés that capture the area’s rhythm.

Notre-Dame de la Garde from a Different Angle

Marseille’s skyline story

Your host may guide you up to the basilica, offering stories of sailors and devotion. Some guests climb slowly with viewpoints along the way, others head straight to the terrace for sweeping panoramas of the city.

Markets & Everyday Corners

Marseille in daily motion

The focus shifts into everyday life. Depending on the day, you might pass through a market or a tucked-away square. Some guests pause, others prefer to simply observe the city’s rhythm.

Corniche Stroll & Quiet Ending Point

Sea views to close the day

You could finish along the Corniche, where the sea frames Marseille’s quieter side. Some guests linger at Vallon des Auffes for a calm close, others wrap up with a quick coffee before heading back into the city.

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

Family Adventure by an Iconic Landmark

A Charming Stroll in Historic France

Stylish Explorers in a Bohemian Quarter

A Cozy Pause at a French Café

Playing with Art in Unexpected Corners

Unforgettable Views and Lasting Memories

Iconic Views Framed by Laughter

Family Adventures Over Rooftop Views

A Cozy Meal with Genuine Connections

Savoring cozy café vibes and warm conversations

Unforgettable moments with locals by our side

Admiring Grandeur from the Inside Out

Steps Filled with Stories and Smiles

Strolling stylish streets with authentic flair

A Sweet Taste of Local Flavor

A Sunny Stroll with Lively Conversations

See what happens when you travel unscripted!

17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting

Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.

recommended by 99% of travelers on google

recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor

We don’t make deals with businesses - giving you unbiased and authentic local experiences.

What travelers think of our France experiences

Alana Sep 2025

I had such a great tour with Emma! She tailored the walking tour to my interests of seeing architecture and hidden gems! She was also very knowledgeable about the history of Bordeaux and recommended a bunch of places to eat, drink and see! I had a lovely time and I would recommend Emma as a guide!

Nitu Aug 2025

Hristo is a great guide and was very helpful in responding even prior to the trip to finalize the details. I appreciate his detailed knowledge and desire to show the hidden side of Paris that we would have never known otherwise. thank you Hristo

Mary Aug 2025

We loved our tour of Monmartre with Pascal. The tour was fun and hit all of the spots where artists lived and painted. We stopped in the area center and bought lovely watercolor pieces to take home. I highly recommend.

Mary Aug 2025

We loved Pascal’s sense of humor and also attention to detail. He knew I was an artist so he took us out of the way to show us several houses and plaques from where the artists used to live.

Nicole Aug 2025

We loved learning about the area of Monmarte. The history, the art, and the culture. This was our families favorite place to tour. Our guide, Hristo also gave us great recommendations for lunch and where to have our daughters portraits drawn after our tour. We felt we were able to confidently navigate following our tour.

Alan Jul 2025

Wish we could rate this 6 out of 5 stars!! Del was an exceptional guide - she knows Montmartre intimately and did a wonderful job of tailoring the presentation to our individual interests. She was all over everything from the history to the best photo stops, shopping, etc. One of the best tours of our trip!

SEE ALL REVIEWS

FAQs

Your questions, answered

Is this a traditional tour or something different?

This isn’t a traditional tour with a fixed script. It’s a fully personalized day shaped around your interests, whether it’s culture, history, neighborhoods, or hidden local spots. Your host is a knowledgeable local, more like a friend showing you their city. It’s flexible, one-on-one, and tailored entirely to you.

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire where you can share your interests, travel style, and any must-see spots. Based on that, we’ll match you with a local host who’ll reach out to plan your personalized itinerary..

What if I don’t know what I want to explore?

That’s completely fine! Select an experience theme or a flexible discovery experience, and after booking, answer a few questions so your host can design the perfect experience for you.

Can I change the meeting place?

Yes, you will be in touch with your host before your experience, and you can agree on a different meeting point with them. Your host can meet you anywhere central that’s convenient.

Can my host meet me at my accommodation?

Hotel meet-ups are available upon request in central areas. If you're staying outside the city, your host will recommend the best meeting spot and guide you with directions.

Will I see famous landmarks or just hidden gems?

Both! Your host will take you to iconic sights if you want to see them, but they’ll also introduce you to places and stories most travelers miss.

Will I know my itinerary in advance?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to chat with your host directly and agree on a plan for the day. However, there’s always room for spontaneity and local surprises!

How much walking is involved?

This depends on the experience, but your host can adjust the pace to suit your comfort level.