Hidden Gems • 3 hours 5
(52)

Secret Marseille: Hidden Gems & Local Stories

Leave the landmarks behind and explore Marseille’s hidden backstreets, courtyards, and cafés with a host who adapts the walk to your style.

What makes this experience special

This is Marseille without the postcards. Your host reveals tucked-away lanes, courtyards, and neighborhood squares, planning the walk carefully but adapting the flow to your pace.

Key highlights

  • Step into Marseille’s tucked-away alleys and backstreets
  • Explore streets where locals live beyond the tourist trail
  • Pause in courtyards and quiet passages with layered stories
  • Discover everyday squares filled with café life
  • A 3-hour walk shaped around your rhythm and curiosity
  • Flexible pacing, linger or move quickly as you prefer
  • Leave feeling like you truly uncovered the city

What to know before you go

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

3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
Walking experience may use public transport for long distances
English Other languages may be requested

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

Hôtel de Ville, 98 Quai du Port, 13002 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

Hôtel de Ville, 98 Quai du Port, 13002 Marseille, France

Secret Marseille: Hidden Gems & Local Stories

Le Panier Backstreets

Begin in Marseille’s oldest district, far from the tourist flow.

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Secret Marseille: Hidden Gems & Local Stories

You might start in the winding alleys of Le Panier, where colorful shutters and murals line the streets. Some guests pause to notice the details or sit in a small square, while others move quickly into the maze of backstreets.

Secret Marseille: Hidden Gems & Local Stories

Local Rhythm in Side Streets

Notice Marseille’s rhythm in side streets beyond the main squares.

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Secret Marseille: Hidden Gems & Local Stories

Your host could take you along smaller lanes your host could guide you toward lived-in courtyards or stairways tucked between buildings, places locals use daily but visitors rarely see.

Secret Marseille: Hidden Gems & Local Stories

Courtyards & Hidden Passages

Step into quiet courtyards and passages off the main path.

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Secret Marseille: Hidden Gems & Local Stories

You might continue through tucked-away passages leading to hidden viewpoints or courtyards layered with Marseille’s history. Some guests stay for stories about the city’s past, while others simply enjoy the atmosphere.

Secret Marseille: Hidden Gems & Local Stories

Neighborhood Square with Café Life

Close in a tucked-away square where locals gather.

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Secret Marseille: Hidden Gems & Local Stories

Finally, your host may lead you to a square where cafés hum with the everyday rhythm. Some guests stop to take in the day, while others simply take in the scene before saying goodbye.

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories
A Charming Stroll in Historic France

A Charming Stroll in Historic France

A Cozy Pause at a French Café

A Cozy Pause at a French Café

Family Adventure by an Iconic Landmark

Family Adventure by an Iconic Landmark

Stylish Explorers in a Bohemian Quarter

Stylish Explorers in a Bohemian Quarter

Playing with Art in Unexpected Corners

Playing with Art in Unexpected Corners

Unforgettable Views and Lasting Memories

Unforgettable Views and Lasting Memories

Steps Filled with Stories and Smiles

Steps Filled with Stories and Smiles

Admiring Grandeur from the Inside Out

Admiring Grandeur from the Inside Out

A Sweet Taste of Local Flavor

A Sweet Taste of Local Flavor

Family Adventures Over Rooftop Views

Family Adventures Over Rooftop Views

A Cozy Meal with Genuine Connections

A Cozy Meal with Genuine Connections

Iconic Views Framed by Laughter

Iconic Views Framed by Laughter

Strolling stylish streets with authentic flair

Strolling stylish streets with authentic flair

Savoring cozy café vibes and warm conversations

Savoring cozy café vibes and warm conversations

Unforgettable moments with locals by our side

Unforgettable moments with locals by our side

A Sunny Stroll with Lively Conversations

A Sunny Stroll with Lively Conversations

17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting

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

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recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
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What travelers think of our France experiences

Brandi Jul 2025

Absolutely best our expectations. Pasquale was informative and provided such a memorable day for us. He was extremely knowledge of the neighborhoods, history of art, architecture and the history of the city.

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John Apr 2025

Far and away an amazing time. Pascal was a great tour guide that took us to exactly where we wanted to go, and more. The service was stellar in terms of communication between Pascal and myself. There is a survey that you fill out after booking. Through that, and the emails back and forth with your tour guide, they help make magic happen. It was myself, my husband, and our daughter and her boyfriend, both in their twenties. I knew that I wanted to visit Montmartre and Le Marais. We booked a three hour tour, which was plenty of time to walk around and see everything. My husband is a fan of Emily in Paris, and I a fan of Amalie, so we walked around to see some of the local filming sites which was nice. Pascal was full of knowledge about both the current goings-on of the area but also the historical tidbits. He helped us navigate le Metro and was all around a great guy. We knew the kids would like Le Marais and he took us to the kilo shops (buy clothes by the kilo) where they went off and shopped. I recommend this service for the cost. I'm sure the guides have fun with it as well, because no two tours of theirs will ever be the same, they truly tailor it to you.

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Hironobu Nov 2024

This was my first time in Paris. So It’s up to Pascul. He took me Montmartre for three hours. He knows a lot about the place where took the nice view of Paris. He almost always answered my questions. It will be memorable.

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Ginny Aug 2024

While I have been to Paris dozens of times, Hristo tailored a trip to the far end of the Canal St. Martin area that I had never seen. He is a charming, bright young man and I loved spending the morning with him. We went during the Olympics, so we made a stop in La Villette where many countries hosted villages. He quickly picked up on my interests in back street adventures. He also showed me areas where I might return with my grandchildren. I cannot recommend him highly enough and would hire him again in a heartbeat. Thanks Hristo for a memorable morning. I learned so many new things and had a blast

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Hilliary May 2024

Great experience - met at designated place. Made arrival into Paris smooth. Enjoyed tour and photos. Would def recommend

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Penny May 2024

Sophia was wonderful! Very friendly and helpful, Went beyond what she had to do to make sure that we had all our expectations! This is our 4th visit to Paris. Sofia made us see Paris as we never did. The tour took us to beautiful places not known by tourists so we felt we enjoyed the town like locals do!”

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FAQs

Your questions, answered

Is this a traditional tour?

No. Our experiences are unscripted and designed around you. Instead of following a rigid itinerary, your host will plan a personalized journey that feels natural, immersive, and unique.

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll complete a short questionnaire about your interests and travel style. We’ll match you with the best host who will tailor the experience to you. You'll have the opportunity to chat with them before the experience and agree on a plan.

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 request specific places to visit?

Yes! After booking, you will receive a questionnaire where you can highlight must-visit spots and anything else you’d like to include, and your host will craft your experience around them.

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.

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!

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.