Cheap city break Marseille
Marseille is the rugged port city of southern France: 2600 years old, multicultural and fiercely independent. The Vieux Port with its fishermen, Notre-Dame de la Garde on the hill and the turquoise Calanques to the south. Via Schiphol in 2 hours, return tickets from €80 and 3 days doable for €300 per person.
✈️ Plan your trip to Marseille →When is the best time to go?
May and September are ideal for Marseille: 18-24 degrees, barely any rain and the Calanques fully accessible and less crowded. April offers the cheapest flights and pleasant weather. Avoid July and August: temperatures can hit 35 degrees and accommodation is 50% more expensive. Winter (November to February) is mild at 10-15 degrees, a good option for a quiet and affordable city break.
The best areas in Marseille
- Le Panier The historic heart of Marseille: the oldest neighbourhood with narrow cobbled streets, street art, ateliers and small cafes. Within walking distance of the Vieux Port and good value.
- Vieux Port (1st) The Old Harbour: fishing boats, restaurants and the buzzing centre. Pricier than Le Panier but unbeatable for atmosphere.
- Cours Julien (6th) The alternative, student-oriented neighbourhood with the best bars, music venues and cheap restaurants. Good for a lower budget.
- La Corniche (7th) Along the coast, quieter, with the Plage des Catalans and views over the islands.
What to do in Marseille
- Notre-Dame de la Garde The basilica on the hill, 150 metres above the city. Walk up or take a taxi. Free entry, the best view in the city.
- Calanques National Park The turquoise inlets to the south. Take a boat tour for €30-40, or hike 2-3 hours to Calanque de Sormiou. Go before 9am for the peace.
- Chateau d'If The island fortress of the Count of Monte Cristo. Ferry return €16.70, castle entry €7. Free for EU residents under 26.
- MuCEM Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations: €11, free on the first Sunday of the month. The external platform and footbridge are always free.
- Vallon des Auffes A hidden fishing village 2.5 km from the Vieux Port, tucked under the Corniche Kennedy. Completely free. Best at sunset with a pastis on the terrace.
Flights and transport from the Netherlands
There are no direct flights from Eindhoven to Marseille. Via Schiphol you fly with KLM, Transavia or Ryanair in about 2 hours to Marseille (MRS). Return tickets start around €80 in low season. The official Navette shuttle from the airport to Gare Saint-Charles costs €8 single (or €5.60 for ages 12-26) and runs every 15 minutes, journey about 25 minutes. In the city a single bus/metro/tram costs €1.70 or a day pass €5.20.
What costs a trip to Marseille?
A budget trip to Marseille costs around €300 per person for 3 days: return flight €80-150, hostel €20-40 per night and daily food €20-35. A pan bagnat costs €5, lunch at a city bistrot €12 and the Calanques are free if you hike. Only for a boat tour do you pay €30-40.
Comparable destinations
Love the Mediterranean atmosphere of southern France? Check out these cities too:
Plan better with these guides
Practical tips to get more travel value from the same budget:
Frequently asked questions about Marseille
When is the best time to visit Marseille?
May and September are ideal: 18-24 degrees, few tourists and the Calanques fully accessible. Avoid July and August when it reaches 35+ degrees and accommodation is 50% more expensive.
Which area is best to stay in Marseille?
Le Panier or Cours Julien. Le Panier is the historic heart with narrow streets and street art, affordable and within walking distance of the Vieux Port. Cours Julien (6th arrondissement) is the more student-oriented, alternative neighbourhood with better cafes and lower hostel prices.
How do I get from the Netherlands to Marseille?
Via Schiphol with KLM or Transavia in about 2 hours to Marseille (MRS). There is no direct flight from Eindhoven. The official airport shuttle to Gare Saint-Charles costs €8 and runs every 15 minutes, journey time about 25 minutes.
What does a trip to Marseille cost?
A budget weekend in Marseille costs around €300 per person: return flight €80-150, hostel €20-40 per night, shuttle €16 return. Food is affordable: a pan bagnat €5, lunch at a bistrot €12 and an evening meal €20-30 per person.
🗺️ Where do you want to stay in Marseille?
Hotels, vacation rentals and hostels in Marseille on the map. Click a pin for live prices and direct booking.
Interactive map from our partner Stay22. Loads only when you click. If you book through a partner we earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.