France, MarseilleJune 4, 2026, by Jorien Thijs

Marseille: racking up the miles in and around the hip port city

France, Marseille, June 4, 2026, by Jorien Thijs

Marseille: racking up the miles in and around the hip port city

Anyone in the mood for an active city trip should book a weekend in Marseille today. The French port city may have the image of being raw and edgy, but it is precisely that unpolished quality that we fall for completely. A city for outdoorsmen and terrace sitters and everything in between. The right gear For the complete program? You can find it at Bever, the outdoor store of the Netherlands.

City of a hundred villages

The coastal city of Marseille consists of over a hundred small neighborhoods, each with its own character. The oldest and best-known is Le Panier, the old center with all kinds of winding streets and hustle and bustle on every corner. The waterfront districts are at least as photogenic. Such as the small harbor of Vallon des Auffes with its bobbing fishing boats and brightly colored facades. Or Malmousque, where you lie sunbathing on the rocks while locals Jumping into the water from the side without hesitation. And at Plage de la Fausse Monnaie, too, you find yourself sticking around longer before you know it, because you easily lose track of time here. Grab a beer, and you're all set.

Vibrant culinary scene

When you say Marseille, you also say bouillabaisse. NoThe iconic fish stew still features on many menus, but if you are looking for something a little more exciting, you have come to the right place too. Life in cities like Paris has become too expensive for many French chefs, so they are settling here. Good news for the people of Marseille and for us, because as a result, the culinary scene here is buzzing more than ever. You also rarely go wrong when it comes to (natural) wine in Marseille. You will find a fine bar on literally every street corner. It would take a clever person to say no to a sparkling rosé from Provence.

So which addresses shouldn't you miss? You might easily walk right past Bistro Zaÿ Zaÿ on Rue de Paradis, but don't. Go inside, go up the stairs, and secure a spot on the rooftop terrace for a balmy summer evening. A bit more famous, but also always 10/10 for food, service, and location: Tuba Club. Other favorite restaurants in Marseille? Of course! Here they are.

Out

We aren't being mean about endless lunches and sunbathing for hours, but balance is key. keyword. Yes, even – or especially – on vacation. After loafing around and day drinking we are yearning for action and a day in nature. The National Parc des Calanques lies half an hour outside Marseille. And wow, how impressively beautiful it is here. White limestone cliffs, the scent of pine trees, and a magnificent view of the sea and the calanques, the typical narrow inlets along the steep rock faces. Whether you are an experienced hiker or taking your first steps into the wonderful world of hiking, there are various routes you can take here. The only thing you really need are good trail shoes.

Pro tip: visit a before your trip Bever store and get advice from one of their Outdoor Experts. He or she will help you find the right fit for your shoes and can waterproof your new boots right away. This way, they are extra well protected against water and dirt. Go for a sporty hiking shoe that also looks great on a terrace, so you can head straight on after your hike and only need one pair of shoes for the entire weekend. Nothing will stop you from exploring city and country anymore.

Cassis oui oui

A lovely first stop when exploring the National Parc des Calanques is Calanque Port-Miou, near the village of Cassis. Past the fishing harbour, you enter a green and shady part of the park. From here, you can walk straight on towards Port-Pin, perhaps one of the most beautiful parts of the area. It is surrounded by pine trees and features both a sandy and a pebble beach. Are your legs still up for it and have you caught the bug? Then walk a little further to Calanque d'en Vau, where you can cool off with a dip in the turquoise sea. Tip du jourRent a kayak. Some places are even more beautiful from the water.

Hungry after your hike? In Cassis, you’ll feel like royalty as soon as you settle down in the courtyard of hotel-restaurant Le Clos des Arômes, which has recently come under new ownership. Pure dishes, lots of color on your plate, and everything fresh. And afterwards, grab an ice cream in the harbor of this cozy fishing village; you’ve earned it.

Marseille: racking up the miles in and around the hip port city