Marseille is a port city in the south of France, just west of the famous French Riviera. It’s the second largest city in France so there are lots of things to do, from exploring the old port, to shopping in Le Panier to hiking in les calanques. If you’re planning on spending a few days in Marseille here are the most instagrammable photo spots in Marseille that you need to visit.
List of the most instagrammable photo spots in Marseille
1) Sofitel Marseille
2) Old Port of Marseille (Vieux Port)
3) Palais Longchamp
4) Le Panier
5) Mucem
6) Notre Dame de la Garde
7) Cathedral La Major
8) Cours Julien / Quartier de Noailles
9) Vallon des Auffes
10) Les Calanques
11) Cassis
12) Pink Lake
13) Provence (lavender fields)
Most instagrammable photo spots in Marseille
1) Sofitel Marseille
One of the best views of Marseille’s Old Port is from the Sofitel. Their rooftop restaurant has glass walls so it’s easy to admire the Old Port whilst enjoying a delicious breakfast or dinner.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Marseille, I definitely recommend the Sofitel. They are centrally located and have the most comfortable beds! We booked a terrace room during out stay so that we could enjoy the view of the Old Port.
2) The Old Port (Le Vieux Port)
Make sure to also enjoy the Old Port from below. The Old Port (or Le Vieux Port) us right in the centre Marseille it is a hub of activity and full of waterfront restaurants. Head to the northern side around sunset for a perfect Instagram photo capturing the boats and Notre Dame de la Garde in the distance.
TOP TIP – Although the restaurants do have beautiful views over the port, in general the quality isn’t the best. I would recommend walking to Place Thiers to eat, there are lots of cute restaurants there and the quality is much better for the price!
3) Palais Longchamp
The Palais Longchamp is easily one of the most instagrammable photo spots in Marseile. The palais houses the Musée des beaux-arts and Muséum d’histoire naturelle de Marseille and the surrounding Longchamp Park is listed by the French Ministry of Culture as one of the Notable Gardens of France.
The gorgeous architecture mixed with a central waterfall makes an ideal photo spot as well as a beautiful place to walk around.
4) Le Panier
Le Panier is the cutest district in Marseille. It is full of colourful buildings and will make you feel like you’re walking around a Provencal village. Make sure to stroll down Rue du Panier (this is where you’ll find the instagrammable Au Vieux Panier) and grab lunch on Place de Lenche.
5) Mucem
The Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean (Mucem) was inaugurated the year Marseille was designated as the European Capital of Culture. The museum has a very unique architecture that has become an icon of modern Marseille, making it the perfect instagrammable photo spot in Marseille.
6) Notre Dame de la Garde
Notre Dame de la Garde is the symbol of Marseille. The cathedral is located on the highest hill near the Old Port, at 150 metres you can see it from most spots in Marseille. Whether you go up the hill to photograph Notre Dame de la Garde or find a place somewhere in the city below, it is definitely one of the most instagrammable photo spots in Marseille.
TOP TIP – If you do climb up to see Notre Dame de la Garde please note that the cathedral area is fenced off and so you won’t be able to enter outside of opening hours. However you can see come up to watch the sunset over the city.
7) Cathedral La Major
Another beautiful landmark in Marseille is the Cathedral La Major. It’s located in between Le Panier and the MUCEM. I just loved the unique architecture, and if you’re at the MUCEM you’ll be able to capture a unique instagrammble photo of it’s reflection.
8) Noailles (Cours Julien)
Another district that you need to visit in Marseille is Noailles. This neighbourhood is the largest district in France dedicated to street art. Here you will find extremely bright shop fronts, walls and stairs covered in graffiti. As well as a lot of thift shops, second-hand dealers and book sellers. Be sure to check out the instagrammable Cours Julien whilst you’re here.
Most instagrammable photo spots near Marseille
9) Vallon des Auffes
Just outside of Marseille is Vallon des Auffes, a super instagrammable fishing village with a beautiful bridge. You’ll find lots of restaurants here with terraces looking out over the view. We ate at the Pizzeria Chez Jeannot, they make THE best pizza’s in Marseille. Just be sure to reserve a table.
10) Les Calanques
One of my favourite places in France is les Calanques, a national park in-between Marseille and Cassis with a wild and rugged terrain stretching across the coastline. The ‘calanques’ are steep-cliffed inlets that come inland and are renowned for their crystal blue water and beaches.
The most famous calanques are Calanque Port Pin and Calanque D’En Vau. These are accessible via a 3 hour (round trip) hike from Port Miou. Follow my step by step guide to find out how to get to Calanque d’en Vau.
Alternatively you can explore the Calanques via boat!
11) Cassis
Cassis (pronounced Cassie) is a Mediterranean fishing port town just a 30 minute drive east of Marseille. The cute colourful houses overlooking the port and all it’s boats make it perfect for instagram photos!
TOP TIP – If you’re visiting in the summer try to avoid weekends, and you will also want to arrive before 10am to make sure you can park.
12) Salins d’Aigues Mortes (pink lake)
If you’re spending a few days in Marseille, or your road tripping along the south of France, you might want to check out the only pink lake in France, Salins d’Aigues Mortes.
The unique pink colour of this lake make it one of the most instagrammable photo spots near Marseille, and a must visit if you’re into photography.
13) Provence (lavender fields)
Another instagrammable photo spot near Marseille are the beautiful lavender fields in Provence. These are typically in bloom around June & July. The whole region is covered in bright purple fields, learn more about where to find the best lavender fields.
I hope you enjoy your time in the south of France and are able to check out all the most instagrammable photo spots in Marseille, as these are also the top things to do! If you do spend a few days in Marseille, I would also recommend road tripping along the French Riviera.
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