Marseille turned out to be one of the easiest ports to explore on our own. Our DIY Shore Excursion Marseille plan included a scenic ferry ride to Château d’If, a relaxed lunch in the Old Port, and a trip up to the city’s famous basilica. It was a stress-free and affordable way to experience the highlights of this beautiful French port at our own pace.
From the Ship to the Old Port
We got off the ship (Sun Princess) around 8:30 a.m. in Marseille, France, and were amazed by how easy it was to find a taxi.
The signs were clear, the stand was close, and we were in a cab within a couple of minutes.
I definitely recommend taking a taxi instead of waiting for a shuttle or large excursion group if you are staying close to the port. The ride to the Old Port was quick and gave us a first look at the city.
At about 8:50, we arrived at the Old Port and headed straight to the small ticket booth where you can buy ferry tickets to Château d’If.
Tickets can’t be purchased in advance, but it was no problem to get them that morning.
Mediterranean ports are often known for pickpockets, so I came prepared with this crossbody strap with a pouch. I clipped my phone to the strap and tucked the pouch safely in my pocket, secured to my belt loop. It gave me easy access to my essentials while keeping everything secure…perfect for exploring busy areas. Pick up yours on Amazon.
Exploring the Old Port and Market
Since our ferry didn’t depart until 10:15, we had plenty of time to wander.
I grabbed an ICED tea from Starbucks (no judgment, please) and enjoyed walking around the lively Old Port.
A Sunday market was set up nearby, with vendors selling everything from lavender and herbs to honey, flowers, and fresh seafood displayed on ice.
There’s even a metro stop right by the Old Port, so if you want to explore farther, it’s easy to do so.
Ferry to Château d’If
When it was time to board, we walked right over to the nearby dock for our 10:15 ferry.
The ride across the turquoise water offered great views of Marseille and the coastline.
On the way out of the harbor, we passed the striking modern museum building before heading toward the island fortress.
Château d’If was fascinating to explore, especially knowing it was the inspiration for part of The Count of Monte Cristo. We wandered through the old stone rooms and climbed up for beautiful views of the sea.
It was warm, but there was a nice breeze in the shady areas. After exploring, we caught the 11:45 ferry back to the Old Port and enjoyed sitting at the front of the boat this time for a better view.
Lunch at Le Joli Port
Once back on shore, we found a little restaurant called Le Joli Port just a short walk from the ferry area. It was a cozy spot with friendly service and a nice breeze from a fan that the owner turned our way as soon as we sat down.
We ordered calzones that were huge, and a four-cheese pizza that was delicious. It was the perfect lunch break before continuing our day.
The Petite Train to Notre-Dame de la Garde
After lunch, we made our way to the departure point for the Petite Train, a small open-air train that winds its way through the streets of Marseille and up to the Basilica Notre-Dame de la Garde.
We reached the top around 2:00 p.m. and spent time walking around both inside and outside the basilica. The sweeping views of the city, the harbor, and the blue Mediterranean were absolutely worth the trip. There were even stands nearby selling cold drinks, which was a welcome sight on a hot afternoon.
After soaking in the views, we took the Petite Train back down to the Old Port. The ride serves as a short city tour with narration, pointing out some of Marseille’s highlights along the way.
Souvenir Shopping and the Easy Trip Back
When we returned to the Old Port, we found a souvenir shop just down from the Petite Train stop.
It was conveniently located right beside a taxi stand, so after a little shopping for t-shirts and keepsakes, we caught a cab back to the port.
The ride was quick, and by about 3:40 we were back on the ship. The crew greeted us with cool towels and water, which felt amazing after a warm day of exploring.
Why This DIY Day Works So Well
Marseille turned out to be a great port for a do-it-yourself day. The Old Port is close, easy to navigate, and full of things to see and do. Everything we wanted to experience was nearby, and we had no trouble getting back well before the 5:00 p.m. sailing. If you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic day that you can plan on your own, Marseille is an excellent choice.
Want more Mediterranean DIY shore excursions? Check out DIY Shore Excursion from Genoa: Taking the Train to Monterosso, Cinque Terre
