What to Do in Marseille on a Sunday (Not Everything is Closed!)

Do you think everything is closed in Marseille on Sundays? No! Museums, parks, and outdoor or indoor activities in Marseille will certainly offer you a solution to brighten up your day. Here are some ideas that should inspire you.

 

Take a walk in the Calanques

calanques marseille

The Calanques National Park is absolutely magnificent, in summer and winter alike.

It really is a beautiful place to visit in France: rocks, pines, turquoise water…

And it’s free!

Information

 

Paddling in the Calanques

paddle

On your stand-up paddle, you’ll stroll on turquoise water, take swimming breaks, and discover small islands only accessible by sea!

Information and reservation

 

Mucem

mucem
Source: Kent Wang from Barcelona, Spain, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Mucem is the museum of civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean.

Since its opening in 2013, it has quickly become one of the most visited museums.

It really is a must-see in Marseille!

It closes on Tuesdays but not on Sundays.

Information and reservation

 

Parc Borély

parc borely
Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This park covers 18 hectares and was built in the 1860s.

It is a historic garden with a bastide and a landscaped park.

But it also has modern attractions like two large playgrounds where you can take your children.

Information

 

Musée des Docks Romains

musee docks romains
Source: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra from Paris, France, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This museum is entirely devoted to the ancient maritime trade.

You will discover an exceptional archaeological site.

Closed on Mondays but open on Sundays!

Information and reservation

 

Friche la Belle de Mai

This space is devoted to art and culture.

It is a former tobacco factory that now houses shows and exhibitions.

More than sixty artistic structures contribute to bringing it to life.

Information

 

Musée Subaquatique de Marseille

This Museum is one of a kind!

You will discover statues directly under the water.

It is dedicated to art, marine biodiversity, and environmental protection.

It is definitely worth a visit!

Information and reservation

 

Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde

notre dame de la garde
Source: lienyuan lee, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde or its nickname “The Good Mother” is a must in Marseille.

From the top of her hill, she watches over the city, the sailors, and the fishermen.

It  remains open every day of the week.

Information

 

Catalans’ Beach

plage des catalans
Source: Jeanne Menjoulet from Paris, France, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This beach is located close to the city center of Marseille.

It’s not the biggest or the prettiest, but it’s great for swimming on a whim or just getting some sun.

Information

 

Musée Cantini

 

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This museum which was a private mansion is now entirely dedicated to modern art of artists mostly from the first half of the 20th century.

Information

 

Borély Castle

chateau borely
Source: Velvet, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This castle is a museum of decorative arts, earthenware, and fashion.

It has been listed as a historical monument since 1936 and is located in Parc Borély.

Information

 

Vieille Charité

vieille charite
Source: Ddeveze, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Vieille Charité is made up of several cultural structures in Marseille and offers temporary exhibitions and activities of all kinds throughout the year.

Information

 

Musée Regards de Provence


This museum is a great place to spend your Sunday!

It is dedicated to classical and modern art and has a tea room with a view of the port and the sea.

Information

 

Markets and flea markets

marche place jean jaures
Jean-Jaurès market. Source: LaloMassalia, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The city of Marseille is full of markets and flea markets in all the districts.

Check out the list (in French) of markets to find your next adventure!

 

Kayaking

kayak

Go on a supervised kayak excursion. Not only will you have a privileged view of the city, but you will also experience a magnificent sunset directly on the waves.

Information and reservation

 

Tree climbing

accrobranche

This activity is open to all ages.

The park offers 8 different treetop courses with 400 meters of zip line and a mini-park for the little ones (2 to 4 years old).

Information and reservation

 

Electric scooter to explore the city

trot electrique

This super fun and entertaining activity allows you to visit the city without getting tired and having fun!

Effortless tourism: It’s attractive, right?

Information and reservation

 

Outdoor Escape Game

marseille

How about a treasure hunt with friends or family in the heart of Marseille?

It’s a really fun way to discover or rediscover the city!

Information and reservation (website in French)

 

Puget Hill

The Jardin de la Colline Puget is absolutely worth visiting.

It offers a panoramic view of the city of Marseille and the Mediterranean.

Information

 

Garden of the Sacred Wood

The Jardin du Bois Sacré is on the side of the hill of La Bonne Mère. Take a walk there after your visit to the basilica, it is really pretty and picturesque.

Information

 

Chanot Park

This place is a fairground.

It includes 7 exhibition halls, each a building steeped in history.

Information

 

Palais Longchamps

palais longchamp

The Palais Longchamps is a must in Marseille, its architecture is magnificent.

It also houses the Museum of Fine Arts of Marseille and the Museum of Natural History.

Information

 

Bonneveine

Plage de bonneveine
Bonneveine Beach. Source: DimiTalen, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

This district borders the Mediterranean with fine sandy beaches.

It also houses a shopping center called Bonneveine open every Sunday from 9 am to 9 pm.

Information (website in French)

 

Les Terrasses du Port

This place is a shopping center organized on 4 floors with views directly of the sea!

Information (website in French)

 

Henri Fabre

It is a  small park in Marseille where you can rest, picnic, or take a quick nap.

It is made up of large expanses of lawns and natural groves.

Information

 

The Villa Valmer

villa valmer
Source: TouN, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Villa Valmer is one of the most famous villas on the Corniche of President John F. Kennedy.

It is in the center of Valmer Park and has one of the most beautiful views of the whole city.

Information

 

Pastré

chateau pastre
Pastré Castle. Source: Robert Valette, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Pastré Park extends over 112 hectares, including 100 hectares of natural areas.

Three castles are located in this park: the Pastré Castle, the Estrangin Castle, and the Sanderval Castle, which you can visit.

But the park is worth the detour for its views, rich vegetation, vines, and vegetable gardens.

Information