Whether you live in Marseille or you’re on vacation in the city, you’ll want to spend some quality time with your lover. To help you find the perfect outing, we’ve made a list of a few romantic activities for couples in Marseille.
1) Visiting the Mucem
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Do you and your partner like art? Then go on a date to the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations (Mucem).
It is the only museum of its kind in France. You’ll be surrounded by exceptional works of art that you and your lover can admire side by side.
Moreover, we all know that museums are places that promote romance: low voice conversations, a peaceful atmosphere, silent contemplation… It’s the perfect place to bond.
2) Sunbathing Away From Prying Eyes
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Marseille is the perfect place to enjoy the turquoise water of the Mediterranean sea. Put your swimsuit on and get a tan on the beach – away from prying eyes.
The beaches of the anse des Sablettes and anse de Maldormé offer an advantage: they are less busy, which is perfect if you want to have a quiet date with your partner.
Well-known by the local inhabitants, these two beaches promise a few hours of complete relaxation as you bask in the sun and are soothed by the lapping of the waves.
3) Taking a Walk in a Garden
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If time allows, don’t miss the opportunity to walk hand in hand with your beloved in one of the city’s numerous gardens.
Is there anything better than a haven of greenery for a romantic outing? The Longchamp park and the Borély park both offer quiet atmospheres. Find a grassy spot, unfold a sheet, and eat a picnic or take a nap, whatever you want to do.
The Longchamp park, which is a listed historical monument, is home to a beautiful palace, fountain, and multiple gardens.
The Borély park is a classical “à la française” garden and is the most visited park in Marseille.
4) Secluding Yourselves on the Monte-Cristo Island
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Does your significant other love historical anecdotes and literature? Then put them on the tracks of the Count of Monte-Cristo by taking them to the château d’If.
The building is a former prison, and in one wall you can see the hole that Edmond Dantès dug during his escape. You can fully immerse yourself in Alexandre Dumas’ universe here!
Next to the castle, you’ll find the Four Frioul islands: Pomègues, Ratonneau, Tiboulen, and If. The landscapes here are beautiful, full of fauna and flora, and not often visited.
5) Diving Into the Deep Sea
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If you want to enjoy a unique experience, dive into the heart of the National Park of the Calanques. You’ll discover the wrecks of ships and planes, caves, and other submarine wonders.
A magic moment with your partner is guaranteed here. After all, is there anything more romantic than sinking into the dark waters of the sea together?
The diving center Archipel plongée will provide you with all of the necessary equipment for this amazing experience under the sea.
6) Discovering the Calanques Onboard a Boat
Do you want to impress your other half with a spectacular event? We have what you are looking for: discovering the Calanques onboard a boat.
You can choose from two options depending on your budget. If you want to save a little money, you can spend a day on a boat between Marseille and Cassis with other people. If money isn’t a problem, opt for the privatized version and spend an afternoon with just the two of you.
Either way, you’ll get to stop to take a swim in the sea and fully enjoy the landscape that unfolds in front of you.
7) Rent a boat with Click & Boat
For a unique romantic outing, why not rent a boat to discover Marseille from the sea?
Leave the smooth running of your date to the hands of an experienced skipper and let Régis guide you for an amazing sailing trip in the Calanques of Marseille.
Please note that depending on the boat capacity, you may be traveling with other visitors on board.
If you’d rather spend time with just the two of you, you can rent a boat without a captain. Quicksilver’s small motorboats like this one are ideal for a romantic excursion in the harbor of Marseille (boat license required).
8) Looking at the Sunset
Spending the evening on a boat is a perfect idea for a romantic date – you’ll be able to contemplate the sunset from the sea.
Two options are available, depending on your price range. For a less expensive outing, you can enjoy a cocktail evening on a sailboat surrounded by other people, including swimming and dinner cocktails. On the more expensive side, an evening onboard a privatized boat propelled by an hybrid motor is the perfect option for some alone time.
Regardless of the option you choose, you’ll have a magical time and come home with many happy memories.
9) Climbing Trees
For active couples who love a challenge, let’s go to a treetop park! You’ll enjoy a unique view of the city’s roofs as you climb up towards the sky.
With eight treetop paths and a 400-meter zipline, you’ll have a lot of fun. Put your physical capacities to the test and face your fears together.
10) Wandering in the Panier District
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Take a stroll hand in hand in Marseille’s oldest district, the Panier.
Buildings with ochre-colored facades that flank the narrow streets and numerous steps are the signature details of this district. They are just one of the reasons why you should visit the Panier during your stay in Marseille.
Considered an open-air museum, Le Panier is home to many small artisans’ shops and street art.
11) Having a Drink While Surrounded by a Beautiful View
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Arrange a date with your lover at the Dantès Skylounge on the roof of the Sofitel Hotel.
The Sofitel’s bar has a terrace that is ideal for sipping your drink while admiring the breathtaking view of the city.
From this rooftop, you can see the famous basilica as well as the Mucem. If you stay until the sun goes down, you’ll get to witness a symphony of colors that is worthy of an Impressionist painting.
12) Spending the Night in a Clandestine Bar
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Do you like mystery? If so, the Carry Nation will satisfy your desires.
The owners of this bar have successfully recreated the decor and atmosphere of the Prohibition era. The place is kept so secret that you must make a reservation to receive the location and a code to enter the building.
Once you arrive, be ready for an all-alcohol evening, just like during Prohibition. The Carry Nation only serves cocktails!
13) Having a Picnic at the Top of the Saint-Joseph Hill
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Planning a date at the top of a hill allows you and your partner to better appreciate the natural surroundings and the incredible panorama of the city.
The Saint-Joseph Hill is home to a park with picnic tables, so you’ll be able to have a cute, intimate dinner with only squirrels to distract you.
If you go in the evening, you can also admire the sun as it sets over the city.
14) Enjoying a Nice View of Marseille
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Marseille has lots of high places from which you can easily admire the landscape of the city. One of them is the Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica which was built atop the de la Garde Hill.
With its mosaics, bell tower, and golden statue, the basilica is definitely worth visiting.
Make yourselves comfortable on the esplanade while you contemplate the roofs of Marseille and take some pictures together.
15) Flying over the City in a Helicopter
For an out-of-the-ordinary activity that will leave your partner speechless, take a helicopter flight over Marseille. It is the perfect opportunity to take unique pictures of the city and bond with your darling.
The flight lasts for 20 to 40 minutes depending on which option you choose. You’ll fly over Marseille, the seashore, and even the calanques or the Frioul Islands.
It will be an unforgettable experience that will delight your significant other.
16) Going Swimming in a Cave
Swimming is even more fun when you do it in a cave! During a day of hiking, you’ll discover the Blue Cave that you can dive into.
There is no need to be good at sports, as this hiking trip is made for everyone: the trail is only 8 km long. You will also get a glimpse of the Morgiou calanque and its fishing harbor down below the trail.
As a reward for all your effort, you’ll get to swim in the blue waters of the cave. A sensational experience is guaranteed!
17) Discovering the Calanques on a Stand Up Paddle Board or Kayak
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The calanques are a must-see while you are in Marseille. If you want to get really close to them, discover this beautiful natural environment from a stand up paddle board or a kayak.
You can rent the equipment needed from Calanc’O, and you can also hire a guide to accompany you on your trip.
You’ll brush past the turquoise water and stand alongside steep cliffs from aboard a means of transportation that respects the environment.
It is an unusual idea for a date that will allow you to go sightseeing and spend time together in a perfect setting.
18) Enjoying a Candlelight Dinner
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No list of romantic activities would be complete without a restaurant recommendation.
Since Marseille is a cosmopolitan city, try some delicious tapas in the candlelight at La Tasca.
This Spanish restaurant also has a cocktail bar and an incredible terrace with an intimate ambience. The place is perfect for a one-on-one evening.
19) Going for a Stroll in the Cours Julien District
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Does your other half like urban art? If so, bring them to the Cours Julien, the district where street art reigns.
It is much like Montmartre, only an urban version of it. You can admire the colorful frescos on the facades of the buildings while visiting art galleries.
Thanks to its Bohemian atmosphere, you will also find an organic market, thrift stores, and various artisans’ shops.
In short, it is a nice district that you will love discovering with your partner.
20) Admiring the Phap Hoa Tu Pagoda
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If you’re running out of ideas for cool romantic activities, here is one that might help you. This atypical place will make you feel like you are traveling…without even leaving Marseille.
The Phap Hoa Tu Vietnamese pagoda is Marseille’s biggest Buddhist place of worship. Everybody is welcome whether they are Buddhist or not.
While seated next to your beloved, you can contemplate an incredible reclined Buddha as well as the exceptional architecture of the place. Your eyes will be completely amazed.
21) Eating Sardines
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Why not end this list with a funny, gourmet activity? Take your lover to a restaurant entirely dedicated to sardines.
At Sard’In, the only (more or less) product that is cooked is sardines! It is the world’s first sardine bar, and this reason alone is enough to make it worth stopping by.
For a funny and romantic moment, Sard’In just might be the right place.
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
