Marseille is claimed to be the sunniest city in France. It has a Mediterranean climate, with mild, humid winters and hot, dry summers. 

• Average temperatures range from 7ºC in winter to 26ºC in summer.
• The rainiest time of the year is from October to May, with an average of 10-12 rainy days per month.
• Marseille is pleasant all year round, but the best times to visit are in June and September. The temperature should be in the 20s (ºC), you’ll avoid the crowds of July-August, and enjoy more affordable hotel and flight prices.

• Primary languages: French
• Plug types: C, E and F
• Electricity: 220-240 V
• Currency: Euro (€)
• International dialling code: +33 4
• Emergency telephone number: 112

Marseille Provence Airport

Marseille Provence Airport is located in Marignane, 25 km northwest of the city centre. It’s one of the busiest international airports in France and Europe. You’ll find a good range of facilities including restaurants, shops and banking services in Terminal 1. There are several transfer options to reach central Marseille:

• A taxi to the city centre takes around 30 minutes and costs roughly €50-60. Taxi ranks can be found outside the arrivals hall.
• The airport shuttle bus takes around 25 minutes and costs €9. The shuttle bus stop can be found on the platform 6, in front of the arrivals hall.
• The train takes around 25 minutes and costs roughly €5-6. From the airport, take the free shuttle bus to the Vitrolles Aeroport Train Station, then the train to Saint-Charles Railway Station in the city centre. It’s the cheapest transfer option from the airport.
• Car rental agencies can be found opposite Terminal 1 on parking 8.

Saint-Charles Railway Station 

Marseille-Saint-Charles is the main railway station in Marseille. It’s located in the city centre, a stroll away from the Old Port. Opened in 1848, the station is famous for its monumental staircase that you fortunately can avoid by using lifts. There’s a good choice of small eateries and newsstands in the station. 

Marseille to Paris by train takes around 3.5 hours by TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse – High-Speed Train). From the train station, the transfer options to your hotel include bus, metro, tram, taxi and cars for hire.

The best way to explore Marseille city centre is on foot. The Old Town and adjacent Old Port feature many landmarks and attractions such as Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica, Fort Saint-Jean and many museums. 

For longer journeys, the city’s public transport services provide an affordable and efficient way to discover the city. Bus, metro and tram lines criss-cross Marseille and permit you to go everywhere around the city. Public transport in Marseille is run by the RTM (Régie des Transports de Marseille), which means that a single ticketing system makes travellers’ life easier.

• A single ticket costs €1.70 when purchased at a bus/tram/metro station vending machine, or €2 in the bus. It’s valid for 1 hour on the RTM network.
• A 10-ticket carnet is rated €14.
• You can also purchase a 24-, 48- or 72-hour Marseille City Pass. It includes limitless use of public transport and free admission or discount to many museums and attractions. Prices start from €26 for a 1-day pass.

• Taxi ranks can be found at Marseille-Saint-Charles Railway Station and near the main attractions in the city centre. It’s also possible to hail a cab on the street if there’s no rank within 50 metres.
• The 2 main taxi companies in Marseille are Taxi Radio Marseille (04 91 02 20 20) and Taxis Marseillais (04 91 92 92 92). You can also use their apps to book a taxi.
• Taxi rates are fixed by the prefecture. In Marseille, the flat rate is €2.10, then the price per kilometre starts from €0.87. Rates are slightly higher at night and on weekends.
• Most taxis accept the payment of the fare by credit card.
• If you do not speak French, a good way to tell the taxi driver where you want to go is by showing him a piece of paper, or your smartphone, with the address of your destination written on it.
• As usual when travelling abroad, beware of taxi scam and double-check that the meter is on.
• Taxi apps including Uber, eCab, Taxi Radio Marseille and Les Taxis Marseillais can be used to get around the city.

Le vélo is a bike-sharing scheme run by the city. Available 24/7 and featuring over 1,000 bikes available in 130 docking stations throughout Marseille, it offers an affordable and healthy way to get around the city. A short subscription, valid for 7 days, costs €1. The first 30 minutes of use are free, then the price is €1 per hour.