Top outdoor activities in and around Marseille
Some ideas for activities in the city of Marseille if you are a fan of adventure and thrills.
Marseille is the largest city in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of south-eastern France. Situated on the Mediterranean Sea and with its 2600 years of history, this dynamic and cosmopolitan city combines both tradition and modernity. Thanks to its location on a 57 km long coastline, Greek sailors settled here and made it a port of trade and passage in 600 BC. This is how Marseille became the oldest French city and the first commercial port in France.
There is so much to tell about Marseille that it is impossible to sum it up in a few paragraphs. The same goes for the many must-see sites that won't leave you a moment's peace! Among them, the inevitable Vieux-Port, one of the oldest sites in the city, but also the emblematic Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and enjoy a panoramic view of Marseille from the top of the hill where it was built. Don't hesitate to stroll through the old districts of the city to discover more symbolic places. We advise you to visit the incredible MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations) and if not, between two games of pétanque, a little thrill is not bad.
Now let's talk about the most interesting part, the outdoor sports and activities! Marseille 's many beaches offer you the opportunity to practice various water sports while enjoying the sunshine of the Côte d'Azur.On the beach of Pointe Rouge, one of the most popular, you can for example practice flyboarding, a sensational activity that allows you to fly over the water and enjoy a magnificent view of the bay of Marseille. You can also practice sports such as sea kayaking, sailing, rowing, windsurfing, catamaran sailing and many others. You can also try bungee jumping or pendulum jumping in the area around Marseille. From Nice to Antibes via Hyères, there is no shortage of activities in the Mediterranean Sea. From the classic Jet Ski to more original experiences such as kitesurfing, wakeboarding or more sensational ones such as parachute jumping or paramotor flying, you are bound to find something to suit you in the region.
If you want to explore the sea bed, scuba diving is mainly practiced around the islands of the Rade. Several clubs and associations offer first dives or courses over several days so that you can make the most of your experience. Note that snorkelling and apnea are also activities offered in the Calanques with a view as rich underwater as outside. The Calanques National Park is an ideal spot for rock climbing and hiking. Marked hiking trails between the massifs of Marseilleveyre and Mont Puget allow you to explore the cliffs and creeks in complete safety. The cliffs offer numerous possibilities forclimbing on exceptional limestone rock, with grades, styles and difficulties adapted to all levels.
The city of Marseille is also renowned for urban sports such as skateboarding, BMX or rollerblading, notably with its mythical Prado bowl, and some big names in parkour-freerun are also based there(Farid Zitoun, Rémi Girard).
Its ideal climate and privileged location make Marseille a fabulous spot for all lovers of sports and outdoor activities, all in an idyllic setting!