Find Marseille Holiday Rentals

Ancient wonders and sunny streets in this gateway to the French Riviera

If you can tear yourself away from the gasp-inducing calanques and crevices of the rugged French Riviera just for a second, there's also a city of ancient wonders awaiting on the doorstep of those Marseille holiday rentals. Ever since the Phoenician Greeks sailed this way on their longboats so many epochs ago, this city has been an important seafaring port. That's breathed real life into the place, with gritty harbourside districts, ramshackle neighbourhoods like labyrinthine Le Panier, and the incense-scented arabesque bazaars of Noailles all combining to swell it into France's second largest metropolis. The encounter is one to remember, with soaring churches and mysterious castles peppering the bays, sumptuous Provençal foods, and a welcome medley of beaches and brilliant museums to get through.

Why book Marseille holiday rentals with ebookers?

As Marseille is such an ancient place, the main central districts – the ones where all the must-see sights are – can often be made up of tight-knit alleys and winding streets. That means room is a premium, and makes holiday rentals in Marseille a real steal on account of their bigger size when compared to conventional hotel rooms. But Marseille holiday apartments don't just offer more metres to unwind in. They’re also well placed for exploring the old docks and glimmering stone-clad streets of France's second-largest city like a local. You'll be able to come and go as you please, have a self-catering kitchen for making the most of that fresh seafood fare, and perhaps even a terrace overlooking the ornate classical architecture.

Top things to do in Marseille

The beating heart of historic Marseille has to be the handsome Vieux Port, where bobbing fishing boats and swaying yachts can be seen between centuries-old merchant houses. This is where you'll be able to feel the spectre of old seafarers, Napoleonic swashbucklers, and even Dumas' Count of Monte Cristo between the quays. Leaving that behind and delving into the enchanting lanes of Le Panier is also a must. Like a rustic southern French hamlet, it beats with craftspeople and lavender shops. Trips up to the soaring lookouts of the Notre Dame de la Garde are also a great thing to do, while excursions to the breathtaking coastal inlets of the calanques shouldn't be missed – by boat or car or kayak.

Getting around in Marseille

If you're planning on exploring only the historic old area of Marseille, between the Vieux Port, Le Panier and the coastal Corniche, it's possible to get by for the whole holiday on foot. That said, there's always the RTM metro-tram-bus combination network to help you out, complete with its underground train lines and extensive routes on the roadways above ground. You'll need to purchase tickets for that in local cafés or newsagents before riding. Hiring a car is also possible from the city centre or airport, and is certainly recommended if you've booked Marseille holiday rentals on the beautiful edge of the French Riviera, or want to explore the dramatic, sweeping terrain along the coast.