TrendyTripTricksI had always wanted to travel on my own and I thought that I would start small. So, in April 2021, after months being unable to move freely or to breathe air whenever I felt like it, I booked my first solo trip ever to Marseille. Well, I had already been there in 2017, but this time, I wanted to return alone. Is it because I had no one to go with ? Is it because I needed to prove something to myself ? I’d answer “yes” to both questions, but that is not the topic here.
In this article, I will share with you activities to do in Marseille in less than a week, my thoughts about traveling alone to the Phocaean city and my (trendytrip)tricks, of course !
A tiny bit more about Marseille
Marseille is a lovely place based in the South of France, close to the Mediterranean sea. It was founded around 600 BC and is one of the oldest French cities. Fun fact : It was the European Capital of Culture in 2013 so it is another reason to visit !
Walk around the old port of Marseille
The Old Port of Marseille or “Le Vieux Port” in French was one of the only things I knew about the city before setting a foot there. It was lovely to see all the boats lined up.
Less lovely : During the two times I went to Marseille, the garbage collectors were on strike and I could smell a fishy odor that was unfortunately not coming from the sea… (and hopefully, not from me!)
Visit Le Panier
For the connoisseurs, Le Panier is the district where Plus Belle La Vie was filmed (a French tv show that I personally hate). But it is really cute – I loved the colors, the tiny streets, the stairs.
When life is a b****, go to the beach !
I only went once and stayed a couple of hours, but I can still remember the warmth of the sun on my skin and the fresh air of the sea.
Jump in the little tourist train !
This is probably one of my favorite solo activities… sitting on a train and discovering the city while doing nothing but enjoying the landscapes.
Discover more here : The Little Tourist Train of Marseille | MarseilleTourisme.fr
I ended up at La Cathédrale Le Major where the views were incredible !
Frioul Islands – Les îles du Frioul
Who would say no to a 20 minute boat trip to a nice island ?
My trendytriptricks
When I went to Marseille, I stopped going out right before 8PM because of the curfew.
Is Marseille a safe city for a solo traveler ?
I would not say so, especially if you are a woman. I got followed once near the train station and I was not thrilled about it. Actually, I have been followed a couple of times. I felt safer a few years earlier, as I was not walking around on my own.
If I had to change anything, I would stay for a shorter time and book a hotel in the city center instead of an Airbnb.
I would also not go back to Marseille so soon, but that is another story…
