As the second largest city in France, Marseille has a lot to offer. From its rich history to its stunning Mediterranean coastline, there’s something for everyone here.
But what I love the most about Marseille are the colorful façades, charming streets, and breathtaking views.
I’ve been living in France for more than six years and have traveled all over the country. Not only that but I’ve visited Marseille several times. And I have to say that it’s one of the most Instagrammable places I’ve been to.
So, if you’re planning a trip to this beautiful city and want to capture some amazing shots, I’ve put together a list of the best Marseille Instagram spots.
15 Amazing Marseille Instagram Spots
From the streets of Le Panier to the imposing Fort Saint-Jean, there are so many Instagram-worthy places in Marseille.
Below I’ll share with you the best ones as well as tips on how to get the best photo for your feed.
1. Notre Dame de la Garde
Located at the highest point in Marseille, Notre Dame de la Garde is a must-visit for its stunning views and iconic architecture. It’s also the city’s symbol, so you can’t not take a picture.
Once I saw it, it immediately reminded me of an incredible Instagram-worthy place in Lyon, the Fourvière Basilica, which also towers out over the city.
I ended up taking hundreds of photos of Notre Dame de la Garde, but my favorite is from the Passerelle Parvis-St. Jean (photo above).
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2. Le Vieux Port
Le Vieux Port or Old Port is yet another iconic spot in Marseille. Here you’ll find colorful boats, bustling markets, and beautiful architecture. It’s a must for any Instagram feed.
For the best shots, I recommend walking along Quai du Port. It’s less crowded than Quai de Rive Neuve and the backdrop perfectly captures the essence of Marseille.
I have several photos, but my favorite is the one I took at sunset.
As you can see in the photo above, the sun was setting behind me, which added a beautiful pink/golden hue to the buildings in the distance.
3. Marché aux Poissons
Of course, if you’re visiting Marseille, you have to take more than one photo of the Vieux Port.
One of my favorite spots here was the Fish Market (Marché aux Poissons) along Quai de la Fraternité. It’s colorful, vibrant and you can get some great shots of locals going about their daily routine.
For the best photo, go early in the morning when the market is just opening. The lighting is perfect and there are fewer people around so you can capture that authentic feel.
If you plan on taking portraits, you’ll have to ask permission, otherwise, try to be discreet and respectful of the vendors and their customers.
Helpful Tip: The Marché aux Poissons is open every day from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.
4. Belvédère de Sugiton
For some breathtaking views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea, head to the Belvédère de Sugiton.
It’s located in the Calanques National Park, so you’ll have to take a bus from the center of Marseille and then walk for about an hour.
I went early in the morning and had the place to myself. But it’s so high that even if you go when it’s crowded, you’ll still get a photo without people.
Helpful Tip: I recommend saving the Belvédère de Sugiton on your phone. There’s limited cell service here (unless you have a local eSIM).
5. View from La Cité Radieuse – Le Corbusier
If you’re into architecture and design, then you can’t miss La Cité Radieuse – Le Corbusier. This iconic building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers incredible views of Marseille from its rooftop.
It’s free to go to the top, but if you want to see the inside of an apartment you’ll have to book a tour.
I booked a tour through Marseille’s tourist office about two months in advance. There are two guided tours per day and 20 tickets per tour, so it fills up quickly.
Helpful Tip: Tours in English are only offered on Saturday mornings.
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6. Fort Saint-Jean
Fort Saint-Jean is a 17th-century fort that was built to reinforce the city’s defense system.
It sits at the entrance of Marseille’s Vieux Port dominating the coastline with its impressive walls and towers.
You can explore the interior, which is, now part of the Mucem museum, or walk around the exterior for views of the harbor.
But, if you want to capture the fort itself, you’ll have to go to Parc Émile Duclaux (or Jardin du Pharo). From here, you’ll have a beautiful panorama of the fort and the Mediterranean Sea.
7. Cathédrale de la Major
Cathédrale La Major is Marseille’s second most recognizable church. The cathedral has a unique mix of Byzantine and Romanesque architecture, making it stand out from the rest of the city’s buildings.
Since it’s located on a busy street, it’s hard to find a spot to capture the whole cathedral without crowds of people and cars in your shot.
So, I recommend going inside. There are so many Instagrammable spots, but my favorite was the main altar.
8. Le Panier
Le Panier district is Marseille’s oldest quarter. Its origins date back to 600 BC when Greek settlers founded the city.
Since then, this bustling center has survived wars, renovations, and the passage of time to retain its charm.
Today, it’s filled with colorful façades, quaint boutiques, artisan workshops, and street art.
No matter where I turned, I found something to photograph. The photo above shows only one street, but you’ll find tons of picturesque spots here.
I spent hours wandering around. It, actually, reminded me of one of Lille’s must-visit districts, Vieux Lille.
9. Traverse Font de Caylus
As I mentioned above, there are so many photo opportunities in Marseille’s Panier district. Another spot that I recommend is the Traverse Font de Caylus.
This narrow street is lined with colorful buildings and window sills that are framed by towering trees.
It’s a popular spot among locals, but you won’t have to fight through any crowds to snap a photo.
10. Parc Borély
Parc Borély is perfect for nature and landscape photographers.
Here you’ll find flower-filled gardens, lots of green space, and a small lake with ducks and swans.
I loved the rose garden. There were rows and rows of vibrant, fragrant roses in every color imaginable.
I took hundreds of photos, but the one above was my favorite.
I visited after a torrential downpour when the rose petals were covered in hundreds of water droplets. It added something extra to my photos.
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11. Hôtel Peron
Hôtel Peron was once a family-run hotel that offered beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea. Unfortunately, it closed its doors a few years ago and hasn’t reopened.
But that doesn’t mean it isn’t worthy of a photo.
The exterior of the hotel remains untouched, and the bright aqua doors contrast the white stone building.
It’s far from downtown Marseille so I only recommend visiting if you’re stopping by La Corniche Kennedy or Vallon des Auffes.
12. Vallon des Auffes
Vallon des Auffes is an enchanting little fishing district tucked away along the Mediterranean coast.
While it was once home to a community rooted in maritime traditions, today, it’s most known for its colorful houses.
The atmosphere is calm, and the scenery is authentic, making for some beautiful photos.
There were so many buildings and boats to photograph that I walked away with tons of pictures.
It’s a great budget-friendly activity if you want to save money on your trip.
Helpful Tip: I took the photo above standing under the Pont du Vallon des Auffes.
13. Calanque de la Crine
The Îles du Frioul archipelago is a quartet of rugged limestone islands in the Mediterranean Sea. They lie just off the coast of Marseille, making for the perfect day trip.
The islands served various purposes in the past, from quarantine zones to strategic military bases. Today, they are celebrated for their breathtaking landscapes, beautiful beaches, and historical forts.
But what I loved the most were the Calanques. These narrow inlets are surrounded by jagged limestone cliffs and filled with crystal-clear water.
My favorite was the Calanque de la Crine on Île Pomègues.
I had to walk the entire length of the island under the blistering sun to get there, but the views were more than worth it.
14. L’Estaque
L’Estaque is a quaint fishing village located along the coastline of Marseille.
It was once a favorite retreat for renowned artists like Paul Cézanne, who was captivated by its landscapes.
Today, L’Estaque is known for its pebbled beaches, colorful architecture, and delicious local treats like chichis frégis.
I started my visit by following the Chemin des Peintres. It led me to the exact spots where famous artists once worked.
Along the way, I stumbled on brightly colored buildings and windowsills. I also came across several cats.
These friendly residents were more than happy to have their photo taken. The one I took above was at 3 Place François Maleterre.
15. Palais Longchamp
Palais Longchamp was inaugurated in 1869 to celebrate the completion of the Canal de Marseille. This monumental project brought water from the river Durance to the city, which, at the time, was an incredible feat.
It was designed by Henri-Jacques Espérandieu and features ornate sculptures and cascading fountains.
The highlight is the centerpiece, which is the photo you see above.
Helpful Tip: To get the entire piece in one frame, kneel at the intersection of Rue Espérandieu, Boulevard Philippon, and Boulevard Montricher.
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Map of Marseille’s Most Instagrammable Spots
Below is a map of all the places listed above. Click on the map to open Google Maps.
Conclusion: Marseille Instagram Spots
Marseille is a city full of photo opportunities that are waiting to be discovered.
From stunning viewpoints to charming neighborhoods, there’s no shortage of Instagram-worthy spots here.
If I had to choose my favorite, it would be the one I took of the Notre Dame de la Garde. It captures everything that makes Marseille Marseille.
So next time you’re planning a trip to this coastal gem, make sure to add these top 15 spots to your weekend itinerary for Marseille. They are the perfect blend of culture, beauty, and fun for your Instagram feed.
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