Thursday, April 11, 2024

Marseille Cruise Port Info + Things to Do in the Historic City

marseille france cruise port

Once you disembark, public transportation from the cruise terminals to the city centre is easily accessible. Shuttle buses, including a free port bus, run regular routes, providing seamless connectivity to the city center and various other tourist attractions. For the more independent travellers, the railway station is a short bus ride away, providing easy access to other French cities and towns. Marseille Provence Cruise Center (Mole Leon Gourret piers) serve the majority of cruise ships docking in Marseille. This terminal has a large-capacity building and is the embarkation point for all round-trip ship departures.

Marseille residents take port to court over cruise ship pollution - The Connexion

Marseille residents take port to court over cruise ship pollution.

Posted: Wed, 24 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Exploring The City Centre From The Cruise Terminals

Bus no.35 leaves from in front of Gate 4, the entrance to the Môle Léon Gourret. If you are arriving by car and your cruise is leaving from the J4 (Joliette) Terminal, take exit 4 off the A55 motorway. There is a very large underground public car-park right next to the terminal. Most of the larger cruise vessels dock at the piers located on the jetty to the left of the map. This is only 7 Euros per person and is a pleasant ride up to the top of the hill (which you can see from the harbor) to the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde. Along the way they will point out the sights and history, though it is hard to understand through the speakers.

The port of Marseille Fos serves Corsica, Sardinia.

But we’re so glad we signed up for a walking tour because, through our guide, we were able to learn about the city’s history and what makes it unique in Europe, starting with it being the oldest city in France. From St-Charles, you transfer to a local underground metro train or above-ground tram to reach La Joliette. Once you walk to the exit of the port area where a car can load passengers, it takes between 10 to 15 minutes to reach the Vieux Port area by Taxi or Uber.

Marseille cruise terminal

To Porte 4 drive on Motorway A55, then take Exit 5 (“Les Ports”) and just follow the traffic signs "Gares Maritimes" and "Croisière". Most cruise ships will arrive at Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal (MPCT). Built in 2009, it is one of the world’s 15 largest cruise terminals, seeing 500 cruising calls in 2018. With several terminal docking points (A-F), it is designed to cater for embarkation, disembarkation and transit passengers and offers parking, luggage drop-off points (but not left luggage storage) and lounges. You’ll also find ATMs, a café, toilets, tourist information and shore excursion pick-up and drop-off locations. Marseille, the largest city in southern France, nestles majestically along the Mediterranean coast.

Local Cuisine & Best Places to Eat

La Joliette, the primary cruise terminal in Marseille, caters chiefly to small and medium-sized vessels. The Cruise Port Guide furnishes useful details about passenger terminals’ locations in the city and ways to reach them. Besides being strategically positioned for easy access, proximity to charming destinations like the French Riviera and historical cities such as Barcelona enhances its manifold appeal among cruise passengers. Tourist information offices at 4 La Canebière and within Gare St-Charles train station offer navigational guidance around this bustling site. Her lifelong passion for travel has taken her to countless destinations around the globe, but cruising, undeniably, holds a special place in her heart. Judith has embraced the elegance of luxury liners, relished the intimacy of boutique ships, and marveled at the innovation found on the newest megaships.

Stena Line orders optimized RoPax E-Flexer ferry for Corsica Linea

This varied experience makes her a well-rounded and knowledgeable commentator on everything cruise-related. Do not forget to visit La Friche, a former tobacco factory transformed into a thriving cultural space. It hosts a range of concerts, exhibitions, and theatre performances throughout the year. A visit to La Friche is a great way for cruise passengers to engage with the city's dynamic art scene. From high-end fashion stores to quirky boutiques and bustling local markets, the city has something for everyone. Visit the city centre and the Old Port area, where local markets sell everything from Provencal fabrics and soaps to local produce and seafood.

marseille france cruise port

Culture vultures will find a wealth of attractions in the city of Marseille. The MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations) is a cultural hub with a fascinating collection of exhibits depicting the region's rich history and heritage. Just a short distance away is the vibrant district of Le Panier, known for its colourful buildings, charming cobblestone streets, and artisan boutiques. Closer to the port, visit the Camargue, a natural region located south of Arles, famous for its pink flamingos, white horses, and black bulls. It's also home to a vast saltwater lagoon - Etang de Vaccarès - a haven for birdwatchers.

Cruise Card

For those travellers lucky enough to arrive in town via cruise ship, even a day in Marseille from a cruise promises some wonderful memories. This guide is your henchman to the Marseille cruise port and what you need to see while in such little time in this Provencal beauty. Marseille’s tourist attractions make it interesting, and those attractions are interesting because they’re ingrained in the city’s story. Big cruise ships dock at “Gares du Môle Léon Gourret,” or the “Stations of Mole Leon Gourret.” Most major cruise lines arrive at Gate 4, or Port 4. There are two public areas of the cruise port in Marseille, or “Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal.” They are next to each other. One area is where the large ships dock, and the other is where small cruise ships dock.

The Old Port of Marseille is a haven for food enthusiasts, offering visitors a diverse range of culinary delights. From traditional French cuisine to international fusion dishes, the local dining options cater to all tastes and preferences. With a beach pass, you’ll have access to beautiful beaches and nearby attractions.

The shuttle bus is direct between the airport and the train station. The port also is a departure point for Rhone River cruises in Provence and Burgundy - France's main / largest wine regions. In 2018, the cruise port had scheduled 512 ship calls with estimated 1,75+ million passengers.

During high season, the city is visited by over 16,000 cruise tourists per day. Cruise passengers from cruise lines like MSC Cruises, Oceania, Costa Cruises, and more will appreciate the transportation that allows them easy access all over the city of Marseille. Whether you have a few hours in the Marseille cruise port, an overnight, or extend your trip before or after your cruise, you’ll find this Mediterranean Sea city is a fun seasonal destination. If you want to travel to the city center with public transportation, it will be a big help to utilize the free cruise shuttle provided by the Port of Marseille.

Dock 10 is ranked as Mediterranean's largest - with length 465 m (1525 ft) and width 85 m (280 ft). The Marseille cruise port, whose official name is Môle Léon Gourret, is one of the busiest cruise liner arrival ports. Cruise lines such as Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, and Holland America Line all serve the port of Marseille. The cruise port terminal, for its part, has all the facilities needed in order to make the transit efficient. We also signed up for a guided tour to see all the hits and learn about the city’s history in a few hours, with a local who best knew how to navigate the streets efficiently. I am the creator of an e-book “Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide“, the most comprehensive guide to 45 Mediterranean cruise ports, & YouTube channel @AdventourBegins.

Navigating through the Marseille cruise port and its surrounding city is a seamless experience for travelers. Free shuttle bus services operate regularly from the port to the city, arriving every 20 minutes. This port enjoys fantastic transportation options that make it easy to reach even for first-time cruise guests. Travelers can reach the port via flights into Marseille airport followed by a short road transfer or directly using rail services to Gare St-Charles train station.

My name's Alicia and I'm a travel blogger and photographer from the UK. I love nothing more than travelling the world (so much so that I now do it full time!) to collect recommendations, itineraries and magical places to share with you. Last but certainly not least, my favourite thing to do is visit the stunning Palais Longchamp.

To improve your experience, you can book your Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal tickets online. Immerse yourself in the culture at the MuCEM Museum of Civilizations of Europe, showcasing exhibits that highlight European heritage. If you want to experience local cuisine and indulge in some shopping, head to La Plaine and Noailles neighborhoods for authentic flavors and unique finds. Culinary-focused European river cruises have become a popular way for food and travel enthusiasts to explore the...

Set on the Rhône River, Avignon is best known for being the seat of Catholic popes from 1309 to 1377. The ride takes 15 minutes each way and the boat disembarks passengers at Port du Frioul, from where you can explore the two islands on foot. While there, make sure you visit the beautiful coves (calanques) of Saint-Estève and Morgiret, as well as Calanque de la Crine, often considered the most beautiful cove of the archipelago. Trains on this line are infrequent, so check your timings carefully. Click here to read about the Blue Coast Line, with a link to the current train timetable, and here for our full guide to Marseille's public transport system. In the past the Port of Marseille (GPMM) has offered a free shuttle bus service exclusively for cruise tourists.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Online Label Maker Design Product Labels For Free

Table Of Content Easy-to-Use Data Widgets The #1 brand-templating platform trusted by over 6 million users worldwide Your labels deserve to ...