Nestled along the coastline of Provence, Marseille is the second largest city in France. From the old port area to the Basilica Notre Dame to the surrounding beaches, there are tons of fun things to do in Marseille. The most difficult part of your trip may be deciding what to do and where to stay in Marseille France. With our guide to the best Marseille neighborhoods, you can find the best places in Marseille, and for each neighborhood, the best hotels in Marseille France for every budget.

We will cover off all types of Marseille accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Marseille hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Marseille 2023, the best Marseille hotels, best places in Marseille to visit, the best places to stay in Marseille, hotels near Marseille attractions, Marseille neighborhood guide and many more.

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City Centre – Where to stay in Marseille for tourists

The heart of Marseille is the city centre, which is the best area for tourists looking for nightlife and evening activity. The city centre has the largest concentration of Marseille hotels and restaurants, which is why it’s so popular for visitors. This also happens to be the location of the Marseille Vieux Port, or the Old Port  of Marseille.

Don’t miss La Canebière, the high street of Marseille which runs through the city centre. The city centre also has easy access to the Metro, making it easy to visit other parts of Marseille, or even plan day trips from Marseille to other cities along the Cote d’Azur.

Best places to stay in Marseille City Centre

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Marseille City Centre
Hotel Vertigo – Vieux Port
Vertigo Hostel Saint-Charles
Hostel London Connection
Hello Marseille Hostel

Budget Hotels in Marseille City Centre
Hotel Terminus Saint Charles
Hotel Victory
Residence La Canebiere
Hermes

Mid range Hotels in Marseille City Centre
Alex Hotel Marseille
Casa Ortega
Ibis Styles Marseille Gare Saint Charles
Massilia Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels in Marseille City Centre
Toyoko Inn Marseille Saint Charles
Staycity Marseille Centre Vieux Port
Best Western Hotel Marseille Bourse Vieux Port by HappyCulture
Adagio Access Marseille Saint Charles

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Marseille City Centre
Sofitel Marseille Vieux-Port
InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu
C2 Hotel

Cinq Avenues – Where to stay in Marseille with family

For an upper-class neighborhood near the city centre, consider Cinq Avenues, which comprises the 1st and 4th arrondissement. With quieter Marseille accommodation options, this is a very family-friendly area of Marseille. The main highlight of this area is the Palais Longchamp.

In addition to a beautiful park and monument, Palais Longchamp houses several museums including the Natural History Museum and the Fine Arts Museum, as well as a botanical garden and observatory. This could be considered the safest area to stay in Marseille, but usual precautions should be taken as with any large city. The Cinq-Avenues-Longchamp Metro station offers easy access to other parts of Marseille.

Best places to stay in Cinq Avenues

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Cinq Avenues
Hello Marseille Hostel
Hotel Vertigo – Vieux Port

Budget Hotels in Cinq Avenues
Appart’Hotel Odalys Le Dome
Ibis Budget Marseille Timone
Appart’Hotel Odalys Marseille Canebiere
Hotel Terminus Saint Charles

Mid range Hotels in Cinq Avenues
Kyriad Marseille Blancarde – Timone
Les Villages Clubs du Soleil Marseille – La Belle de Mai
Hotel Azur
Ibis Marseille Centre Gare Saint-Charles

Family Friendly Hotels in Cinq Avenues
Ibis Marseille Timone
Le Ryad Boutique Hotel
Hipark
Adagio Access Marseille Saint Charles

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Cinq Avenues
C2 Hotel
InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu

L’Estaque – Where to stay in Marseille on a budget

For a taste what Marseille was like before tourism, head to L’Estaque. This serene port village is just 20 minutes northwest of Marseille but offers an entirely different experience. The fishing port is also a hub for artists and beach-goers. The Plages de Corbiere comprises three urban beaches that are popular even with travelers staying in Marseille. The village has many cafes and restaurants, and overall offers a very relaxing alternative to the busy city of Marseille. Wondering where to stay outside Marseille? L’Estaque is perfect because it’s not too far out and close to the beach!

Best places to stay in L’Estaque

Budget Hotels in L’Estaque
B&B Hotel Marseille Estaque
Ibis Budget Marseille l’Estaque

Château-Gombert – Where to stay near Marseille for relaxation

Another quiet alternative to the chaos of central hotels in Marseille is the area of Château-Gombert. The castle that gave the neighborhood the name is long gone but in its place remains a quaint area that feels like a separate village. Narrow cobblestone alleyways lead to hidden treasures, like the Saint-Mathieu Church, the Terroir Museum, and WWI and WWII museums. Interestingly, Château-Gombert is also home to the technopole, a large campus of over 100 companies, universities, and laboratories.

Best places to stay in Château-Gombert

Budget Hotels in Château-Gombert
Chez Regine et Gregoire
Hotel l’Oustau

Mid range Hotels in Château-Gombert
La Villa Blanche
Le Clos du Jas

Family Friendly Hotels in Château-Gombert
Campagne Saint Jean de Matha

La Plaine/Cours Julien – Where to stay in Marseille for nightlife

The neighborhood La Plaine is one of the younger areas of Marseille, attracting a diverse crowd of artists, students, and musicians. In addition to budget-friendly accommodation options, La Plaine has a vibrant art scene that includes some of the best street art in Marseille. Many locals and tourists congregate at open-air cafes, and Place Jean Jaurès is the nightlife hub of La Plaine. La Plaine/Cours Julien is the best area for tourists looking to enjoy live music, art, and an overall alternative scene.

Best places to stay in La Plaine/Cours Julien

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in La Plaine/Cours Julien
Sylvabelle Hotel
Hello Marseille Hostel

Budget Hotels in La Plaine/Cours Julien
Appart’hotel Estelle
Residence La Canebiere
Hotel Beausejour
Ibis Budget Marseille Vieux Port

Mid range Hotels in La Plaine/Cours Julien
Hotel Marseille Centre
Bed & Breakfast Un Mas en Ville
Hotel Saint Ferreol
Le Ryad Boutique Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels in La Plaine/Cours Julien
Les Appartements du Vieux Port
Hotel La Residence du Vieux Port
Hotel Carre Vieux Port Marseille
Staycity Marseille Centre Vieux Port

Affordable Luxury Hotels in La Plaine/Cours Julien
C2 Hotel
InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu
Sofitel Marseille Vieux-Port
Petit Nice Passedat

Le Panier – Where to stay in Marseille for foodies

The original Marseille neighborhood, Le Panier Marseille means “ the basket” and it is the center of the old city. Originally a fishing village, this area retains a small town charm with winding cobblestone streets, quaint squares lined with cafes and a diverse population of immigrants.

This neighborhood has many historic churches and attractions, including the Hôtel-Dieu, Saint-Laurent church, and the Vieille Charité. Marche de la Joliette is one of the best markets in Marseille or head to the new shopping mall Les Terraces du Port. A self-guided walking tour is a perfect way to explore Le Panier.

Best places to stay in Le Panier

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Le Panier
Hello Marseille Hostel
Hotel Vertigo – Vieux Port

Budget Hotels in Le Panier
Hermes
Hotel Terminus Saint Charles
Ibis Budget Marseille Vieux Port
Hotel Beausejour

Mid range Hotels in Le Panier
Adagio Marseille Vieux Port
Best Western Hotel Du Mucem
NH Collection Marseille
Ibis Marseille Centre Vieux Port

Family Friendly Hotels in Le Panier
Maison Boa
La Maison du Petit Canard
B&B Hotel Marseille Centre La Joliette
NH Collection Marseille

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Le Panier
C2 Hotel
InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu
Sofitel Marseille Vieux-Port
Petit Nice Passedat

La Madrague – Where to stay in Marseille for nature lovers

This port city and resort area south of Marseille is the perfect area for travelers looking to spend time in nature. La Madrague sits on the edge of the Calanques National Park which includes protected coastlines, coves and mountainous areas perfect for hiking. Besides hiking, Pointe Rouge Beach is another major draw of La Madrague. This beach is very popular as it offers a number of beachside cafes and bars, not to mention a daily fish market each morning. The nearby marina and yacht club has jet ski and boat rentals.

Best places to stay in La Madrague

Budget Hotels in La Madrague
Ibis Marseille Bonneveine Calanques Plages
Best Western Marseille Bonneveine Prado

Mid range Hotels in La Madrague
Le Mistral
Mercure Marseille Centre Prado Hotel Velodrome
Villa Monticelli

Family Friendly Hotels in La Madrague
Residence Services Calypso
Hotel le Corbusier

Affordable Luxury Hotels in La Madrague
Hotel 96
Villa Valflor

Le Roucas-Blanc – Where to stay in Marseille for hot springs

This swanky district of Marseille translates as White Rock, as it’s built atop a white rock outcrop near the Vieux Port. Tourism initially came here for the hot springs baths, which are now contained at the Sofitel Palm Beach hotel. The hilltop location of Le Roucas-Blanc offers stunning views of the surrounding area, so even if you don’t stay here, plan to have dinner at one of the lovely restaurant terraces. La Corniche is a beautiful roadway along the sea and is the perfect spot for an after-dinner stroll.

Best places to stay in Le Roucas-Blanc

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Le Roucas-Blanc
Hotel Vertigo – Vieux Port

Budget Hotels in Le Roucas-Blanc
La Petite Maison
Adagio Marseille Prado Plage
Adonis Marseille Vieux Port
ResidHotel Grand Prado

Mid range Hotels in Le Roucas-Blanc
New Hotel Bompard
Chambres d’Hotes d’Endoume
Villa Monticelli
Le Rhul

Family Friendly Hotels in Le Roucas-Blanc
Adagio Access Marseille Prado Perier
Ibis Marseille Centre Prado Velodrome
Radisson Blu Hotel Marseille Vieux Port
Citadines Prado Chanot Marseille

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Le Roucas-Blanc
nhow Marseille
Golden Tulip Villa Massalia
Sofitel Marseille Vieux-Port

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