Marseille

🔥Hotspots

 

🥖 Food

Marseille is known for its diversity meaning you can find all kinds of food all over the city
  • Splendido $ – Great spot for some classic Italian food with nice decoration, vibes, and prices  
  • Le Yen $$$ – More on the fancy side, but some of the best Japanese food you’ll find in Marseille
  • Chez Fonfon $$ – Classic Mediterranean restaurant serving bouillabaisse fish in the lovely neighbordhood of the Vallon des Auffes
  • Shuriken Sushi $ – If you are looking for a cheaper yet good sushi option in Marseille, this is the place to go, they offer full menu sets for only 20 euros

🍾Going out

Partying in Marseille is much chiller than in the capital city, the Southerners are more laid back and always have student events happening (with the beat deals) 

For example, if you are on an exchange at a business school such as Kedge BS in the Calanques, the main student association called the BDE always organizes student events with discounts on food and drinks! 

If you are just planning on going out with friends, here are some locally-loved spots:

  • R2 rooftop – An outdoor bar/ club on top of a shopping mall called “Les Terrasses du Port”. Entry fees depend on the day and the time but range between 0 to 15 EUR
  • Le Trolleybus – A club on the Vieux-Port divided into 3 rooms all playing different music all surrounded by stone walls shaped into a tunnel 
  • La Cabane des Amis – Another outdoor party spot located by the beach, known as the perfect summer spot
  • La Bonbonne – A mix of indoor and outdoor depending on the occasion, a very local spot to go out with all the southerners, watch out for Bleu mon Jules parties that are held here in the summertime
  • Le Pablo – Another smaller club in the city center on Places de Huiles, a niche and more local club with cool music for everyone! 

⛰ Activities

From the city center to hiking in forests by the beach, Marseille is a place for everyone.

  • Les Calanques – Located right next to Kedge Business School, hikes and small paths lead to stunning rocky inlets and cliffs along the Mediterranean coast, stretching from Marseille to Cassis. Between crystal-clear waters and rich biodiversity, you will not be disappointed
  • Plages du Catalan ou Plages du Prado – Main beaches in the city center with various activities, restaurants, bars, and festivals happening all year round
  • Basilique de Notre Dame – A stunning Romanesque-Byzantine church located on a hilltop in Marseille offering a panoramic view of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. It is known for its beautiful mosaics and the iconic statue of the Virgin Mary
  • MUCEM – Modern museum on the beachfront with exquisite architecture dedicated to the history and cultures of the Mediterranean and Europe
  • Day trips to Cassis or Aix-en-Provence – Only 20 minutes from Marseille and accessible by car or train from the Saint-Charles train station
  • A weekend trip to Saint-Tropez – The infamous party and beach hotspot of the South of France is only a 2-hour drive from Marseille. Between beach clubs, diverse scenery, and nightlife, it is worth the detour
  • Le Panier – The oldest neighborhood in Marseille, known for its artsy vibe and street art)

 

💶 Cost of living

  • Rent:

Marseille is known for being slightly cheaper than other big cities in France. Student accommodation called “Le Crous” can cost between 200-500 EUR a month depending on where it is situated in the city. An independent studio apartment costs between 500 and 700 EUR.
Many students enjoy flat-sharing in Marseille as it is cheaper than an independent apartment. Prices may vary from 300-500 EUR a month, however, be aware that owners prefer for renters to stay at least 6-9 months. 

  • Groceries:

Similar to Paris, Marseille has lots of smaller supermarkets where you can run errands however if you are willing to go a bit further out of the city to “La Valentine” or in shopping malls, there is a fair chance you will find much bigger places to buy your groceries such as “Géant Casino” or “Leclerc” for a cheaper price and with more options.

  • Transportation:

To get around Marseille, your safest bet would be to get a monthly subscription to the transport card! It costs around 18 EUR/ month for students and can be used in the city center, to get to the airport, or even to go to surrounding cities such as Aix-en-Provence which is only a 20-minute bus ride away.