Is Marseille safe? What you should know

Marseille is France’s second-largest city and an enchanting port with stunning Mediterranean views. The city is famous for the Old Port, ancient neighborhoods like Le Panier, and the dramatic Calanques National Park. Marseille is a melting pot of cultures, which you’ll taste in its food! From bouillabaisse (a traditional fish stew) and panisses (crispy chickpea fritters) to freshly baked navette cookies. Did you know Marseille has a sunnier climate than other cities in France?

Of course, like any busy port city, Marseille has its quirks. It's often called France's "most dangerous city." That’s why you’ll dive into all aspects of safety in this guide. To make your trip worry-free, we’ll cover cultural etiquette to help you understand and get along with locals. You'll also get some nature tips for enjoying the outdoors responsibly. Plus, you’ll find some practical advice on health, transportation, and nighttime safety.

Whether you’re wandering historic streets, hiking the Calanques, or savoring street food, a bit of preparation can make all the difference in this fascinating city! So, let’s dive in so you can decide for yourself if Marseille is among the most dangerous cities. Even if you're coming with your whole family or solo, you'll see that it's a pretty safe city to explore!

Safety tips to keep in mind during your time in Marseille

Are you still worried about safety in the city? Don't know what to expect while visiting Marseille? We've got you covered! Keep reading to learn some of the top tips to keep in mind while you explore the coastal city of Marseille! Don't let stigmas steer you away from one of the most beautiful French cities!

Getting from the airport to the city center

So, how do you get around Marseille? When you touch down at the airport, just take the L091 bus and you'll get to the city center in just 50 minutes. That's pretty quick, and you get off right next to Saint Charles Train Station! When you get there, the best public transit is the metro and tram lines. They're great transportation options, and are well-connected to the entire city!

Tips to stay safe when you first arrive in Marseille

Ever heard of the gold ring scam? It's one of the most popular ones in France! There are a few variations, but the gist is that a local plants a ring near you, picks it up, and hands it over to you. Plus, they typically pretend they're sure you dropped it. If you pick it up, they'll instantly start convincing you to reward them with money for finding it. It's pretty cheeky, so if someone's trying to "return" something to you, just ignore them!

Is tap water in Marseille safe to drink?

Yes! Marseille has some of the best tap water in France! It comes from reservoirs in the surrounding mountains and even goes through extra treatment! If you notice a strange taste, that’s just its high mineral content. It's packed with calcium and magnesium, perfect to balance out any deficiencies!

Safe accommodation options in Marseille

Don't have a place for the night yet? If you're not sure where to stay and where you'll be nice and safe, check out these spots:

1. Old Port (Vieux Port) is in the heart of the city and one of the safest neighborhoods around! The 4-star Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites has some amazing views of the port and coastline. It's also right next to some landmarks like Notre-Dame de la Garde which you can also check out!
2. Le Panier is an artistic district. It's full of cozy narrow streets with street art, murals, and galleries. Very artsy! If you're after something affordable, the Les Appartements du Vieux Port has a homey feel and it's close to some attractions!
3. The La Corniche area is for nature lovers. It's right next to some beaches and green parks for a quick hike or dip. The Mercure Marseille Centre Prado Vélodrome Hotel has a pretty good balance of quality and value!

Pro tip: If you're a digital nomad who's here for some natural vitamin D, you can leave your laptop with Bounce! No one likes sand in their tech, so find a location near you through our app, book online, and leave your gear with us so you can give your tech-wiz fingers a break at the beach!

Cultural callouts & things to keep an eye out for

It's always pleasant to explore some different cultures! Here are some cultural callouts so you can feel right at home, and avoid any awkward moments:

• Marseillais are very polite and really appreciate respect! A simple Bonjour (Hello/’Good day’) goes a long way, and if you flash a smile, they'll probably return it! If you don't know the person you're talking to, use Monsieur (mister) or Madame (miss) for a bit of charm!
• Want some more phrases? You got them: Excusez-moi (excuse me); Merci (thank you); Au revoir (goodbye); Oiu/Non (yes/no). Many locals who work in tourism speak English, but you'll add some extra flair if you know a few phrases!
• When you’re eating, it's almost always preferred to use utensils. Also, keep your elbows off the table because they can be a sign of disrespect or lack of manners.
• France in general is very LGBTQ+ friendly! They're very open about expressing themselves, so feel free to let your true self shine!
• Smoking is very common in Marseille, but you cannot smoke in indoor public spaces.
• You should avoid wearing shorts and skirts in churches.

Keeping safe when navigating the city

Not sure how to get around the city and still stay safe? We've got some great tips for you so you can travel stress-free:

• The metro and tram are great ways of getting around. With passengers at the stops even at night, they are a good option for late-night travel! Just try to stick to well-lit stops and keep your wallet safe! You can also use cabs, and you won't be overcharged in Marseille. The northern districts are considered the most unsafe parts of the city, so you can just avoid them at night.
• If you're driving, it can get a bit challenging because of the city's narrow streets, heavy traffic, and lack of parking. There are large public garages around, just find one that suits you!
• Walking is the absolute best way to explore the city! That way, you won't miss any of the fascinating architecture of France's oldest city!
• If you're feeling adventurous, Marseille has the Le Vélo system for renting bikes! The streets can be pretty steep and narrow, so it's a bit of a challenge. You can go for e-bikes or just bring some protein bars and electrolyte water to keep you going!
• The city's layout makes it a bit more challenging for wheelchairs. But most public transportation and attractions have ramps, which is a plus.

Nature and Marseille: Safety tips to keep in mind

Looking for a place to clear your lungs? Marseille has some great options for a day in nature, if you keep some things in mind!

• You can swim in the Mediterranean Sea, but it can get some strong waves and currents since it's relatively open to the sea. If you're a strong swimmer, just make sure someone is always keeping an eye on your child or pet if you have one! Beaches like Plage des Catalans, Plage du Prado, and Plage de la Pointe Rouge are popular, clean, and have calm waters.
• If you're looking for a more secluded spot, Calanques National Park has inlets like Calanque de Sormiou and Calanque d’En-Vau. Those are great for some hiking, boating, snorkeling, or photo ops!
• Make sure to always have a tube of sunscreen and a bottle of water for those hot summer days! The mosquitoes can also be a bother near water, so pack some repellant.

Last tips in the case of an emergency

Are you extra careful on trips? Better safe than sorry! Here's some info so you can feel that extra bit prepared:

• Don't worry about street food! The quality is great and the ingredients are always fresh!
• Gluten and dairy are common in French cuisine, so you should always ask servers about them. Products will be labeled with phrases like “sans gluten” (gluten-free) or “peut contenir des traces de...” (may contain traces of...) which may help you with allergens.
• No need to worry about specific vaccinations to enter France, but you should get travel insurance to reduce healthcare costs. Check out some info about the EHIC card to learn more!
• You'll find high-quality healthcare in France. If you have an emergency, just call 112, or 15 for medical help! Response times are as quick as in other big cities!

Is Marseille safe, then?

Marseille is as safe as any one of the other major cities in France. You don't have to worry about any major scams, natural disasters, stomach bugs, or cultural differences while you visit Marseille. It's a big city that just needs as many safety precautions and common sense as any other! So you can visit on your own or with your family stress-free! Just leave anything you don't need with us, and enjoy your vacation to the fullest!