I decided to put all my favorites on a Google map, so you too can experience my personal Marseille tour in five walks. Here, the alleys are filled with local boutiques, restaurants and bars, and the walls are covered with ever-changing street art.
Turn right onto rue Andre Piogglioli and then take a right at rue des Trois Rois. While ogling the street art, take a left on any one of the perpendicular streets; my favorite is rue Pastoret because of its colorful decorations and whimsical boutiques. This will lead you to the main square of Cours Julien. Stop for a coffee or ice cream at Ego , or head across the square to the Cours Julien Staircase. Notice all the small butchers, bakers, and grocers selling inexpensive food.
Cross the street and continue straight ahead to the Vieux Port! I love showing my guests the very beginning of the area of coastline known as La Corniche. I love bringing a picnic and some beers to the beach and taking in the colors and sounds of the Mediterranean. Bus 82 departing from the Vieux Port takes roughly the same route, if you need a break from walking.
You might recognize the interior of Bar de la Marine from the scene in Love Actually where Colin Firth awkwardly proposes in Portuguese. Continue past Fort Saint Nicolas on your left and up the hill. The park is also known as Le Pharo because of the Palais du Pharo planted in the center. After exiting the park, continue to the right on Boulevard Charles Livon.
Take a slight right onto Corniche President John F. Cross the street from the monument and head down the stairs, Escalier du Vallon des Auffes to arrive in the small fishing port. I love spending hours wandering all of the tiny winding streets, and then usually head over to one of my favorite sites in Marseille: MuCEM and the Fort Saint-Jean. Head to the right side of the Vieux Port, Quai du Port. Turn right at the fancy Hotel de Ville onto rue de la Mairie. Go through the big plaza towards the impressive Intercontinental Hotel, housed in a former hospital, and turn left on rue Caisserie.
