Historic Stays Around Marseille's Old Port

InterContinental Marseille, Hotel Dieu, is the clear choice for anyone who wants history in the stonework. The hotel is housed in an 18th-century building in the historic district, about 350 metres from the Old Port, and it offers 194 rooms and suites, some with views over the city's landmarks and private terraces. Inside there is a Clarins spa with saunas, hammams and an indoor pool, plus a gym. Guests rate it 8.7 from almost 1,900 reviews. Its position at the foot of Le Panier means the Vieille Charité and the lanes of the old quarter are a short climb from the lobby, which I value more than any amenity.

Radisson Blu Hotel Marseille Vieux Port is not an old building, and I would rather say so plainly, but its outlook is about as historic as Marseille gets. The four-star hotel overlooks the harbour and has an outdoor swimming pool with views of Fort Saint-Nicolas, the 17th-century fortress guarding the harbour mouth. Rooms are air-conditioned, with Provençal or African decor, some with port views and Nespresso machines, and a fitness room looks out over city monuments. With an 8.6 score from nearly 1,900 reviews, it suits travellers who want to swim after a day of walking between the Abbey of Saint-Victor and the quays.

The Suite privée du balcon du vieux port is a different kind of stay: a sea-view apartment-style listing in the city centre, a short walk from the Vieux Port metro station and from Plage des Catalans, the closest sandy beach to the old town. It has a sun terrace, a bar and air-conditioned accommodation, with a 24-hour front desk and concierge listed. Its 9.5 score comes from only 45 reviews, so I treat it as promising rather than proven. I would book it for a couple who prefer privacy and a swim at Catalans over hotel services, and pair it with early walks to the harbour before the fish market winds down.

Whichever address you pick, the old city is best explored on foot and early. Start on the Quai des Belges, then climb through Le Panier to the Vieille Charité and down to the Cathedral of La Major and the MuCEM, linked by footbridge to Fort Saint-Jean. On another morning, walk the south side of the harbour past Fort Saint-Nicolas to the Abbey of Saint-Victor, among the oldest churches in France, and continue up to Notre-Dame de la Garde. Boats leave the Old Port for the Frioul islands and the Château d'If, and I would keep one afternoon free for that crossing.