11-Day Marseille Trip: Copy This Itinerary

Day 1 starts at Old Port of Marseille at 9 AM - allow 2 hours to explore the vibrant area. Take a 10-minute taxi ride (~€10) to Notre-Dame de la Garde, arriving by 11:30 AM for a 90-minute visit admiring views and architecture. Head to Parc national des Calanques at 1:30 PM via a 25-minute bus ride (~€5) for 4 hours of scenic hiking and relaxation.

Attractions

Old Port of Marseille

The historic Old Port is the heart of Marseille, bustling with activity, picturesque views, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for exploring the city's maritime heritage.

Notre-Dame de la Garde

Perched high above the city, this stunning basilica offers breathtaking panoramic views of Marseille and is a symbol of its rich history and culture.

Parc national des Calanques

Explore stunning cliffs, turquoise waters, and hidden beaches in one of France's most beautiful national parks, perfect for hiking, swimming, and outdoor adventures.

Day 2 starts at the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations at 9 AM – allow 2 hours for exploration. Take a 20-minute taxi ride (~€15) to Château d'If, arriving by 11:30 AM for another 2-hour visit. Conclude your day at Port Antique at 2 PM, which is a 15-minute ferry ride (~€10). Enjoy the scenic views while you relax before your evening plans.

Attractions

Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations

This modern museum highlights Mediterranean cultures and showcases intriguing exhibitions through impressive architecture, making it a must-visit for culture lovers.

Château d'If

Famous from Dumas' 'The Count of Monte Cristo', this fortress island offers intriguing history, stunning views, and a quintessential glimpse into Marseille's past.

Port Antique

Discover ancient ruins amidst a tranquil garden atmosphere, offering a unique fusion of history and nature right in the city center, ideal for a peaceful stroll.

Start Day 3 at La Corniche Kennedy at 9 AM, allowing 90 minutes to enjoy the stunning coastal views. Next, take a 15-minute taxi ride (~€10) to Marseille Chanot, arriving by 11 AM; spend 2 hours exploring exhibitions here. Conclude your day at Les Terrasses du Port at 1:30 PM, a quick 10-minute taxi ride (~€8), spending another 2 hours shopping and dining with waterfront views.

Attractions

La Corniche Kennedy

Walk along this scenic coastal road for stunning views of the Mediterranean, cliffs, and picturesque beaches, making it an ideal spot for family outings and picnics.

Marseille Chanot

This cultural hub hosts various events and exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing local art, music, and traditions, enriching your Marseille experience.

Les Terrasses du Port

Combining shopping, dining, and leisure activities, this waterfront shopping center offers stunning views of the port and a vibrant atmosphere for families.

Start Day 4 at Zoological Gardens at 9 AM - allow 3 hours to explore. Travel 15 minutes via taxi (~€15) to La Boule Bleue - Le Panier by 12:30 PM, where you can relax for 1.5 hours with lunch. Finally, head to Parc national des Calanques at 2:30 PM, a 30-minute journey by taxi (~€25), and enjoy the stunning nature for 4 hours.

Attractions

Zoological Gardens

This beautiful park features gardens, a historic palace, and a zoo, ensuring a delightful day out for families, perfect for picnics and outdoor activities.

La Boule Bleue - Le Panier

Explore the tradition of boules in Marseille and enjoy a fun, interactive experience while learning about this beloved local sport, perfect for families.

Parc national des Calanques

A stunning national park featuring dramatic landscapes, perfect for hiking, swimming, and exploring marine life, providing a fantastic outdoor experience for the entire family.

Start your day at Parc Borély at 9 AM - allow 2 hours to enjoy its gardens and lake. Travel by tram (10 minutes, ~€1.70) to Château de la Buzine, arriving around 11:30 AM for a 90-minute visit. Conclude your day at Plage des Catalans at 1:30 PM, spend 3 hours relaxing on the beach. Take a 15-minute bus ride (~€1.70) back to your accommodation.

Attractions

Parc Borély

This beautiful park features gardens, a lake, and playgrounds, making it perfect for families and nature lovers.

Château de la Buzine

This historical château offers guided tours and gardens, showcasing local history and culture.

Plage des Catalans

A popular beach close to the city center, perfect for sunbathing and swimming with kids.

Day 1 starts at Place de la Bourse at 9 AM - allow 1 hour to admire the stunning architecture and reflective water mirror. Then, take a 10-minute tram ride (Tram C, ~€1.70) to Cité du Vin by 10:30 AM for a 2-hour immersive wine experience. Lunch nearby, then enjoy a 15-minute stroll to Jardin Public at 1 PM, allowing 1.5 hours to relax and explore the park's beauty.

Attractions

Place de la Bourse

This stunning square showcases Bordeaux's classical architecture and is famous for its beautiful water mirror, providing a perfect photo opportunity.

Cité du Vin

A must-see for wine lovers, this innovative museum offers immersive exhibits about wine culture worldwide, making it entertaining for the whole family.

Jardin public

This beautiful public garden is perfect for a family picnic, with playgrounds, walking paths, and serene ponds that make for a peaceful retreat in the city.

Start Day 2 at Jardin Botanique de Bordeaux at 9 AM - allow 2 hours to explore. Take a 10-minute walk to Miroir d'eau at 11:30 AM - spend 1 hour enjoying the reflections. After, walk 15 minutes to Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts by 1 PM - allow 1.5 hours for the visit. This balanced itinerary mixes culture with leisure, all within close proximity to the city center.

Attractions

Jardin Botanique de Bordeaux

Explore diverse plant species in this expansive garden, featuring themed areas that engage kids with nature and provide educational opportunities.

Miroir d'eau

As the world's largest reflecting pool, this stunning landmark creates breathtaking illusions and fun water play for children as it reflects the surrounding architecture.

Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts

Discover an impressive collection of European paintings from the 14th to the 20th centuries, set in a serene environment perfect for art lovers of all ages.

Day 3 starts at Parc Bordelais at 9 AM - allow 90 minutes to enjoy the park's beauty. Take a 15-minute tram ride to Les Halles Bacalan, arriving around 11 AM for 2 hours of food exploration. Finally, enjoy Porte Cailhau at 1:30 PM, allowing 45 minutes to appreciate its history. Plan for a 10-minute tram ride back to the city center from Les Halles Bacalan to wrap up your day.

Attractions

Parc Bordelais

This charming park features a lively playground and pond, offering a calm atmosphere for families to unwind and enjoy outdoor activities.

Les Halles Bacalan

Experience the best of local gastronomy at this vibrant market filled with stalls offering fresh produce, local delicacies, and tasty street food.

Porte Cailhau

This beautifully preserved gate is a stunning example of medieval architecture and offers great views of the old town from its top.

Day 4 starts at Pont de Pierre at 9 AM - allow 30 minutes for photos. Next, take a 10-minute walk to Hôtel Mercure Bordeaux Château Chartrons, starting at 10 AM for 2 hours to enjoy the ambiance. In the afternoon, walk 15 minutes to Parc Bordelais at 12:30 PM, spending 2 hours relaxing in the park. This balanced day combines iconic sights with leisure in Bordeaux.

Attractions

Pont de Pierre

Walk across this historic bridge, the first stone bridge built over the Garonne, and capture scenic views of the river and city skyline.

Hôtel Mercure Bordeaux Château Chartrons

This historic vineyard offers beautiful surroundings and guided tours that explain Bordeaux's winemaking heritage, perfect for both adults and children.

Parc Bordelais

A beautiful park perfect for family picnics, play areas for kids, and walking paths surrounded by greenery.

Day 1 starts at Tuileries Garden (closest to city center) at 9 AM - allow 90 minutes for a leisurely stroll. Travel 15 minutes by foot to reach Musée d'Orsay by 11 AM - spend 2 hours admiring art. Afterwards, take a 20-minute walk to the Eiffel Tower at 1:30 PM - allow 2.5 hours for exploration and views.

Attractions

Tuileries Garden

Experience the beauty of this historic garden, a perfect blend of nature and art, ideal for family picnics and leisurely strolls among statues and fountains.

Musée d'Orsay

Home to an extensive collection of Impressionist masterpieces, the Musée d'Orsay is set in a stunning former railway station, captivating both art lovers and families.

Eiffel Tower

No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower, offering breathtaking views and a chance to capture unforgettable family photos.

Day 2 starts at Parc des Buttes-Chaumont at 9 AM - allow 2 hours for leisurely exploration. Take a 20-minute Metro ride from Buttes-Chaumont to Château de Vincennes (~€2) and arrive by 11:30 AM, spending 90 minutes here. For lunch, enjoy a quick bite and head to La Villette at 1:30 PM, reachable by a 25-minute Metro journey (~€2). Spend 2 hours exploring its attractions.

Attractions

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

A hidden gem, this park features beautiful landscapes, a waterfall, and playgrounds, perfect for families wanting to relax in nature away from the city's hustle.

Château de Vincennes

Step back in time at this well-preserved medieval castle, complete with a moat, towers, and extensive grounds to explore, delighting both kids and history buffs.

La Villette

This expansive park integrates cultural venues and green spaces, offering playgrounds, gardens, and open-air activities, making it a family's paradise in the heart of Paris.

11-day itinerary in Marseille & Bordeaux & Paris, France focusing on Top attractions and Nature and outdoor and For kids

Trip Highlights

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Attractions

Old Port of Marseille

Notre-Dame de la Garde

Parc national des Calanques

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11