It’s no secret that Marseille has struggled with a high crime rate, a huge drug problem, and even levels of government corruption over the years… but what does this all mean for you?
The truth about Marseille is that it’s had a rough past, and it might even still be rough today, but it’s trying to change for the better.
So is Marseille safe for you to visit today?
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Why You Should Visit Marseille, France?
If you’re visiting the South of France, Marseille is a very popular destination, and for good reason.
Marseille is the second largest city in France (after Paris), and the capital of the Provence region.
Marseille also has some of my favourite views I saw in the South of France (and that says a lot… the South of France is beyond BEAUTIFUL!). I swear I couldn’t put my camera down for a second at the Marseille Old Port!
There’s also a lot of history to discover in Marseille, some that you would never had expected!
For example, it went from rich Greek connections, to drug trafficking, and more recently, how the city putting in the effort to change for the better!
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How To Make The Most Of One Day In Marseille – A Suggested Itinerary
Why Should You Avoid Visiting – Is Marseille Dangerous?
As I mentioned, Marseille is a very prominent city in France.
So why shouldn’t you visit Marseille if it’s such an important city?
Well Marseille doesn’t exactly have the most inviting past, and it’s not completely in the clear today either.
A Look At Marseille’s Shady Past
Marseille France actually used to supply 85% of the United State’s heroin… yup, you read that right!
But even more than that, the heroin was all made in the homes in Le Panier neighbourhood (a very popular up-and-coming artsy neighbourhood near the Old Port in the city centre!).
Better yet, when the judge revealed the names of the important players in this heroin ring, he was murdered for doing so.
At least some good came of the judge’s death, this was one of the key factors that lead to improving the city.
These are only two examples of the largest crime and murders in Marseille in the past. And the truth about Marseille is that this isn’t all still in the past.
What About Marseille Safety Today?
Even though the city is trying to crackdown on the drug problem in the city, it’s not that simple.
When I say that Marseille is still dangerous, that’s because 2023 was unfortunately Marseille’s deadliest year in a while.
In fact, according to the article, the crime rate and deaths more than doubled since 2020!
What About Petty Crimes In Marseille?
When asked is Marseille dangerous, it’s hard to say no. Marseille is the one of the most dangerous city in Europe today…
So if you’re worried about petty crimes like theft and pickpockets, you still have to be careful in Marseille, and maybe even a bit more than you would in other major cities in Europe.
There are ways to try and avoid these petty crimes that would make visiting Marseille safer for you. For example, don’t draw attention to yourself by wearing fancy jewellery.
If you’re travelling with a bag, make sure to keep it in front of you and hugging your body (that’s why I love travelling with my Lululemon Belt Bag).
It’s also important to be aware of your surroundings. Take note if someone bumps into you, or keeps looking at you.
Is Marseille Safe At Night?
I didn’t stay in Marseille overnight because we were a bit concerned for what Marseille is like at night, and for good reason.
We did leave after it was dark though and I’ll be honest I could have left earlier.
The Old Port itself is quite lively at night, and it’s very well lit, so I felt very safe in this area of Marseille at night.
It was only once we left to walk back to the train station that I became a bit uncomfortable…
I don’t know how, but we took a wrong turn and ended up walking on some of the smaller streets which were dark, and had some people of questionable character along the way.
You Should Try To At Least Stay For Golden Hour
If you visit Marseille, I’d recommend staying to watch sunset at the Old Port, and then heading back to your base city before it gets too dark.
The way golden hour lights up the boats on the water and the basilica in the background is just unimaginably beautiful and really shouldn’t be missed.
The Truth About Marseille: Why You Don’t Have To Avoid It
You don’t have to completely avoid visiting Marseille France anymore.
We have the Marseille tourism board to thank for that back in 2013, it made the Marseille safety a lot better for tourists.
Marseille Has Been Trying To Change For The Better
What happened in 2013 to evoke this change in Marseille safety?
In 2013 Marseille won the Cultural Capital of Europe award.
With this award, Marseille for the first time ever, actually invested money into the city.
It was able to open up a conference centre, and two new museums (Marseille History Museum, and MuCEM) which are now the two most popular things to do in Marseille.
This was a huge change. The space of the Marseille History Museum went from a parking lot to a Greek archeological site.
And the Fort Saint-Jeans was finally reconstructed after being left in ruins after the Second World War.
And remember Le Panier, the main heroin neighbourhood? The city actually started to commission local graffiti there to bring in artists.
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Marseille Safety Concerns: Crimes Aren’t In The City Centre
You might also notice that most of the crimes and deaths in Marseille happen outside the city centre, in neighbourhoods like La Castellane, North of the city.
And the old dangerous city neighbourhoods have been transformed.
Like Le Panier is no longer the heroin haven it was once, but rather an up-and-coming as an artist’s hub for locals and tourists to enjoy.
But Is Marseille Worth Visiting After All?
Despite all these new changes it’s important to set certain expectations for your time in Marseille.
Just because it’s in the South of France, doesn’t mean it’s set to the same standards as some of the other Southern cities.
Even though Marseilles is situated along the coast, this isn’t going to be anything like Côte d’Azur in the South of France. And, although it’s the second-largest city in France, it’s not going to have the same wealth or population as Paris.
It’s going to be a mix of run-down Provence and Parisian architecture. You’ll have a mix of bigger and smaller streets than you might be used to coming from either Aix or Paris, but definitely not as well kept.
Am I Happy I Visited Marseille? The Truth Is…
The truth about Marseille is that it’s still a growing and changing city but I’m really happy I included a day trip to Marseille in my South of France itinerary.
But as much as it already has changed for the better, there’s still ways to go.
For the most part, Marseille is safe during the day. It was only at night where I started to feel uncomfortable, so I was happy to be going back to Aix for the night.
But Marseille is definitely worth the visit for those views alone, to learn about how it’s gone through so much change is also very impressive.
It was a great day trip in the South of France and I would highly recommend spending one day in Marseille.
How To Visit Marseille & Stay Safe
As I mentioned, if you stay in the city centre and heavily populated areas, you should have nothing to worry about when visiting Marseille.
And if you’re extra cautious, like me, just visit for the day to avoid staying overnight.
I felt very safe in Marseille when we were visiting the Old Port, New Port, Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde, and even Le Panier neighbourhood. And we did not stray from these touristy areas.
I think we did stay a bit too late in the evening, leaving only after the sun went down… so I’d probably try to leave even earlier if I went back.
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How To Make The Most Of One Day In Marseille – A Suggested Itinerary
One Day In Marseille Is All You Need!
The truth about Marseille is that even though it’s the second-largest city in France you can see it all in one day (well the parts you want to anyway).
And this way you don’t have to worry about Marseille safety at night (which is questionable).
With only one day in Marseille you don’t have time to venture too far away from the city centre if you don’t want to, there’s more than enough to see around the Old and New ports.
If you are looking to leave the main city centre of Marseille you still can – within reason – to still feel safe in Marseille. We ventured a bit out of the cite centre to go to the Basilica Notre Dame de la Gare (up the hill) and then walked down to Vallon des Auffres, and never felt unsafe for a second.
Book An Organized Tour For Maximum Marseille Safety
My best advice for spending the day and staying safe in Marseille is to book a walking tour in the morning. Not only was it a great way to learn about the city, but we felt safer walking around with someone who knew where it was safe to go before we went out on our owns.
You can also book a longer tour of Marseille, like this one on Viator.
Or if you’re staying in Aix-en-Provence, you can book this half day tour to all the must-sees in Marseille. So you don’t have to worry about a single thing!
See tours on Viator.
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Anne
Thursday 23rd of June 2022
Thank you for this article! I like to call Marseille the un-Paris. If you’re looking to avoid the corporate, tourist vibe that has sadly spread throughout much of Paris, then Marseille might be for you. I visited Marseille as a solo female traveler in December 2019 and spent a week there. I mainly stuck to the port area and city center, but did venture further out a few times including once at night, which was the only time I felt I needed to be extra careful of my surroundings. Having grown up in Los Angeles, I felt safe in Marseille. I had a rental next door to the opera house and they were putting on a nightly light show for the holidays. The whole town was done up for Christmas, hot chocolate and roasted chestnut carts on the street corners. The seafood was delicious and also great Lebanese food. Everything was very affordable, as well. I highly recommend spending a couple of days there, just use common sense, don’t stand out and be aware of your surroundings.
S Goodwin
Monday 20th of February 2023
I do agree! I’ve been traveling to Marseille since 2013. Always stay in an apt. Rental for 4-8 weeks in the Vieux-Porte . I’m older, blonde & blue eyed and walk 4-10 miles a day in Marseille. I shop in the Noailles Market several times a week. I walk to my favorite restaurants for 8pm dinners and home again. I ride the busses when going to the beaches or surrounding towns. I’m aware of my surroundings & am safe and happy. I live in San Francisco and also walk often or ride the busses. Enjoy Marseilles! It’s fun and joyful.
Meghan
Friday 24th of June 2022
Hi Anne,
Thanks so much for your comment and glad you had a good time in Marseille as a solo-female traveler! I definitely think that it really depends on comfort levels (I tend to be on the more nervous and anxious side!). That sounds so lovely at Christmas time and it probably much the city much livelier - especially at night!
Elsa
Sunday 29th of December 2019
You had maximized well that one-day adventure..great review! Hope to find more like you.
admin
Sunday 29th of December 2019
Thanks! :)
Emma
Saturday 28th of December 2019
I've never really thought about Marseille and while it looks nice enough, it's also good that you mention some of the safety aspects and a true account of the place. Could be a great day trip like you said
admin
Sunday 29th of December 2019
Marseille has so much potential, it's just important to remember that it's still a growing and changing city!
Kate
Saturday 28th of December 2019
This was so helpful! Thank you for sharing all of this info and your insights!!
admin
Sunday 29th of December 2019
Glad to hear that!
Patti
Saturday 28th of December 2019
I love visiting these side cities of France that’s not over populated. So much history!
admin
Sunday 29th of December 2019
The South of France is definitely a nice change from the bigger cities like Paris!