Marseille, more popularly known as France's "most dangerous port", is not as dangerous anymore (if it ever was). With about a million inhabitants, mixed between all cultures of the mediterranean, Marseille is the biggest port in France.
Although Marseille is not especially known for being a tourist destination, it has a very own charm that you should get to know. The markets of the Panier, the Calanques with its' natural beaches, and the Old Port by night already make a great stay.
Check out the link section for more.
However, Marseille's reputation as a uninteresting city makes it hard in a way for a backpackers to find a place.
From all accommodations we have visited, La Cigale et la Fourmi is probably the only real backpackers' hostel, even if, at first, it didn't look like it. The place has some kind of easy-going attitude, perhaps a little too much of it, but it definitely is worth to see. The owner was born in Marseille and knows the town perfectly, but is more interested in the Calanques, where he can bring you if you're lucky (by car - note that he has a license to access the park, which comes in handy). The only drawback: it is a good 25 minutes by public transport to the city center.
As for the rest, there are some quite expensive hotels in the Old Port area, same like everywhere, and nothing that would be really worth to mention. As of May 2010, we're testing this kind of short city guides. Tell us what you think about it.
Sort Hostels by: Title | Rating | Bed from Hostels currently sorted by: Rating (Highest to Lowest Scores)
La Cigale et la Fourmi Backpackers
