Dynamic, edgy and multicultural, Marseille is a bustling French port town by the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. The 14th arrondissement is just one of the 16 characterful neighbourhoods that make up the city. The area is a short 15-minute drive from downtown Marseille which makes it a fantastic base for exploring France’s second biggest city.
Things to Do
In Marseille, most tourist attractions are clustered around the 1st arrondissement. The picturesque Old Port is a scenic place for a stroll, stopping to admire luxury yachts along the way. Just uphill is trendy Le Panier, Marseille’s oldest and most stylish neighbourhood.
Thanks to its northern location, the 14th arrondissement offers easy access to some of Marseille’s top attractions. Don’t miss the chance to visit Palais Longchamp, a grand 19th-century park complete with a bubbling fountain, tumbling waterfall and menagerie of animal sculptures.
Nearby is the Museum of Fine Arts which showcases European works dating back to the 1500s. With its vast botanical, mineralogy and zoology collections the palatial Natural History Museum is always a favourite with kids.
If the Provence countryside is on your French itinerary, the 14th arrondissement is a great base. Foodies will jump at the chance to sign up for truffle hunting tours, while naturalists will love nearby Parc National des Calanques, a 20 kilometre stretch of rocky headland rising from the aquamarine waters of the Mediterranean.
Getting Around
Marseille’s 14th arrondissement sits to the north-east of the city centre, with the drive taking around 15 minutes. If you prefer public transport, Marseille is serviced by trams, metro trains and an extensive bus network. From the 14th arrondissement, public transport will get you to the Old Port in under one hour. The district is also close to the Marseille Provence Airport, with the drive taking just 20 minutes.