The best areas to stay in Marseille for your next dream vacation rental
Looking for the best place to stay in Marseille? Whether you’re dreaming of a charming fisherman’s cabin by the sea, a luxury villa with a hidden pool, or a stylish apartment in the heart of the city, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the best neighborhoods (or arrondissement, as we say in French) for an unforgettable getaway in France’s sunniest city.
The best areas to stay in Marseille for your next dream vacation rental
From the vibrant Vieux Port to the bohemian streets of Le Panier, each arrondissement has its own unique charm. La Corniche offers jaw-dropping Mediterranean views, while Noailles is a feast for the senses, with its bustling markets, budget accommodations and a rich multicultural vibe. If you’re after a quiet retreat, or views of Notre Dame, the safest neighborhoods like the 11th arrondissement or Vauban provide a peaceful escape while still within walking distance of Marseille’s top things to do.
For those who love a seaside ambiance, the picturesque Les Goudes is a must. And if you’re looking for a central Marseille accommodation, you can’t go wrong with Vieux Port, where top sightseeing spots, lively bars, and fantastic dining are just steps away.
No matter your style, there’s a perfect vacation rental waiting for you. Ready to book? Check out our top picks and start planning your dream trip to Marseille!
The Goudes neighborhood (8th arrondissement)
A vacation in Marseille’s own fishing village
Looking for one of the best areas to stay in Marseille? Les Goudes is where the city meets the deep blue sea—a dreamy fishing village located just 20 minutes from downtown. With its quirky charm, warm people, stunning beaches, and laid-back Mediterranean vibe, this neighborhood offers a perfect blend of history, contemporary style, and seaside relaxation.
Step into a world where time slows down: locals and travelers sip pastis by the port, soak in the sun, and enjoy fresh seafood with a view. Whether you’re after a luxury seaside escape or a cozy retreat, Les Goudes has plenty of places to stay, each packed with character.
For a boutique-style stay, check out Goudes Mood, a former fisherman’s hut turned modern designer hideaway. Lovingly restored in 2024 by Alexandre and Lorène, this vibrant two-suite accommodation features stunning sea views, bold colors, and playful Mediterranean touches. Think pink and ochre hues, local artisan pieces, and zellige-tiled showers inspired by Marseille’s heritage. With the Calanques National Park as a backdrop, it’s the perfect place to wake up with the sea at your doorstep.
Or opt for The Cabanon des Goudes a duo of charming, miniature Marseille homes crafted by creative studio WEAREMB. Tucked away on Rue du Louvre, these cozy, well-designed spaces capture the carefree southern French lifestyle. Expect terracotta floors, beaded curtains, second-hand ceramics, and bold pops of color. Whether you’re in the 40m² space for three or the 54m² two-bedroom retreat, this is seaside living at its finest.
Welcome to Les Goudes, where life is good.
The small fishing port of Les Goudes.
Like the rest of Marseille, Les Goudes is packed with excellent places to eat, drink, and relax. The Tuba Club is a standout, known for its Bikini bar, rooftop views, and fresh seafood served right on the rocks. For a more traditional experience, L’Auberge du Corsaire – Chez Paul, is the go-to spot for bouillabaisse with postcard-worthy port views. If a casual bite is more your style, grab a homemade ice cream or a brioche sandwich from La Boissonnerie where chef Cécilia Bonacchi creates daily delights. After a day at the beach in the Calanque de Callelongue, there’s no better way to end the night than at 20,000 Lieues, a local pub where you can mingle with Marseille’s regulars and catch the sunset over the sea.
Les Goudes may be tucked away from the main attractions, but it’s well worth the trip. With plenty of charm, stunning seaside views, and top-notch places to stay, this hidden gem is the perfect spot for a French Riviera getaway.
Bompard and Endoume Neighborhoods (7th arrondissement)
A stay with a view in Marseille
Perched along the legendary Corniche Kennedy, Villa Medjé is the kind of accomodation that makes you want to drop your bags and never leave. This candy-colored gem from the 20th century has been lovingly restored, tucked between plane trees and umbrella pines, and boasts breathtaking views of the Mediterranean sea. It’s a dream grandmother’s house, but make it stylish. And with Pénélope, the ultimate Marseille insider, as your host, you’ll have the city’s best-kept secrets at your fingertips.
Speaking of secrets—just ten minutes on foot, and you’ll hit some of the best spots in the neighborhood. Grab a bottle of something fabulous at Mademoiselle Wine, pick up a wedge of perfectly stinky cheese at La Meulerie, and refuel with an oat latte at Boujou Coffee before heading down to the sea—just 100 meters away. And for those with a sweet tooth? Loulou Glacier‘s buffalo milk ice cream is mandatory. One summer at Villa Medjé won’t be enough to tick off all the good spots. You’ve been warned.
For a totally different vibe, The Cabanon Malmousque is where it’s at. This former fisherman’s shelter—reimagined by Quentin and Louise—is giving Ibiza-meets-Marseille energy. A cozy, chic little cocoon just minutes from the sea, perfect for escaping the city buzz after a day in Endoume, one of the liveliest districts in summer. Fancy a sunset swim? Grab a pizza from L’eau à la Bouche, take it down to the rocks, and enjoy.
And for the foodies who like things fancy, there’s Petit Nice by Gérald Passedat—three Michelin stars and an icon of Marseille’s culinary scene. Expect seafood like you’ve never had before, served up with some serious Mediterranean flair.
As the sun sets, locals line up along Corniche Kennedy, ready to take the plunge into the sea. Are we jumping? Probably not. But we’ll absolutely be watching with a glass of pastis in hand.
With its prime location – not too far from the city center’s la canebière street or the train station, – easily accessible public transport, cool-yet-cozy stays, and plenty of spots to eat, drink, and swim, Bompard and Endoume are the kind of neighborhoods that make you fall hard for Marseille. Ready for a visit?
A Marseille institution, Le Petit Nice on the Corniche Kennedy. © Anna Pheulpin
Vauban Neighborhood (6th arrondissement)
A Marseille break with a mix of market strolls, siestas, and dining!
Apéritif by the water at La Maison de Ville. © Adel Fecih
Tucked just a stone’s throw from the old port of Marseille and the city centre, the Vauban neighborhood is that perfect mix of authentic city charm and trendy vibes. Picture cozy cafés, buzzing restaurants, and streets lined with colorful townhouses—all just waiting to be explored. Whether you’re here for sightseeing, good food, or a laid-back escape, this ideal neighborhood ticks all the boxes.
Right in the heart of it all, you’ll find La Maison de Ville, a hidden gem by Enamoura—the iconic Provençal boutique-workshop known for its artisan decor and dreamy lighting. Wrapped in a lush green oasis, this renovated townhouse is a rare find, boasting a private inner courtyard and a swimming pool (which, let’s be honest, is a game-changer in the city). A morning dip, followed by a Vanille Noire ice cream in hand as you wander the historic streets of Marseille? Sounds like the start of a perfect day.
And if you’re up for a little adventure, the famous Notre-Dame de la Garde (aka La Bonne Mère) is just a 16-minute walk away. Climb up for breathtaking views over the city, then head back down to the Old Port, where you can grab a table at Figure—the little sister of Ippon—and feast on croquettes, tarama, fresh oysters, and a chilled bottle of pet’nat.
Prefer a DIY feast? Hit up the fish market or Golfe fishmonger’s, grab some shrimp, sardines, or brandade bouchons, and enjoy a laid-back meal on La Maison de Ville’s terrace, shaded by the trees. With its quiet, village-like feel, you might even forget you’re in the heart of Marseille.
Vauban is the place to be for travelers, families, and city lovers alike. It’s trendy but laid-back, contemporary yet full of history, with art, culture, and beauty around every corner. Whether you’re here for the nightlife, the sights, or simply to soak up Marseille’s unique energy, you’ll find yourself wanting to stay just a little bit longer.
Saint-Marcel and Accates Neighborhoods (11th arrondissement)
A nature-filled vacation in Marseille
If you’ve ever dreamed of living like royalty—Marseille style, Saint-Marcel is the place to be. Tucked away in the Calanques National Park, this tranquil escape feels like a world away from the city buzz, yet remains conveniently close to Marseille’s center. The crown jewel? A 15th-century hunting lodge turned luxury château, sprawling across 1,000m² of pure elegance, set in a seven-hectare park. It’s spacious, breathtaking, and the ultimate getaway for guests looking for a safe and peaceful retreat.
Beyond its historic charm, the château’s location makes it a perfect base for exploring Cassis, just a short trip away. Here, you’ll find Villa Madie, a famous three-Michelin-star restaurant, where the dishes are as beautiful as the Mediterranean view. Expect flavors inspired by the sea and the garden, paired with some of the finest wines in Provence.
Back in Marseille, round out your day at La Table de l’Ours, where chef Fabien Augusto puts a fresh spin on local bistronomic cuisine. Think zucchini flower fritters, carrot hummus, panisse, and chilled gazpacho—all bursting with flavor. And after a long dinner and a leisurely evening stroll through the château’s vast grounds? Let’s just say, you’ll be sleeping like royalty.
A little further north, the Accates neighborhood delivers a totally different vibe. Casa Cygalea, a striking white, angular building, looks like it was plucked straight out of Palm Springs, yet it blends seamlessly with Marseille’s natural beauty. It’s a stunning accommodation option for those who love modern design, spacious interiors, and a unique escape from the ordinary.
Nearby, Le Jardin de la Clue is a must-visit—an easygoing, Marseille-style spot where dishes are crafted with the freshest market and garden ingredients. It’s the kind of place that locals love, travelers recommend, and food lovers won’t forget.
With its mix of historic elegance, contemporary hideaways, and easy access to nature, Saint-Marcel and Accates offer the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re here for the château life, modern design, or just looking for a quiet yet convenient base to explore Marseille, one thing’s for sure—you’ll never see the city the same way again.
Casa Cygalea, surrounded by a pine forest where the cicadas sing. © A. Toulin
Other neighborhoods to explore
Marseille’s boasts many lively central neighborhoods that are well worth a visit, even if you stay somewhere else! Head to Notre-Dame du Mont, a hotspot for street art lovers, bobo cafés, and buzzing nightlife. Stroll through Cours Julien, where colorful murals, organic markets, and comedy clubs bring a creative energy to the city.
For a taste of history, Saint Victor and Saint Jean near Marseille Vieux Port are packed with medieval charm, historic attractions, and stunning sea views. And if you’re up for a day trip, hop on a train from Marseille Saint-Charles to Aix-en-Provence, a city that blends European elegance with Mediterranean warmth. Known for its museums, lively markets, and picturesque squares, Aix is just a short ride away but feels like a whole new world.
Whether you’re here for the beaches, culture, food, or the legendary tales of the Count of Monte Cristo, Marseille is a city of constant change, where every corner tells a new story. The only bad decision? Not staying longer.
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