The cruise terminal in Marseille is not well suited for a run or stroll directly from the ship. It is possible to cross the expressway outside the port and run into a residential neighbourhood from there.
However, the northern districts of Marseille are considered partially unsafe. It is therefore recommended to take the shuttle to the Terrasses du Port. The running and walking routes start from there, leading to the most beautiful parts of Marseille.
The running and walking routes start from there, leading to the most beautiful parts of Marseille. This 10 km loop combines Marseille Cathedral, the historic Vieux Port and the famous Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica with its spectacular view over the city.
The route begins at the Terrasses du Port, the modern shopping and promenade area right on the coast of Marseille. After a few hundred metres Marseille Cathedral follows, one of the most striking buildings in the city with its distinctive striped façade.
From the cathedral the route continues south towards the Vieux Port, the old harbour of Marseille. An optional but highly recommended detour leads to St. Laurent Church, reached via a lovely staircase.
The route runs along the northern side of the Vieux Port, passing the fishing boats and the lively harbour promenade. Unlike the 5 km route, it does not turn left towards the old town at the Quai du Port but continues around the harbour. After that comes the most demanding part of the route: a climb of around 140 metres in elevation up to the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, the landmark of Marseille high above the city. At the top, the steep climb is rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view over Marseille, the harbour and the Mediterranean.
From Notre-Dame de la Garde the route heads back downhill towards the sea. Once back at the coast, it continues towards the Vieux Port. Optionally, the return after the Vieux Port can be routed through the old town of Le Panier just like on the 5 km route, bringing the loop back to the Place de la Joliette right next to the Terrasses du Port.
This route offers many highlights of Marseille, but is not a continuously scenic loop. Larger sections run along pavements next to roads before the climb to Notre-Dame de la Garde is rewarded with one of the finest views in the city. Those who don't mind the steep ascent get one of the most impressive sightseeing routes in Marseille with this loop.
Marseille is best discovered with a combination of activity and sightseeing. Since the cruise terminal itself is not ideal for running, a guided e-bike tour with pickup directly at the cruise terminal is a good first step. This allows the city's most important sights to be discovered in a relaxed way without much effort. Afterwards, the shuttle can be taken into the city to run or walk the 10 km loop.
Alternatively, a guided walking tour through the harbour and old town of Marseille is a good option, starting near the Vieux Port – exactly where the shuttle drops passengers off. This tour offers more insight into the history of the city and its oldest neighbourhoods. It combines well with the 10 km route either before or after.
The route does not start directly at the cruise terminal but at the Terrasses du Port. A shuttle transfer from the port is therefore necessary, as the port area and its surroundings are not particularly well suited for running or walking.
The route can be followed either directly via the map on this page or by importing the GPX file into a navigation app like Komoot. Navigation via the GPX file is recommended, as it is considerably more precise and provides clear GPS guidance while running. Once the GPX file has been saved in the app, the map can usually also be used offline. It is recommended to test the navigation in flight mode without active Wi-Fi in advance.
Tip: If your mobile provider does not offer roaming or only at high cost, a global data plan is a good option for cruises, for example from eSIM.sm (advertisement).
The route runs mostly along pavements and through busy areas. Larger sections run alongside roads, requiring a bit more attention. In the narrow lanes of Le Panier, particular attention should be paid to pedestrians.
Allow plenty of buffer time, especially for runs in the afternoon, as the shuttle journey also needs to be factored in. If time gets tight, the optional old town detour at the end can be skipped, returning directly from the Vieux Port to the Terrasses du Port. It is also worth saving the ship's phone number in advance for emergencies. Apps like Uber or Bolt should be installed on your phone and you should be familiar with using them. Uber and Bolt work well in Marseille.
A public toilet can be found by turning left around the middle of the Quai du Port towards the 7VB Café. No public drinking water stations are known along the route. There are however plenty of options to buy drinks at the Terrasses du Port and around the Vieux Port.
The route runs over asphalt and cobblestones, and over steeper road sections during the climb to Notre-Dame de la Garde. Normal running shoes are sufficient. Sun protection, enough water and a navigation device are also recommended. A payment option is also useful, as in Marseille you can usually pay by card or smartphone as well.