10 Things to Do in Marseille When it Rains

Museums and art galleries in Marseille are great places to get lost, especially when it rains. The Museum of Civilisations of Europe and the Mediterranean is home to more than 1 million historical objects significant to the area spread across its 3 locations: the main CCR building, the newer J4 contemporary building and the historic Fort Jean military Fortress, all near the Bay of Marseille.

One of the interesting museums and art galleries is the Musée de la Moto Marseille, which highlights motorcycle history from 1885 to the present. Meanwhile, in an old gallery arsenal in the old port, the Marseille Soap Museum traces soap-making history with exhibits, demonstrations and an olfactory testing zone.

Cathédrale La Major, also known as Marseille Cathedral, provides a glimpse into the history, and you’ll want to explore this landmark. Near the old port in the 2nd district of Marseille between the ‘Panier’ district and the Joliette area, this Roman Catholic cathedral is hard to miss with its Byzantine design.

Inside Cathédrale La Major, you’ll see many things of interest. In the 12th-century old cathedral, you can see the choir area and part of the nave, while the newer part of the cathedral features exquisite artwork, paintings, sculptures and striking interiors.

Friche la Belle de Mai, or La Friche, which translates to the Wasteland, offers something interesting to experience, from art exhibitions to live concerts, theatre productions and more. This spacious cultural complex housed in a tobacco building from 1871 is in the Belle de Mai neighbourhood near the Saint-Charles station. The venue hosts the EDM festival Marsatac each year, a nice addition to its performing arts productions.

Taking in culture is not the only way to spend your time at Friche la Belle de Mai. Pop into the buzzing Les Grandes Table restaurant for lunch and dinner or the cafe for a coffee.

Les Terrasses du Port appeals to shopping enthusiasts looking for something to buy on a rainy day. Located in the 2nd arrondissement of Marseille, this retail centre features over 170 shops selling everything from clothes to beauty, gourmet treats and more from well-known global brands and French brands.

When you need a break from shopping, Les Terrasses du Port boasts dining establishments for all tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for something casual, steak or French fare, you’ll find it at one of the 20 restaurants and cafes.

La Vieille Charité is one of the top places in Marseille to enjoy a mix of culture and exhibitions. Set in the old Panier quarter, the city's historic core, this former 17th-century almshouse and refuge for beggars has been transformed into a centre for local heritage and is home to several organisations.

If you’re searching for something interesting to do when it rains, you’ll find it at La Vielle Charité. Along with changing exhibitions, the arts destination is home to the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology, the Museum of African, Oceanian and Amerindian Arts, and the Centre International de la Poesia.

Abbaye Saint Victor is a fortified church on the South Bank of the Vieux-Port that offers a glimpse into the past. Founded in the 5th century, this former abbey is named after Victor of Marseilles, a local soldier saint and martyr, and is considered one of the must-see places in the city.

It’s easy to spot the Abbaye Saint Victor, as its tower is a legendary landmark. Inside, there are several places of significance that provide a glimpse into the past, including the Basilica, old crypts and other relics.

Orange Vélodrome, also known as the Stade Vélodrome, is a modern multi-purpose venue that attracts sports fans and other spectators. Located in the southern part of Marseille, 2 miles from the city centre, this venue is billed as the ‘Most Beautiful Stadium in the World’ because of its sleek architectural design.

Along with being home to Ligue 1, an Olympique de Marseille football club, Orange Vélodrome also hosts international events. The stadium has welcomed several FIFA World Cups, a Rugby World Cup and other exciting sporting events through the years. Tours are available for those who want to explore the stadium behind the scenes.

Cité Radieuse, which means ‘radiant city’, attracts architectural lovers with exquisite modular design by famed French architect Le Corbusier. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the post-war apartment complex is in the 8th arrondissement of Marseille.

One of the must-visit sites of Marseille, Cité Radieuse captures the imagination with its interesting lines and colours. When it was built, it was considered an experimental and innovative project. If you want an in-depth look at the building, take a guided tour to learn about the building’s history, designer and other fascinating details.

Opéra de Marseille offers a fantastic opportunity to take in world-class opera performances, symphonies and other performing arts productions. Set in the appropriately named area called Opéra, this elegant venue is one of the oldest and largest opera houses in France.

The programming at Opéra de Marseille is exciting, with productions ranging from classical favourites to rare and newer works. While the playbill always changes yearly, recent productions include George Bizet’s Carmen and Giuseppi Verdi’s Macbeth. You can also catch ballets and concerts featuring renowned performers from around the world.

Docks des Suds attracts a crowd for its entertainment and nightlife. Housed in a former port warehouse in the neighbourhood of La Juliette in the Port of Marseille, the live music venue and nightclub presents fantastic musical acts from various genres.

You can also check out big music festivals at Docks des Suds. One such event is Fiesta des Suds, which takes place over several days every October and brings talented performers ready to entertain the crowds of both locals and tourists.