With its 170 days of sunshine per year, its locals with their singing accent, its laid-back lifestyle, and its modern vibe, the city of Marseille has everything to please. Are you heading out to explore Marseille or the surrounding area? Discover all our favorite spots for a family outing by the Mediterranean.

Where to stay in Marseille with children?

In Marseille, you have plenty of accommodation options. Staying in the Vieux-Port district or the Panier neighborhood, for example, is a great idea: if your main goal is sightseeing, you’ll be perfectly placed to explore the city. If you prefer a quieter setting, close to the beach or surrounded by nature, other neighborhoods will also appeal to you, depending on your interests. As for lodging, you can choose from many hotels, bed and breakfasts, and guesthouses, or even rent an apartment. Pick what best suits your family life.

Our favorite for a trip to Marseille: the hotel 96 . Nestled in a lush setting just a short walk from the calanques, Hotel 96 is the perfect place for a family stay in Marseille. This hotel, with its warm and refined decor, has everything to please: a swimming pool, bike rentals, a delicious breakfast, and a wellness area for adults—everything you need to recharge in a soothing bubble of calm. Upon request, the hotel provides families with a crib, bottle warmer, and changing table. We especially appreciate that the hotel has adopted a policy of sustainable tourism and is certified "Green Key".

Hotel 96 , 96 avenue de la Soude, 13009 Marseille

Where to eat in Marseille with children?

Marseille cuisine and its Mediterranean flavors are sure to delight you! Between traditional bouillabaisse, pistou soup, and its navettes, you’ll definitely find something to enjoy. Here are three addresses we especially love, perfect for young families and a delicious moment:

1. Ouimum's , 50 boulevard Edouard Herriot, 13008 Marseille

If there’s one place you should visit during your trip to Marseille, it’s Ouimum’s ! This shop-and-café-restaurant is specially designed for young families—strollers and little ones are more than welcome here. We love the restaurant area and tea lounge, which combine creativity and fresh products to delight both adults and children, thanks to a dedicated kids’ menu.

Its highlight: a safe play area and activities that offer a moment for yourself or with baby. There’s something for everyone, from sports classes to relaxation workshops, including treatments specially designed for expectant and new mothers. While you’re there, take the opportunity to browse the shop—it’s hard not to open your wallet when you want to buy everything! ;)

2. Urban Kitchen , 23 avenue de Corinthe, 13006 Marseille

Urban Kitchen is the kind of address that will steal your heart! Whether for lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch, you’ll enjoy delicious dishes for any occasion. Bonus points for the decor, the terrace, and the pétanque court, which are especially appreciated during the summer season.

We especially love the kids’ corner, where little ones can find coloring books, markers, and games to keep them busy while the grown-ups enjoy themselves. The Sunday brunch menu is also worth a visit: with sweet and savory options, the buffet will delight the taste buds of your entire family.

3. L’Éléphant Rose à Pois Blancs , 25 Rue des Trois Rois, 13006 Marseille

Everyone relives their childhood with a sweet treat at L’Éléphant Rose à Pois Blancs. This artisan ice cream maker offers homemade ice creams and sorbets made with carefully selected ingredients. Between wildly flavored ice creams, milkshakes, Liège waffles, and other delights, it’s the perfect place for a tasty break.

We love that the fruit used in the ice creams and sorbets is chosen seasonally at the market, and that waffle toppings, such as spread or salted caramel, are made on site.

What to do with family?

With its seaside, natural areas, and must-see heritage, you’ll find plenty of activities to entertain your family. Here is our non-exhaustive list of things to do in Marseille and the surrounding region for a successful stay—especially with a little one!

1. The must-see Marseille sights

Stroll along La Canebière, the Old Port, or the MuCEM esplanade, and take beautiful photos from the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde basilica—there are so many things to do in Marseille. Take the time to immerse yourself in this city of modernity and tradition. With its 111 villages, the city will amaze you with its remarkably diverse heritage. Wander through downtown Marseille and explore the charming alleys of the Panier district, the oldest neighborhood in the city. If possible, do this with your little adventurer in a baby carrier, as there are many stairs. Marseille is often said to be an open-air museum because street art culture is deeply rooted here; keep your eyes open and admire the colorful murals, especially around Le Cours Julien.

2. A little train ride

If you want to get a glimpse of the city in just a few hours, consider the little tourist train. Usually enjoyed by both children and adults, three routes depart from the Old Port, allowing you to see the city and its iconic sites in no time. It’s also a great way to easily reach the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde hill if you’d like to visit the basilica: the little train stops there for 25 minutes, giving you time to look around. This relaxing activity is ideal if you’re only in town for a few days.

3. Stretch your legs at Parc Borely

As the largest park in the city, Borely Park is the perfect place to take a breather and enjoy some fresh air in the heart of nature. With its 18 hectares, your little adventurer can run around and burn off energy at one of the two playgrounds. Borely Park also houses the Marseille Botanical Garden; the different gardens and their biodiversity will amaze the whole family.

4. A trip to the calanques

What would the Phocaean city be without its magnificent Calanques? True wonders of nature, Calanques National Park is a must-see if you’re spending your holidays between Marseille and Cassis. Between fine sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and hiking trails, there’s something for everyone. Some calanques are more accessible than others, especially when you have a little one eager to splash around. The Port Miou Cove , located a 30-minute walk from downtown Cassis, is fairly accessible with a stroller , making it a great compromise for a family outing. If you’re a fan of babywearing and love to hike, the Calanques of Sugiton and Sormiou have fairly easy routes, even for beginners.

5. A getaway to Aix-en-Provence

A getaway to Aix-en-Provence is perfect for a family day of strolling. Located about a 30-minute drive from Marseille, the historic capital of Provence will enchant you. We love the lively little streets of the city center, with their baroque architecture and charming fountains. Are you passing through on a Thursday or Saturday? Take the opportunity to shop at the local producers’ market: olive oil, calissons, jams, or even Cavaillon melon will delight the taste buds of the whole family.

6. A getaway in the Mediterranean

Set sail and head to the Frioul Islands for a nature walk or a day at the beach. This must-do Marseille outing will let you stop at one of the three islands: Pomègues, Ratonneau, and If.

The boat crossing takes about twenty minutes and will delight little ones who love the sea. The island of Ratonneau , the main island of the archipelago, offers lovely walks; simply follow the marked trails. If you need to cool off on a hot day, you can splash around on one of the island’s beaches.

7. A plunge into the big blue

If you’re lucky enough to visit Marseille during the summer, you’ll surely have the chance to enjoy the city’s beaches. The most famous is Prado Beach ; it’s the largest, so it’s very popular. It has a play area for toddlers, which lets your little one burn off energy between swims. Prophet’s Beach is ideal for splashing around as a family: the water is shallow and supervised. It’s also a must-see spot for sunset lovers. For all your water adventures, we’ve got you covered with our LILLYDOO kids bath layers . Ultra-soft, they protect against leaks and ensure complete freedom of movement.

France’s second-largest city amazes us with its rich heritage, culture, and traditions. Its seaside and natural spaces offer the perfect escape to recharge and enjoy a family visit to Marseille. Have a wonderful holiday!