It was built 2600 years ago by sailors from Phocée (Greece) who found this sheltered calanque similar to their country. It was an ideal location to base a rich trading post that would become a big city.
Unmissable, the Vieux-port is now full of tourist activities: Fish market every morning, flower market on Tuesday and Saturday mornings, many bars and restaurants as well as a seaside walk.
It is also the favorite place to watch the July 14 fireworks and many other events.
Note that it is possible to cross the port for free, by the smallest ferry line in the world : the ferry-boat.
The little tourist train departing from the north quay goes up to Notre Dame de la Garde taking you on a tour of the main monuments around the Old port and the Corniche.
From here the various sea shuttles connect the Frioul archipelago or offer boat tours in the Calanques National Park.
Between the end of April and the end of September, the sea shuttles of the RTM make it possible to connect the Vieux-port by sea to la Pointe Rouge and l'Estaque.
Harbor quay (North)
The Ferry-boat installed in front of the town hall allows you to cross the Vieux-port free of charge and reach the Place aux Huiles on the other side. The Vieux-port has not been used for commercial vessels since 1853, its current capacity is 3500 places, and it is very practical: mechanical workshops, stores etc. From 1905 to 1944, the great transporter bridge of Marseille made it possible to connect Fort Saint Jean to Fort Saint Nicolas.
Saint Jean fort
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Saint Jean fort
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The tower
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Saint Nicolas fort on the other side
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Saint Jean fort before the commercial port
Rive Neuve quay
Fraternity quay
The port is served by buses, and the access to the Vieux-Port Metro station is located on the Fraternity Quay, next to the large shade roof. Here is the ticket office and boarding point for the various maritime companies allowing access to the Frioul archipelago (Château d'If and Frioul islands), to reach Pointe rouge or l'Estaque, or take a boat tour of the calanques.
Sea shuttles Vieux-port / la Pointe rouge / l'Estaque
From April 23 to September 25, 2022, the RTM's sea shuttles are put into service to connect the Vieux-port to the ports of la Pointe rouge (25min) and l'Estaque (35min) (Adults: €5, Children under 6: Free). Possibility to go to les Goudes (with connection at la Pointe rouge. Adults: 8€)
More information: Schedules and prices
Access to the Château d'If / Frioul / Visit of the calanques
To access the Château d'If or Frioul islands, go directly to the ticket office on the port.
To visit the calanques by boat, in the summertime there is no need to book a departure. The boats leave every 30 minutes, from 9:30 am to 12pm, and from 2pm to 6pm, including during weekends and public holidays.
(For more information, see: Vieux-port ticket office)
Shuttles and price (no booking)
- Château d'If (20min): To access the island of If and visit the Château d'If.
Round trip €11 + €6 for the island entrance. - Frioul (30min): To access the Frioul archipelago.
Round trip €11.