There are many travel myths when it comes to Marseille, France. Sometimes what you read is true, but oftentimes it’s only one side to the story. Look up Marseille online and you will find ample resources calling it boring, dirty, dangerous, and worse. The best way to debunk these is by experiencing the place for yourself, which is exactly what we did.
Marseille, France
As France’s second-largest city and one of the oldest ports in the Mediterranean, Marseille has long been plagued by misconceptions. Despite its vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning coastal scenery, Marseille has unfairly earned a reputation in some circles as being dangerous. As well as dirty, ugly, or just plain boring.
When preparing and planning for our most recent visit to Marseille, we came across multiple blog posts, reddit threads, and news articles supporting these ideas. Particularly that Marseille is dangerous.
Most Dangerous City in Europe?
A quick Google search of the worst cities in Europe for crime mentions Marseille in several sources. According to Numbeo, the world’s largest database of user-contributed data about cities and countries worldwide, Marseille is the second most dangerous city in Europe.
Likewise, I found several posts on Reddit saying that the city is full of pickpockets, drug dealers, and is dirty, noisy, and unorganized. Another source says it’s the third dirtiest city in Europe.
In full transparency I didn’t feel 100% safe in certain areas as a solo female traveler in 2013. However, that can be said about any big city. And in my case I didn’t see or experience anything that confirmed my suspicions.
Not All is What It Seems
But, as always, there are always two sides to every story.
What one perceives as dangerous, another deems exciting. High crime to one person may be low crime to another. The feeling of being unsafe can mean different things to different people.
Comparison also plays a massive role. If there’s less crime in Europe overall than other parts of the world, Marseille may actually be a lot safer than where you live despite it being a dangerous city in Europe.
Similarly, standards of cleanliness vary widely. As anyone who’s ever lived with another person can attest to.
Confirmation Bias
Digging a bit further, I found ample resources disputing the negative claims. Instead, saying Marseille is quite safe to walk around at night. That it’s no different to other major cities around the world. Sure, some areas may be a bit gritty, but in general it’s a beautiful, vibrant and charming city.
So which is it? Is Marseille dangerous? A bit dirty? Will you be bored to tears visiting? Does it deserve your attention at all?
Not one to believe everything we read, we experienced the city for ourselves. In summer 2024 we visited Marseille with an open mind. All the while doing our best to ignore any preconceived ideas or notions.
Below we deep dive into the common myths and preconceptions surrounding Marseille. We separate fact from fiction and uncover the truth about Marseille’s allure as a travel destination.
As a disclaimer before I get into it, we visited as tourists. We spent three nights visiting the major sights and attractions. The following is from the perspective of foreign tourists and may not be representative of someone living there.
Looking for a budget-friendly travel itinerary for Marseille? We detail what we planned based on our research in How to Spend 3 Days in Marseille: Budget-Friendly Travel Itinerary
Marseille’s Sordid Past: Fact
Marseille’s bad reputation did not come out of nowhere.
In fact, Marseille has a rich and diverse dark history. As with other port cities, illegal drug and goods trafficking started in the 19th century. And at some point the illegal activity was taken over by the mafia.
There’s even movies based on true stories coming out of Marseille. The French Connection is an example of such a film centering on drug smuggling from France to the United States.
All this to say that Marseille’s reputation as a dangerous, crime ridden, gang-centered city does have some truth to it.
Travel Myth 1: Marseille is Unsafe
One of the most common misconceptions about Marseille is that it is an unsafe city plagued by crime and violence. While it’s true that Marseille, like any major urban center, has its share of challenges, the city is not inherently dangerous for visitors.
The city faces various social and economic challenges that may contribute to its reputation. Experiences of poverty, unemployment, crime and drug trafficking are more prevalent in some neighborhoods. Media coverage often focuses or sensationalizes negative stories, which again contributes to the notion that Marseille is unsafe.
Fact: Marseille is Like Any Other Big City
Most big cities around the world experience some degree of crime. Larger cities, and in particular tourist destinations, are no exception. And oftentimes will experience a slight increase in crime comparatively.
In recent years, Marseille has made significant strides in improving safety and security. Including increased police presence and initiatives aimed at reducing crime rates. Neighborhood revitalization and urban renewal projects are happening throughout the city.
As a tourist, you are more likely to fall victim to scam artists or pickpockets than be involved in or experience the actual seedy underbelly of a city.
Neighborhoods to Watch For
Likewise, as with any city, there are areas to avoid or watch out for. Some you may want to visit only in the daytime, others only with a tour group, or others not at all.
The Noailles area in Marseille is supposedly best avoided at night, but we felt fine walking around in the daytime. Similarly, the train station is sketchy at night as well as during the day. But at least during the day it is brightly lit and there are other people around for help if needed.
There are other areas of Marseille that are best experienced during the day including La Canebière, a historic high street in the old quarter. At night it’s much less appealing and feels more dangerous.
Safety Tips for Visiting Marseille:
- Use common sense and leave your valuables at home
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times
- Stick to the more touristy areas, especially at night
- Keep an eye out for petty scams and pickpocketing
- Ask people at your accommodation if you’re unsure
- Trust your gut – if you feel unsafe in an area, there may be a reason for it
Travel Myth 2: Marseille is Dirty
Another common misconception about Marseille is that it is a dirty city. Litter-strewn streets. Neglected public spaces. Distasteful graffiti everywhere. Rank smells. An “open-air urinal”. Apparently it’s the third dirtiest city in Europe.
While Marseille, like any urban area, faces challenges related to waste management and environmental sustainability, efforts are underway to address these issues and improve the city’s cleanliness. Initiatives such as neighborhood clean-up campaigns, public awareness campaigns, and investment in infrastructure are helping to beautify Marseille and preserve its natural beauty for future generations to enjoy.
Fact: Marseille is Beautiful
In no way is Marseille a pristine, picture-perfect city with spotless streets. It’s rough around the edges. A bit messy. Bustling with energy. Maybe chaotic at times. But not disgustingly dirty.
We’ve been to some cities recently and immediately noticed the filth. The overflowing trash bins. Garbage and mystery spills on the ground. A horrendous stench coming from who-knows-where. (London, I’m looking at you).
This was not our experience in Marseille. However, if you compare the streets of Marseille to the streets of Vienna, then yes, it is dirty. But for us in 2024 nothing felt out of the ordinary.
In fact, we found Marseille to be incredibly beautiful. The city is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, picturesque coastlines, rugged calanques, and scenic parks.
Marseille’s architectural heritage, ancient ruins, and modern landmarks add to its charm. It’s a mismatch of styles from centuries of historic events and influences.
It’s also home to some of the best street art in the world. The entire city acts as an open-air gallery with incredible graffiti and street art everywhere you look.
Travel Myth 3: Marseille is Boring
Tell someone you are visiting Marseille and they are likely to ask why.
Why visit Marseille instead of Paris or Nice? Why not explore the French countryside? Why would you ever want to visit Marseille?
When comparing Marseille to other popular destinations in France, it may seem boring. It doesn’t have the same hustle and bustle as other big cities. There aren’t the famous and iconic attractions of Paris. It doesn’t have the resort-destination style vibes of Nice.
Looking at its face value, Marseille does seem a bit dull. And as we’ve seen above, it’s a dangerous city. Best to be avoided. It can’t possibly have tourist appeal, right?
In reality, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Fact: Marseille is an Exciting, Thriving, Vibrant City
To be fair, whether or not Marseille is boring depends on personal preferences and experiences. Two people can visit the same place at the same time and have widely differing opinions.
Marseille offers a diverse range of activities and sights. For those interested in history and culture, it boasts a rich heritage as France’s oldest city. There are ancient landmarks and neighborhoods to explore. As well as several museums, galleries, and theaters.
Nature lovers can enjoy Marseille’s beautiful Mediterranean coastline. We saw people swimming, sailing, exploring and simply relaxing on various rocky inlets and bays. The city’s parks and gardens provide tranquil spaces for relaxation and recreation.
Marseille has a renowned culinary scene, featuring delicious Provençal cuisine and fresh seafood. There are vibrant food markets offering local specialties.
At night Marseille is transformed into a lively, energetic, happening city. There are numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues, especially in areas like the Cours Julien and the Vieux-Port.
Fact: Marseille is Diverse and Dynamic
In addition to the reasons above, Marseille is worth visiting to experience its dynamic multiculturalism. It’s home to a diverse population, influenced by centuries of immigration from around the Mediterranean and beyond. At least half of the population is from somewhere else in the world.
Visitors to Marseille will encounter a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions. From bustling markets and lively neighborhoods, to world-class museums and historic landmarks, Marseille offers a wealth of attractions that celebrate its rich cultural heritage.
Travel Myth 4: Marseille Should Be Avoided
Some travelers may be deterred from visiting Marseille due to these and other negative perceptions. A simple Google or Reddit search pulls up numerous articles and anecdotes telling you all the reasons not to visit.
It’s easy to think Marseille has nothing to offer. Or that the risks of visiting such a dangerous and dirty city outweigh the benefits.
Avoiding Marseille means missing out on a wealth of unique experiences and cultural treasures that the city has to offer.
Fact: Marseille is Worth Exploring
From our experience in 2024, Marseille’s reputation as an unsafe, dirty, or boring city is largely unfounded and outdated. While challenges certainly exist, there is a sense of vitality and optimism driving the transformation of the city. Visiting Marseille is a very different experience to that of the other major cities in France, and that’s largely where its charm lies.
It has a rich history, vibrant and diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty both within the city and surrounding areas. It offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Don’t listen to the haters or the naysayers and experience Marseille for yourself. You may love it just as much as we did!
Looking for even more reasons to visit Marseille? We go over the top sights in Is Marseille Worth Visiting? Top Reasons Why You Should Visit
