The Old Port of Marseille has been an active port since ancient times and constitutes the historical and cultural center of the Phocaean city. It was the economic center of Marseille until the 19th century and has now become a magnificent marina and a popular gathering place. Among the available means of transport is the ferry, but nothing beats a yacht charter in the Vieux-Port of Marseille to capture its full charm. From there, you can choose between sailing to Corsica or Sardinia by catamaran or yacht. You might even come across luxury liners, as many Mediterranean cruises depart from or stop over at this port.
For those who don't want to make a long crossing, it is possible to set off for the islands of Frioul, the Château d'If, L'Estaque, the Pointe Rouge or the Calanques. Apart from these sea excursions, don't forget to visit the surrounding districts and places of interest, namely the Corniche and its bourgeois villas overlooking the sea, and the Panier and its southern-colored alleys. It is also pleasant to visit the tiny coves that can be seen at the end of the alleys, the markets of Noailles, which resemble a large open-air souk, and the Canebière shopping street.
An unforgettable journey back in time
While the old port of Marseille remains the meeting place for sea lovers, it is also an excellent point of departure for discovering the Phocaean city. Indeed, there is nothing like a stroll from the old port for a beautiful introduction, especially for history buffs. Strolling through the streets and districts of Marseille promises to be an unforgettable journey through time.
A leap into antiquity awaits you to the north-east of the Vieux-Port, where the Jardin des Vestiges is home to the Greco-Roman ruins of the ancient port. Traces of the Middle Ages can be found in the Abbey of Saint-Victor, the Chapel of Notre-Dame de la Galline and the Vieille Major, an old cathedral built from the 12th century onwards. You can also appreciate the Renaissance masterpieces in the two forts guarding the entrance to the Vieux-Port, built in the 17th century during the reign of Louis XIV. The palaces adorning the city date from the second half of the 19th century, such as the Palais du Pharo and the Palais Longchamp, which stand proudly in the 4th arrondissement.
Cruise along the Marseille coastline with a yacht charter in the old port
While the city of Marseille seduces with its rich historical heritage, it also shines through its famous calanques (creeks) that need no further description. Some thirty calanques and beaches await boaters who will weigh anchor at the Vieux-Port with a yacht charter in the Mediterranean to reach the calanques. Near the Vieux-Port lies the beach of Catalans. This particularly famous fine sandy beach has the advantage of being close to many amenities.
Looking for a moment of peace and quiet? Head east to the famous Calanques National Park. Spend some time at the Calanque d'En-Vau. Located a few minutes from Cassis, it is home to a small pebble beach overlooked by high cliffs.
Practical information for your yacht charter in the old port of Marseille
What are the rates for a yacht charter in the old port of Marseille?
The table below gives you an idea of the average prices for sailboat charters. These prices can of course change depending on availability, the model and the age of the sailboat.
| Type of boat | High season July and August | Mid Season May, June and September | Low Season April and October |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monohull (2 cabins) | 2,000 USD | 1,400USD | 1,200 USD |
| Boat with one hull (3 cabins) | 2,100 USD | 1,600 USD | 1,200 USD |
| Monohull (4 cabins) | 3,600 USD | 2,200 USD | 1,400 USD |
In the old port, you will have access to the following facilities: electricity, water, toilets, showers, cash machine and a city-center store open Monday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Who are our main partners on site?
Here is a list of our main partners offering sailboat charters from the old port of Marseille:
- Saileazy, a professional charter company offering a fairly flexible charter schedule. It has a fairly diverse fleet of 16 boats with one hull.
- Dream Yacht Charter was founded in 2000 in the Seychelles and offers more than 1,000 boats for charter from some 60 destinations. From Marseille, this rental company has a fleet of 70 boats, two-thirds of which are monohulls and one-third catamarans.
- Midi Nautisme is a professional maritime rental company based in Marseille. It has a fleet of 22 recent sailboats, 18 Dufours and 3 catamarans.
How do I get to the old port of Marseille?
For those who are not traveling to the site by car, the Marseille Saint-Charles train station is a very good option if you want to get to Marseille. Marignane airport also offers regular flights from French airports. Michel C. tells me:"For Parisians like me, I recommend the train, it's very practical, 3 hours on the TGV and you're on the boat. Once at Saint-Charles, I always walk down to the Vieux-Port and take the opportunity to visit Marseille, the journey is also part of the cruise after all.
What license do I need to rent a boat in Marseille?
No license is required to sail from the old port of Marseille. However, if you want to skipper your own sailboat, you will be required to provide a nautical CV. This document certifies your level of sailing ability and is used to decide whether or not you are fit to take on the responsibility of skippering your own boat. Of course, if you have opted for a sailboat charter with a skipper, there is no need for a nautical CV.
Example of a sailing itinerary for a yacht charter in the old port of Marseille
One-week sailing itinerary 1 proposed by our partner Dream Yacht Charter - Total distance traveled: 62 nautical miles
- Day 1: Vieux Port de Marseille → Cassis (18 nautical miles)
- Day 2: Cassis → Bandol (12 nautical miles)
- Day 3: Bandol → Île des Embiez (3 nautical miles)
- Day 4: Île des Embiez → La Ciotat (9 nautical miles)
- Day 5: La Ciotat → Île de Riou (11 nautical miles)
- Day 6: Île de Riou → Vieux Port de Marseille (9 nautical miles)
What are the weather conditions for a cruise in the old port of Marseille?
During your yacht charter in the Mediterranean, particularly in summer, you will mostly have easy sailing conditions with winds that rarely exceed force 4 (30 km/h / 15 knots). In the afternoon, you may regularly encounter a thermal breeze, which you know all too well if you sail regularly: a wind created by the temperature difference between the sea and the land when it is hot. This wind blows from the sea towards the land in the afternoon and dies down at the end of the evening. Ideal for sailing, as confirmed to me by François C. and François R., Filovent customers. François C.: "The weather was really pleasant, the winds were quite strong and the sea was choppy, we hardly used the engine at all." François R.: "On the last day, on the way back from La Ciotat to Marseille, we had about 10 knots, perfect for bringing out the Gennaker on the port tack, it was great."
Beware of the Mistral, however. The wind can easily exceed 30 knots.
Good to know
| Number of boats available | 659 |
|---|---|
| Types of service | Skipper, Hostess, Sailor, Chef (meals not included), Engineer, Mechanic, Masseuse |
| Average price per week | $36,926 |
| Minimum weekly price | $557 |
| Maximum price per week | $995,138 |