Where to park in Marseille

Marseille, or also known as the Phocaean city, is the 3rd largest French city in terms of area and the 2nd largest in terms of population. It is also the oldest city in France and has always been an important commercial crossroads on the Mediterranean.

Due to its location, Marseille has always been a commercial and social crossroads facilitating cultural exchange with the regions of Southern Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Asia. This makes it a cosmopolitan city that since antiquity has been culturally enriched by many different peoples making it a unique place. This particular atmosphere that the city gives off attracts 8 million tourists every year, which is more than 4 times the population of Marseille. Moreover, the city is represented by its soccer club, Olympique de Marseille, which is a great pride for the city and attracts hundreds of thousands of fans in the iconic Velodrome Stadium.

How to park in Marseille?

There are 5 different types of parking zones in Marseille. The green zone is free, the red zone is the most expensive (4€ for 2 hours), the orange zone where you can park longer, the yellow zone is the cheapest and the black zone where you simply cannot park. The green zones are logically the most attractive. However, they are in high demand and often located far from the city's places of interest.

Parking in Marseille Center

Marseille, the oldest city in all of France and the largest after Paris. It is located on the southern coast of the country and is known as one of the most important trading ports. So if you have planned to take the car to come to visit and you want to make the most of your time to see the whole city, we advise you to park in the center of Marseille.

The good thing about parking in the center is that you have the possibility to see the most touristic part of the city. It is also a good strategic point from which to start your tour. On the other hand, if you want to go further, you can take public transport more easily as it is in an area well served by all transport lines. However, parking your car in the downtown area, as in any big city, is usually a difficult task. Parking on the streets is regulated and very limited and if you do not know how it works, you could commit an infraction. Therefore, the most convenient and safest way in this case is to reserve a parking space in a public parking lot.

Parking in a public parking lot in the Jolliet neighborhood

If you want to enjoy the port and the central area of the city, the Jolliet neighborhood is undoubtedly your option for parking in Marseille. In this neighborhood you can take the opportunity to visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore, from the 19th century and the Musée des civilisations, with interesting exhibitions on Mediterranean history. On the other hand, you have the Les Terrasses du Port shopping center, where you can find different international fashion brands. If you go to the Euroméditerranée area, you will find numerous bars and restaurants with their typical French gastronomy. Or if you want a quieter plan after a long walk, in this area you will find some cinemas and theaters in the neighborhood.

If this neighborhood has everything you need, it is best to book a public parking space before your arrival. Looking for parking downtown can be a bit stressful if you are unfamiliar with the city or the parking regulations. However, this doesn't always have to be the case. So, for convenience, we advise you to prepare everything in advance. Through Parkimeter you can not only search for parking spaces in different parts of the city center, but also book online in a very quick and easy way.

Parking in a public parking lot in the Préfecture neighborhood

Another very interesting alternative for parking is the Préfecture neighborhood. It is still the center but compared to the Jolliet, it is quieter. Most people tend to come to live in this part of the city, as it is more residential and relaxed. So if you prefer not to be surrounded by so many people and too much action, this is your option to park in a central area. On the other hand, you can also find several restaurants and cafes. In addition, you are within easy reach of Le Cours Julien, one of the largest and most interesting bohemian-style neighborhoods in France. Here you can wander around the area at your leisure and find all kinds of stores, from local artists' stores to bookstores and more.

So if you're more convinced about parking in the Préfecture neighborhood, it's important to find a public parking lot where you can leave your car before your arrival, otherwise you'll have to look for street parking, and being a more residential area than other neighborhoods, the spots are usually used by the residents themselves, which makes availability very limited.

Parking on the streets of downtown Marseille

However, street parking is still an option, but it is necessary to take into account that depending on the district and areas of the downtown area, the rate and time limit for parking will be different. If you are not a resident and therefore do not know how the parking rules work, you risk going around the streets looking for a parking space without knowing if you are allowed to park. For this reason, we advise you to inform yourself in advance or check the signs of the spaces on the streets.

Where to park around the Canebière?

The Canebière being the central avenue of Marseille which allows to visit many touristic places including the Old Port, it is logically surrounded by black, red or orange zones. It is therefore important to book a parking space with Parkimeter in advance to ensure that you will find a space without difficulty by comparing the prices of the parking lots in the area.

Where to park around the Opera?

To visit or go to the magnificent Marseille Opera, the situation is similar to that of the Canebière. Indeed, the place is surrounded by prohibited and paying zones. That's why we recommend you using Parkimeter to plan your parking and enjoy your visit without stress.

Where to park around the Stade Vélodrome?

The Stade Vélodrome, on the other hand, is surrounded by a green zone and therefore free. Parking around this time of French soccer is therefore rather simple and economical. However, during events held in the stadium such as soccer matches, the large crowds they attract can make parking difficult.

Where to park around the Bourse center?

If you want to enjoy Marseille for shopping as well, the Centre Bourse will attract you. The center offers free parking for 1 hour if you spend 30€ in the mall or 2 hours if you spend 60€. Green zones exist around the center, but they are only a few minutes away by foot and are very popular.

What to visit in Marseille?

During your stay in Marseille, you will have to visit the Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica, an emblematic figure of the city, appreciated by tourists as well as locals who nickname it "Good Mother". Above its hill, you will have a breathtaking view of the city. You will also have the opportunity to walk along the Canebière, the mythical avenue of Marseille that connects the Vieux-Port to the Eglise des Réformés. Marseille is also known and appreciated for its Opera, its Velodrome stadium and its creeks which will seduce you.