Pharo Catalans isn’t just a beach—it’s Marseille’s hidden romantic gem. Golden sand glows beneath your feet, the sea so clear it feels like stepping into a mirror. And along the cliffs? Artistic carvings that come alive with changing light. This is the perfect spot to snap dreamy photos or simply let your mind drift away.

Nestled in an 18th-century landmark building, this harbor-view gem offers breathtaking panoramas of Marseille's Old Port from its elegant terraces. Beyond the infinity pool and luxury spa, it surprises with kid-friendly amenities and Chinese guest services. Steps away from the historic Le Panier district and must-visit Calanques, its high性价比 shines through heritage charm and modern comforts – perfect for soaking up Provençal culture in style!

This hotel is a perfect choice for family trips! With kids' club and playground, plus children's meals, your little ones will have a blast. Adults can unwind at the pool, spa, or fitness center. Love outdoor adventures? Try snorkeling, diving, or hiking for some excitement! Business travelers are covered too, with meeting rooms and business center, plus valet parking and dry cleaning for convenience. Rated 4.2 stars and a 2024 top pick, it’s a stay you can trust!


















Everything you need to know about Pharo Catalans
Hôtel Le Royal Port de Marseille is a top choice, located right beside the Pharo Catalans pier with breathtaking Mediterranean views. Many rooms feature private terraces overlooking the harbor and open sea, ideal for watching sunsets. The hotel offers a Mediterranean-style breakfast and nightly sunset cocktail hours. Just a 5-minute walk to the historic Old Port, perfect for strolling and enjoying fresh seafood. Conveniently connected to Marseille Metro Line 1, making it easy to explore the city’s key attractions.
The most convenient option is taking Marseille Metro Line 1 to the "Pharo" station, just a 15-minute ride from the city center. Alternatively, catch Bus 24 or a seasonal shuttle ferry from the Old Port, offering scenic coastal views. For a more leisurely journey, rent a bike and ride along the coastal path, taking about 20 minutes. This route provides a peaceful way to enjoy the Provencal sea breeze and lush seaside landscapes without traffic congestion.
Near Pharo Catalans, try snorkeling and whale-watching tours, especially popular in summer. Local operators offer guided kayaking trips through hidden coves and sea caves. Join a sunset sailing cruise aboard a traditional sailboat, gliding across the Marseille Bay as the sky turns gold. For nature lovers, participate in marine conservation walks to learn about coral reefs and local fish species. All activities include safety gear and experienced local guides, perfect for families and adventure seekers alike.
Near Pharo Catalans, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations (MUCEM) is a top choice for families, featuring interactive marine exhibits and a dedicated children’s discovery zone where kids can touch starfish and watch tropical fish. Just steps away is the coastal park with playgrounds, shaded benches, and picnic areas—ideal for family outings. Weekly kids’ craft workshops (like shell jewelry-making and ocean-themed painting) are held on Saturdays. Nearby, the seabird observation deck fascinates children with views of gulls and albatross soaring above the bay.
Hôtel Le Pharo is a top choice, located just steps from the Pharo Dolphins Viewing Area. This boutique hotel offers sea-view rooms and child-friendly amenities, with direct access to a private dock for dolphin-watching boat tours. Enjoy fresh Mediterranean seafood dinners onboard and explore the Provence coastal ecosystem easily. Only 15 minutes from Old Marseille, it’s ideal for families seeking authentic coastal adventure experiences.
Take Metro Line 1 to Joliette Station, then transfer to Bus 30 or the TAM Shuttle for a direct 25-minute ride to the Pharo Dolphins Viewing Area. Alternatively, rent an electric bike and cycle along the scenic coastline, enjoying panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and historic landmarks. The site features free parking, a visitor center with multilingual guides, and is a must-visit for those exploring the natural beauty of Marseille.
Enjoy a half-day snorkeling and dolphin encounter tour guided by experts into the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, where you can observe wild dolphin pods in their natural habitat. The sunset sailing cruise is another highlight—board a traditional sunboat for evening sails along the azure coast, complete with live music, French hors d'oeuvres, and stunning views. Some boats even offer stargazing sessions, making it a perfect experience for photography enthusiasts seeking Provence's romantic twilight moments.
The seaside promenade and lighthouse square at the Pharo Dolphins Viewing Area are perfect for photography, especially during morning mist or golden hour when the calm sea reflects white buildings and distant hills like a painting. The staircase garden beside the lighthouse is a popular photo spot, blooming with vibrant flowers in spring, framed by the blue ocean and soaring seagulls—ideal for capturing artistic blends of nature and architecture. Visit early morning to avoid crowds and catch the most serene light.
Start your day at Shangri-La Paris and walk to the Pharo Dolphins Viewing Area for an eco-guided boat tour to observe dolphins and learn about marine conservation. Have lunch in Old Marseille with authentic fish stew and smoked ham sandwiches. In the afternoon, hike along the coastal trail to Notre-Dame de la Garde for panoramic harbor views. End the day with a sunset sailing cruise on a traditional sunboat, enjoying fishing lights and starlit waters—a perfect blend of nature, culture, and cuisine for a memorable experience.
Yes, the Pharo Dolphins Viewing Area provides guided tours in English, French, Spanish, and Chinese. Guides deliver detailed insights into local marine biodiversity, dolphin behavior, and conservation efforts, supplemented by interactive screens showing real-time monitoring data. The center also features kids’ exploration kits with magnifying glasses, ecological booklets, and stickers, turning learning into play—perfect for families and school groups seeking an engaging, educational experience.
See what other travelers say about Pharo Catalans

Staying at the Intercontinental Marseille Hôtel Dieu was an absolute delight. The hotel is housed in a stunning historic building with a grand presence, beautifully restored and thoughtfully modernized inside. From the moment we arrived, the staff were welcoming—especially the front desk and parking attendants who seamlessly handled our check-in and car service. While enjoying a drink at the restaurant, I asked about the local specialty, bouillabaisse, and within minutes received a handwritten note listing three nearby restaurants where I could try it. The location couldn’t be better—right on the old port, just steps from the square. Walking around Marseille was so convenient, and everything felt effortlessly smooth. This place truly delivers on comfort, charm, and hospitality. A perfect stay—definitely worth returning to.

Staying at Nhow Marseille was an absolute delight! The restaurant truly lives up to its reputation—elegant, refined, and perfectly complemented by the hotel's stylish interior. But what truly takes your breath away is the view. Overlooking the city and the shimmering Mediterranean, it’s pure magic. Every moment felt like a serene escape. And don’t miss the cocktails—they’re absolutely enchanting, with a unique flair that elevates the entire experience. This isn’t just a stay; it’s a memorable journey from start to finish.

Staying at New Hotel of Marseille was an absolute delight from start to finish. The location is perfect—just a short walk from the city center and close to metro access, making it easy to explore everything Marseille has to offer. The staff were incredibly welcoming and attentive throughout our visit, making us feel right at home. The room was stylish, clean, and thoughtfully designed with modern touches that added to the comfort. Breakfast was a highlight—fresh, delicious, and varied, with local French pastries and high-quality ingredients. Even the bathroom amenities stood out, featuring premium skincare products that felt luxurious. Everything about this hotel, from the decor to the service, reflects attention to detail and quality. It’s rare to find such a well-rounded experience, and we’ll definitely be returning when we come back to Marseille.

The hotel's location is excellent—just a 20-minute walk to the Old Port, passing through lively neighborhoods that make the journey enjoyable. It’s also conveniently close to the train station, making travel around Marseille super easy. The breakfast was hands down the best part of our trip to France—wide variety, fresh ingredients, and great quality. I especially loved the local pastries and homemade jams. The room was spacious enough to comfortably unpack two large suitcases with plenty of room left over. The front desk staff member was incredibly friendly and spoke fluent Beijing-style Mandarin—really impressive! Overall, an outstanding experience with fantastic value. I’d definitely stay here again on future visits to Marseille.

Staying at Hôtel Villa M Marseille was a positive experience overall. The room was simple but spotlessly clean, with all the essentials covered—perfect for a comfortable night's rest. One minor hiccup was that the room wasn’t ready on time, and it seemed like the front desk staff were under some pressure, though they remained courteous throughout. What surprised us was when we went to the pool area—the door locked behind us, and we had to call the restaurant team to let us back in. It was a bit inconvenient, but the staff responded quickly and handled it with care and professionalism. Despite the small glitch, their friendly attitude and willingness to help made a big difference. The hotel’s location is convenient, and the value for money is excellent. I’d definitely stay here again.

Staying at Radisson Blu Hotel, Marseille Vieux Port was an absolute highlight of my trip. The location couldn’t be better—right next to the historic Old Port, with easy access to public transport and walking distance to top attractions and local eateries. The room was spacious, clean, and beautifully designed with modern touches; the bed was incredibly comfortable, and I slept like a baby thanks to excellent soundproofing. Breakfast was a real treat—fresh pastries, local jams, hot drinks, and a great variety to kickstart the day. Everything from the service to the amenities felt premium without feeling overpriced. It’s rare to find such a perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and charm in one place. I’d highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Marseille who wants to experience the city’s authentic vibe while enjoying a high-quality stay. Definitely coming back.

Staying at Crowne Plaza Marseille - le DÔME last night was a real highlight! I was in room 404 and 717, located at the corner ends of the floor—though the rooms are triangular in shape, they felt surprisingly spacious and not cramped at all. The room was immaculately clean, with all amenities in perfect working order, and the bed was incredibly comfortable. The staff went above and beyond with their hospitality—friendly, efficient, and always ready to help. Sure, the immediate neighborhood isn’t the most glamorous (more local and residential), but it’s just a 1.5-kilometer walk to the Palais Longchamp, which is absolutely worth the stroll. You get a genuine feel for the city while enjoying a peaceful pace. Overall, this hotel offers excellent value, especially if you’re looking to explore Marseille on foot. I’d definitely come back and recommend it to anyone visiting the area.

Staying at this hotel in Marseille was an absolute highlight of my trip! The location is unbeatable—right in the heart of the city, just a short walk from major attractions, restaurants, and shopping areas. Whether you're here for business or leisure, everything is within easy reach. The rooms are clean, spacious, and well-maintained, with a modern touch that makes you feel right at home. Staff are friendly and professional, always ready to help. It’s rare to find such a great balance between comfort, convenience, and value—all while being in one of Marseille’s most vibrant neighborhoods. I’ll definitely be returning and recommending it to everyone I know.

Staying at Le Drips was an absolute delight from start to finish. The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from the waterfront and perfectly situated for exploring Marseille on foot. I especially appreciated the private parking, which made arriving and departing so stress-free, especially with luggage or traveling with kids. The hotel itself is clean, well-maintained, and feels like a quiet retreat amidst the bustling city. Staff were friendly and helpful without being intrusive. It’s rare to find such a great balance of convenience, comfort, and value—definitely a top pick if you're visiting Marseille.

My mom and I had an absolutely wonderful stay at this hotel during our trip to Marseille! The room was spotless, the bedding incredibly comfortable, and the view from the window was breathtaking—right across from the snow-capped mountains. We arrived late at night, but the staff were so warm and welcoming, going out of their way to assist with check-in and even offering a hot drink to help us unwind after travel. Breakfast was excellent—fresh, well-prepared, and had a great mix of local and international options. The whole experience felt personal and thoughtful, making us feel truly welcome. This is a perfect choice for families or anyone looking for comfort, charm, and a peaceful atmosphere in a beautiful location. Definitely planning to come back!

Staying at La Residence du Vieux Port was an absolute delight. The location is unbeatable—right in the heart of Marseille’s main tourist area, making it perfect for short visits where every minute counts. I didn’t waste time commuting to key sights; they were just steps away. The view from my room was stunning and truly made the stay worth every penny. Restaurants and souvenir shops line the streets nearby, offering plenty of options for dining and browsing. Even during my brief stay, I noticed how diverse Marseille’s atmosphere can be—just a few blocks apart, you’ll find completely different vibes. This central spot made me feel right at home. The air conditioning worked flawlessly, and the elevator added convenience. I believe parking is available too, though I didn’t use it. Most impressively, the staff were professional, friendly, and always ready to help. Overall, this was a fantastic experience—ideal for travelers who want comfort, charm, and unbeatable access all in one.

Absolutely incredible—no complaints at all. I’ll definitely be back. The location is perfect, just a short walk from the metro and surrounded by great dining options. The room was spotless, with a comfortable bed that made for a restful sleep. The bathroom was modern and well-equipped, with strong hot water right away. Staff were friendly, helpful, and went the extra mile—especially when arranging transportation to the venue. It’s rare to find such a great balance of comfort, convenience, and value. This hotel has earned my full recommendation. I can’t wait to return.
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