Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability
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.
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
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 Novotel Marseille Centre Prado Vélodrome was a fantastic experience. As part of a well-known international chain, the hotel delivers consistent quality—clean rooms, modern amenities, and friendly staff. What really stood out was the vibrant local market just outside the front door. I loved strolling through it every morning to pick up fresh fruit, local snacks, flowers, and even some unique clothing items—perfect for picking up souvenirs or treating yourself. The location is ideal: close to public transit, the Vélodrome stadium, and the heart of Marseille. With its great value and convenient access, this hotel is definitely a top choice for any traveler visiting the city.
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.
Everything went smoothly during my stay—truly exceptional! The front desk staff, Sandra, Marwa, and Khedidja, were incredibly friendly, courteous, and professional throughout. A special mention to Irina, the housekeeping supervisor, and the room attendants Anastasia and Luisa—their dedication, kindness, and gentle demeanor made a lasting impression. They truly went above and beyond in ensuring a comfortable and welcoming experience. The hotel’s location is excellent—just minutes from the Vélodrome and easily accessible via public transit, making it convenient for both business and leisure travelers. Rooms are clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed. With such outstanding service and a great central spot, this place earns every single one of those 10/10 points. Highly recommended!
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.
Staying at RockyPop Marseille Hôtel was an absolute delight! The room was spacious and impeccably clean, with plenty of room to move around—definitely not cramped at all. The bed was super comfortable, making for a restful night’s sleep, and the amenities were thoughtfully included: mini-fridge, tea/coffee station, and even high-quality toiletries. The bathroom felt modern and well-maintained, with everything you’d need. I especially appreciated how quiet and peaceful the room was despite being in a lively city area. The location is excellent—just a short walk to the metro, which made getting around town super easy. There are also lots of great local restaurants and cafes nearby, perfect for dinner or a late-night snack. Overall, the value for money is outstanding. If you're visiting Marseille, this hotel is a top choice—I’d definitely stay here again!
This hotel is absolutely fantastic! Located right on the main street in Marseille, it's incredibly convenient—just a short walk to the train station and steps away from the old port and harbor. The city itself is vibrant and diverse, making every moment here feel alive and energetic. I forgot to book breakfast during check-in, but when the staff noticed, the server kindly offered me a complimentary French breakfast as a gesture of hospitality. Later, the front desk agent confirmed that no payment was needed—what an amazing touch! This kind of genuine warmth and thoughtfulness truly sets the hotel apart. The staff’s friendliness and attention to detail made my stay unforgettable. If you're visiting Marseille, this is definitely a top choice for comfort, location, and heartwarming service.
I stayed at Best Western Plus Hotel la Joliette in Marseille and was truly impressed with the overall experience. While the room is on the smaller side, it’s thoughtfully designed and very functional—everything you need is neatly arranged. What really stood out was the exceptional service; staff were friendly, helpful, and always ready to assist with a smile. The hotel’s location is excellent—just a short metro ride from the city center, making it easy to explore major attractions. With its great value and welcoming atmosphere, this hotel is definitely worth considering for your next trip to Marseille.
The Ibis Marseille Centre Euroméd hotel exceeded my expectations. The room was clean, well-organized, and had a classic Ibis charm with just the right amount of modern touches. Location is excellent—just a short walk from the metro station, making it super easy to explore downtown Marseilles. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the overall atmosphere felt welcoming and comfortable. It's a great choice if you're looking for a reliable, no-frills stay in a convenient spot. I’d definitely come back and recommend it to anyone visiting the city.
Staying at this hotel was an absolute delight from start to finish. The location is perfect—just a short walk from the metro and surrounded by quiet, charming streets. The room design is a masterpiece of modern minimalism, with clean lines and thoughtful details that make every moment feel calm and inspiring. But the real highlight? The breakfast. I swear, the flavors were so bold and fresh, my taste buds felt like they were dancing! Don’t skip it—adding breakfast was one of the best decisions I made. It’s not just a place to sleep; it’s an experience you’ll remember. Honestly, after this stay, there’s no other option for me. This is the only hotel I’ll book again.
The hotel exceeded my expectations in every way. From the moment I arrived, everything felt welcoming and well-organized. The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from Marseille's main train station and close to local restaurants, shops, and public transport. My apartment-style room was spotless, spacious, and equipped with a fully functional kitchenette—perfect for preparing meals during my stay. The staff were incredibly helpful and friendly, going out of their way to ensure my comfort. Everything about this stay felt professional yet warm. I’d highly recommend this aparthotel to anyone visiting Marseille, especially travelers looking for a home-like atmosphere with great value.
Staying at Best Western Hotel du Mucem in Marseille was a fantastic experience. The location is unbeatable—right next to the Marseille Cathedral, with easy walking access to the Old Town, the European Mediterranean Museum, and the historic port. Public transport is super convenient; buses and metro lines are just steps away, making it simple to get to the train station or other attractions. The room was spotless, fresh-smelling, and very comfortable. The shower water pressure and temperature were excellent—no issues at all. Breakfast was basic but satisfying, though I’d have liked a bit more variety in the vegetable options. Still, considering the price and overall quality, this hotel offers great value and is highly recommended for travelers who want convenience and comfort in a central location.
Explore more amazing destinations