Perched on the Corniche, facing the Frioul islands and just a few minutes from the Old Port, Les Bords de Mer is the ideal base for exploring Marseille and the surrounding area. Stroll through the Panier district, take a boat trip to the Calanques... Here, the sea and the city mingle in brilliant light, revealing an urban Provence that is both vibrant and authentic. Welcome to the Mediterranean art of living.
DISCOVERING MARSEILLE
The Vieux-Port and the Panier: the beating hearts of Marseille
A living symbol of the city, the Vieux-Port is a must-see. Lined with lively terraces and colourful boats, it links Marseille's maritime history with its contemporary effervescence. Walk from the hotel Les Bords de Mer through the old town to the Abbaye Saint-Victor and the famous morning fish market. Le Panier, Marseille's oldest district, is undoubtedly the most charming and can also be reached in 10 minutes from Les Bords de Mer. With its narrow streets, colourful facades, street art, craft workshops and sun-drenched squares, the Panier embodies the popular and creative soul of the city. Ideal for a stroll with your partner, a café on the terrace or a cultural visit, it offers a striking contrast between historic heritage and contemporary effervescence.
Art, architecture and design: contemporary Marseille
Marseille is also a city of architectural creativity. Le Corbusier's Cité Radieuse, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece of modernism, attracts architecture lovers from all over the world. Just a stone's throw from the hotel Les Bords de Mer, the MUCEM, with its lacy concrete structure set in the water, houses fascinating exhibitions on Mediterranean civilisations. Right next door, the Grotte Cosquer, a spectacular reproduction of a sunken prehistoric cave, offers an immersive tour combining cave art, innovation and heritage. And don't miss the Opéra de Marseille, a neo-classical gem, and the Palais Longchamp, a green and cultural showcase with museums and monumental waterfalls.
Religious and historical heritage: Marseille through centuries
Founded over 2,600 years ago, Marseille offers a journey through the ages. At the top, the famous Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, or "Good Mother", dominates the city from its promontory, with a panoramic view over the port, the islands and the hills. Below, the Abbey of Saint-Victor, one of Europe's oldest Christian monuments, and the majestic Roman-Byzantine Cathedral of La Major embody the city's spiritual and architectural influence. At the entrance to the port, the Saint-Jean and Saint-Nicolas forts are a reminder of Marseille's military past, and still protect access to the old town today.
BEACHES, CREEKS, NATURE IN MARSEILLE
STROLL ALONG THE KENNEDY CORNICHE
From the hotel Les Bords de Mer, stroll or cycle along the Corniche Kennedy, a balcony suspended above the sea. Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Malmousque, a small fishing port with a confidential charm, or sit on the rocks to watch the sun set. A living postcard just a stone's throw from your room.
the Frioul islands and the Château d'If
A must-see spot in Marseille and visible from your Bords de Mer room, embark on a sea escapade to the Frioul Islands and the famous Château d'If, the legendary prison of the Count of Monte Cristo. Turquoise waters, secret coves, protected marine wildlife: an unforgettable excursion, just a 20-minute boat ride from the Old Port.
The Calanques
Just a few kilometres south of the hotel, discover the Parc National des Calanques, Marseille's natural jewel. Hiking, swimming and kayaking will take you through spectacular landscapes of pine forest, white limestone and crystal-clear coves. The calanques of Morgiou, Sormiou, Sugiton and En-Vau are accessible by car, bus or boat.
MARSEILLE CULTURE
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS IN MARSEILLE
Marseille vibrates to the rhythm of festivals and temporary exhibitions throughout the year, and 2025 promises to be rich in artistic and musical discoveries. Close to the hotel, enjoy concerts at the Festival de Marseille (dance & performance), thrill to MARSATAC, or explore contemporary creation with Art-o-rama and the FRAC PACA installations. On the Corniche, in the calanques or in the artistic wastelands of the Belle de Mai, culture can be experienced in the open air, in complete freedom.
Cassis, La Ciotat, The Blue Coast
30 MINUTES FROM MARSEILLE
In less than 30 minutes by car, you can reach Cassis, with its fishing port, terraced vineyards and vertical creeks. Then on to La Ciotat, a seaside resort and the birthplace of cinema, with its Lumière beach and the majestic Parc du Mugel. Ideal for a day out from Marseille. To the west of Marseille, the Côte Bleue rolls out its wild creeks and fishing villages such as Niolon, Carry-le-Rouet and Sausset-les-Pins. Less frequented, this part of the coast offers a peaceful alternative to the major tourist sites.
Restaurant Les Bords de Mer: an iconic address in Marseille
Avec sa vue imprenable sur la mer Méditerranée, le restaurant des Bords de Mer est l’une des plus belles tables avec vue mer à Marseille. Situé sur la célèbre Corniche Kennedy, il propose une cuisine méditerranéenne raffinée, sublimant les produits de saison et de la mer. Une adresse iconique à découvrir absolument pour vivre une expérience culinaire unique au cœur de Marseille.
Stay at the hotel Les Bords de Mer, on Marseille's Corniche
A 4-star hotel by the sea in Marseille, Les Bords de Mer embodies an art of living that combines modernity and heritage. Just a stone's throw from the Old Port and the beaches, this exceptional address on the Corniche Kennedy offers rooms with sea views, a spa, a swimming pool and direct access to the natural and cultural treasures of the city of Marseille. The ideal starting point for an unforgettable stay in Marseille, combining intimacy and authenticity.