Marseille is often looked over for glitzy Paris or Nice, but it shouldn’t be. The oldest city in the country is one of the most interesting places in France and one of the best for food, culture, art, and architecture. Basing yourself in Marseille puts you not only in one of the coolest cities in Europe but also within short proximity to The Calanques National Park, Cote d’Azur beaches, stunning towns such as Aix-en-Provence and Cassis, and vineyards with Michelin Star restaurants.
Photo: Airbnb
These Airbnbs in Marseille Are Some of the Finest in the French Riviera
There are some excellent hotels in the city, especially in the Vieux Port area, but to have an authentic experience opt for an Airbnb Marseille rental. Not only does this allow you to live like a local, but you will have the luxury to choose whether to go out for a bowl of bouillabaisse or save some euros and prepare fresh produce in your kitchen. The Côte d’Azur is one of the most expensive places to visit in Europe, so having a home base is a great way to make sure you have a vacation to remember without any stress. Here are some of the best vacation rentals in Marseille for families, groups, couples, and solo travelers.
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We hope you love the Airbnb Marseille rentals we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Magnificent loft in Vieux Port
The Vieux Port is the heart of the city. Lined with seafood restaurants and souvenir shops, the busy harbor offers some of the best views (especially at sunset) of Marseille. It is one of the most popular areas, so if visiting in summer, it will be busy. But stroll a few streets back from the front promenade and you’ll find smaller family-run eateries and cool wine bars hidden up narrow staircases.
This huge loft occupies prime real estate and sleeps up to eight people. There are four double bedrooms and two bathrooms (one with a tub.) The rooms are minimalistic with clean white walls accented by blue-painted timber beams and shutters. The color pallet is continued throughout the property with delightful houseplants adding accents of greenery against the light-drenched space.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $633 per night
Garden apartment in the heart of Endoume
Endoume is one of the coolest neighborhoods in the city. Situated at the foot of Notre Dame, it’s known for its boho-chic atmosphere, pretty streets, and some of the best wine and cocktail bars.
This Airbnb has a parking space, which is unique to find in Marseille. There’s also a charming ground-floor garden with a large table (seating six), a parasol, grilling facilities, and a shaded couch area. The garden theme continues indoors and bedrooms are flooded with natural light that pours in from the doors leading out to the patio. The decor has tropical highlights with pastel-patterned wallpaper and textiles. The furnishings are everything you’d expect from an Endoume Airbnb, unique, chic, and as trendy as the neighborhood.
Six guests, three bedroom
Price: $338 per night
Two-bedroom villa set off The Corniche
The Corniche is a beautiful coastal walkway that offers stunning views of the city and the sea. You’ll find the Corniche busy with tourists and locals out for a stroll, running, and playing volleyball on the sand. This villa has been recently renovated (in 2015) and offers guests an incredible view over the coast from its sprawling terrace and garden. It is set in the Roucas Blanc residential area, so this is a perfect option for families, looking for space in a quiet and safe part of the city.
Outside there’s a small vegetable patch, an outdoor shower room (perfect for washing down snorkeling gear and wetsuits), and a lovely terrace with a table and chairs which is surrounded by greenery. Thanks to its large windows and positioning on the hillside, the interior is light and airy with white walls that keep the villa cool in the summer months.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $383 per night
Historic 12th-century apartment in medieval village
@wheretofindme the most magical Airbnb in the South of France 🇫🇷 #provence #southoffrance #airbnbfinds #airbnb #francetiktok #francetravel ♬ Married Life – Michael Giacchino
This Airbnb was the former home of French poet, writer, and screenwriter Jacques Prévert. It is located in Saint Paul de Vence, a beautiful medieval walled village, that is a two to three-hour journey from Marseille. Because of the fantastic train links, opting to stay outside the city is doable and this Airbnb has been voted one of the best rentals in the South of France.
And you can see why. The dreamy apartment has glorious views of the sea to the south and the mountains to the north from the jasmine-covered terrace. Inside wooden beams support vaulted ceilings and an ancient tunnel takes you on a journey between rooms. Despite the driving or train distance from Marseille, this charming rental is one to bookmark if you’re looking for a quiet and unforgettable haven outside the city.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $327 per night
Stunning one-bedroom apartment with panoramic ocean views
This one-bedroom is minutes away from the Palais du Pharo (and its peaceful gardens) and the Cathédrale de la Major — a stunning cathedral located between the Panier district and the Joliette area. The Panier district is a vibrant and historic neighborhood located north of the Vieux Port. It is one of the oldest parts of the city and is known for its winding alleys, brightly colored homes, and street art murals.
The apartment’s open-planned kitchen and living area are drenched in light from the floor-to-ceiling wall of windows. There’s a modern-style chaise lounge where you can relax with a book and watch boats on the horizon of the ocean or the bustling streets of Panier below. The bedroom also has ample natural light with city views that can be enjoyed from its comfortable double bed. This is also a superb option for digital nomads as there is a dedicated work area and it’s location is in the heart of one of the most creative parts of town.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $218 per night
Apartment with sprawling views of Vieux Port and Notre Dame
As the sun goes down, Vieux Port and Notre Dame are bathed in hues of orange and pink. The view from the port is breathtaking and sunset is one of the best times to enjoy this part of Marseille. This apartment offers guests front-row seats from the port-facing wall of windows. There’s no balcony, but for this price point, you won’t find a better viewpoint of the harbor.
The interior is dotted with artwork and fixtures from local creatives and provides a calming haven from the busy promenade below. White walls and cabinets are found throughout and are brightened with dots of electric blue and terracotta. There are two bedrooms, a large minimalist-designed double, and a dusty pink accented twin. If you’re looking for a Vieux Port Airbnb at a reasonable price, this is one of the best options.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $214 per night
Charming nautical-theme loft near Vieux Port
Perched between the red-tiled roofs, this charming two-bedroom loft is an Airbnb Plus rental that is perfect for a small family, couple, or solo traveler. On the top floor, there is an open-planned mezzanine bedroom and there is another beautifully decorated second bedroom on the ground floor. From the soft blue pastel color pallet, use of wood paneling, and driftwood artwork, the decor has a nautical theme throughout. Outside there is a cute terrace with a seating area, succulents, and views over the houses near Vieux Port.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $135 per night
One bedroom in the 7th arrondissement
Another great rental for a couple of solo travelers, this one-bedroom is in the heart of the 7th arrondissement (southeast of the city center) and is a short ten-minute walk to the beach. It’s within a traditional Marseillais building that is surrounded by small local fruit and vegetable shops, bakeries, a wonderful independent bookstore, and cafes.
There is a pull out couch in the living area which bumps up the guest capacity to four, but it’s really best suited for one or two guests (or those traveling with young children.) Outside you’ll find a paved patio with trendy navy-blue sun loungers, a green wall, and wicker shopping baskets which can be used to carry back your fresh baguette and madeleines from the nearby boulangerie.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $119 per night
Top things to do in Marseille
- Climb the steps to Notre-Dame de la Garde — This iconic basilica is perched atop a hill overlooking the city, offering stunning views of Marseille and its surroundings. The climb up the steps is worth it for the breathtaking panorama alone.
- Explore the Vieux Port — The port is one of Marseille’s most popular attractions, with its bustling markets, lively restaurants and cafes, and picturesque harbor views. Take a stroll along the waterfront or take a boat ride out to Les Calanques for an even more spectacular view.
- Visit Fort Saint-Jean — Standing front and center of the Old Town is one of the most visited monuments in Marseille. Fort Saint-Jean is connected by two bridges that span across the harbor, offering visitors an impressive view from both sides.
- Discover prehistoric art at Grotte Cosquer — Located beneath sea level near Cap Morgiou, this cave contains some of Europe’s oldest prehistoric artworks. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re interested in learning more about our ancient ancestors’ culture and history.
- Go shopping at Centre Bourse — This large shopping center offers everything from designer clothes to souvenirs and local products like olive oil and lavender soap. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby if you need a break from all that shopping.
- Enjoy some beach time at Plage des Catalans — This beach has crystal clear waters perfect for swimming or snorkeling. There are also plenty of restaurants nearby where you can grab lunch or dinner after spending some time soaking up some sun on this beautiful beachfront spot.
- Check out Musée des Civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée (MUCEM) — This museum showcases artifacts from all over Europe as well as exhibits on Mediterranean cultures throughout history. It’s definitely worth visiting if you’re interested in learning more about European culture and history during your stay in Marseille.
