Panoramic bus tour of Marseille

Marseille by Hop-On Hop-Off bus

On holiday in Marseille, I decided to try out the Hop-on Hop-off tourist bus to discover the city at my own pace. Naturally, I took a seat on the top floor to make the most of the panoramic view! The programme on the red line included nearly 14 stops around the city to explore the most iconic corners: the Vieux-Port, the Corniche Kennedy, the Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde and even the Mucem, to name but a few!

Equipped with my own headphones (don’t forget them!) and the Rewind app that I’d taken the time to download beforehand, I choose the language of my choice (8 languages available) to enjoy the immersive audio commentaries that are triggered automatically as you go along the route. I learn fascinating anecdotes about the city, its monuments and its people.

Stops and breathtaking views of the city

Among the must-see stops, le Vieux-Port charmed me with its constant hustle and bustle and its many moored boats. Our next stop was to climb the hill of the Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde for a breathtaking view of the city and the sea. At first, you might think that this imposing bus won’t fit into the narrow, steep streets, but don’t panic, the journey is well worth it and the drivers are experienced (they don’t drive “à la marseillaise”). When I discovered the splendid panoramic view, my breath was taken away. Continuing along the route, I discovered the pretty Panier district, with its craft shops and the Cathédrale de la Major. These different parts of the city transport me to another time.

At the end of the day, back at the departure point, I was delighted with my experience. The Hop-on Hop-off bus enabled me to discover Marseille in a fun and efficient way, adapting to my desires and my pace. I found it ideal for people who want to take in the city’s must-see sights but don’t necessarily have the time to do everything on foot.

Here are my recommendations for you!

• Download the Rewind application before your tour. The app proved to be an invaluable tool. I was able to view the various stops on an interactive map, listen to the detailed commentary on the sites over and over again and even book tickets for certain attractions.
• Make sure you have your headphones before you set off so that you can enjoy the audio commentary throughout the tour.
• Don’t forget your camera to capture the sights of Marseille (PS: share your experience with us using #marseillexpérience!).
• In summer, I recommend sun cream and a hat!