What to do in Marseille with teenagers

The best ideas for family fun and impressing your teenagers

Travelling with a teenager is a real art. Boredom must be avoided at all costs, or you’ll end up sighing like a dramatic film. Fortunately, Marseille has more than one trick up its sleeve to captivate even the most jaded. Here are our suggestions for spending an unforgettable holiday with your teenager without an ounce of boredom.

“La Bonne Mère” for calves made of concrete

It’s true that climbing up to Notre-Dame de la Garde is no easy task, especially when you’re dragging along an unmotivated teenager. But once you’re up there, even he can let out a “not bad” at the breathtaking view over the whole city. If walking scares you (or if the idea already gives you aches), opt for the little tourist train that climbs to the top, and if your teen has the “seum” to see a little train (because “it’s not a baby anymore!”) you can always take the 60 bus to the Vieux-Port, which will take you right up to the foot of the steps.

Street art at Cours Julien: a paradise for budding Instagrammers

If your teen has a passion for urban art (or even if he or she hasn’t discovered it yet), a stroll through the Cours Julien neighborhood is a must. This creative district is a veritable open-air gallery, where the walls are adorned with colorful frescoes. Your child can marvel (or at least find it “cool”) at the talent of the street artists. It’s also the perfect opportunity to take a break in one of the many cafés in the area. If you’re lucky, and depending on the program, you might even be able to catch a concert at Espace Julien (concert hall) or take part in a guided street-art tour at “Cours Ju” (as it’s called here) offered by the Tourist Office.

Experience Marseille’s passion at the Stade Vélodrome

If your teenager is a sports fan, don’t miss a visit to the legendary Stade Vélodrome (Orange Velodrome). This legendary stadium, home to Olympique de Marseille, is much more than just a soccer stadium. During your visit, you’ll be able to explore the changing rooms, walk on the pitch, and go behind the scenes as if you were a professional player. And if your stay coincides with an OM match, don’t miss out on the unique experience of experiencing a match at the Vélodrome. The atmosphere, the chanting fans and the intensity of the match will leave your teen speechless, even if he or she isn’t a big soccer fan.

A boat trip to the Château d’If: mystery and adventure

The story of Edmond Dantès, hero of Le Comte de Monte-Cristo, just might pique your teenager’s curiosity. Climb aboard a boat for a short crossing (approx. 20 minutes) to the Château d’If, a former prison full of mystery. This visit allows you to immerse yourself in Marseille’s history while enjoying a ride on the sea. The perfect combo for teenagers who love action and adventure stories.

Skatepark at Friche la Belle de Mai: on your wheels!

For teenagers who swear by skateboarding, head for the Friche la Belle de Mai. This alternative cultural venue is a skater’s paradise, with an acrobatic skatepark at every corner. While he’s having fun doing ollies (or desperately trying to stay on the board), you can enjoy the current exhibitions or simply stroll around this unusual place. In the evenings during the summer months, open-air concerts and projections enliven the rooftop.

A paddle or kayak session in Les Goudes

For sporty teens (and those who need a bit of a push), there’s nothing like a paddle or kayak outing in the crystal-clear waters of the Calanques. These little corners of paradise offer breathtaking scenery. What’s more, it’s an opportunity to see if your teenager has the sea legs or if he’ll end up in the water sooner than he thinks. A good time to share, between laughter and challenges.
All nautical activities

Climbing the Calanques (or at least surveying them)

Marseille is also the gateway to the famous Calanques. If your teen is a thrill-seeker, he or she may love climbing the cliffs (with a guide, of course). While the idea of rock climbing may not appeal to everyone, a simple hike through these breathtaking landscapes can fill him or her with wonder. It’s a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy nature, while retaining a touch of adventure.
All climbing activities in the Calanques

Diving at the Musée Subaquatique des Catalans: art underwater (yes, underwater)

Thought you’d seen it all? Wait until you discover Marseille’s Musée Subaquatique! It’s a museum, but not just any museum: here, you need a mask and snorkel to appreciate the works! Just two fathoms from Plage des Catalans, don your flippers (and wetsuits if it’s too cold) and plunge into an artistic universe where sculptures are hidden underwater. The best part? Your teenager can play at being an explorer of the abyss and, as the icing on the cake, take a lesson in modern art without even realizing it. It’s stylish, it’s underwater, and it’s eco-friendly. In short, it couldn’t be cooler.

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Escape game: Family brainstorming in bad weather

An escape game is THE magic solution for keeping your teenager busy in bad weather. Imagine him locked in a room with a mission to complete, forced to use his brain and, above all, to defy his parents. And of course, he’ll be sure to tell you that “you’re doing it all wrong”, because it’s a well-known fact that teenagers are always right! Between riddles and puzzles, you’ll share a moment where reflection and fun blend perfectly. And who knows, you might even shine by proving that you, too, know how to be strategic (yes, you do)! If the weather’s fine, you can always play Sherlock Holmes outside. Armed with an enigma notebook and your sneakers, you’ll scour districts like the Cours Julien and the Old Port, in search of clues hidden around the city. A real open-air investigation.
All Escape Games in Marseille

Illusions and laughter at the Musée de l’Illusion

Want to see your teen ask existential questions, like “Why does this mirror make me look so tall?” Head for the Musée de l’Illusion! Here, everything is designed to confuse your brain, from the hall of distorting mirrors to the optical illusions that defy reality. Not only is it fun, but you’ll leave with some incredible photos. Between laughter and “wow”, this museum will turn your cultural visit into a game!

An electric scooter ride along the Corniche

Teenagers love the feeling of freedom, so why not rent an electric scooter and ride along the Corniche Kennedy? With a breathtaking view of the sea and the Frioul islands, this ride is both relaxing and exciting. You can even take a break at plage des Catalans or plage du prophète for a swim or beach volleyball session. There’s nothing like a bit of speed and a great view to win over a teenager!

EVA Marseille: total immersion in virtual reality

If your teenager is a video game fan, you’ve found THE miracle solution: EVA Marseille, a virtual reality room. Here, there’s no question of playing on a sofa! With a VR helmet screwed onto his head, he’ll have to fight, hide and dodge dangers, all in a 100% immersive setting. As a team, you’ll take on enemies in futuristic arenas, with settings and missions that just might make him let out a “that’s so cool”. And who knows, you might even become the hero of the game (for once)!

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