Marseille at a glance
Marseille is the oldest city in France and its great port on the Mediterranean, a lively, colourful and cosmopolitan city built around its Old Port and overlooked by the basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde. Around it lie the white cliffs and turquoise coves of the Calanques National Park, the fishing port of Cassis, and, inland, Aix-en-Provence and the landscapes of Provence.
For Geneva Transfer Booking, Marseille is a long-distance destination for cruise passengers, ferry travellers to Corsica, families heading to Provence, business travellers and anyone who prefers a direct car to a combination of trains or flights.
A short history
Marseille was founded around 600 BC by Greek sailors from Phocaea, who named it Massalia. It became one of the great trading ports of the Mediterranean, open to North Africa, the Levant and the rest of the world, and has welcomed waves of immigrants over the centuries, which give the city its unique character. In 2013, Marseille was European Capital of Culture, and the MuCEM, the museum of Mediterranean civilisations, opened at the entrance of the Old Port.
When to come
Spring and autumn are ideal, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is hot, with beaches, boat trips to the calanques and the islands, and heavy traffic on the motorways of the south on holiday weekends; access to some calanques may be restricted in summer because of fire risk or visitor limits. Winter is mild and sunny, although the mistral, a strong northern wind, can blow for several days.
From Geneva to Marseille: the route
The trip covers about 465 kilometres. Google calculates about four and a half hours without traffic. The route crosses into France, reaches the Lyon area, then follows the A7, the "Autoroute du Soleil", down the Rhône valley past Valence, Montélimar and Orange, before reaching Provence and Marseille.
On summer weekends and at the start of the French holidays, the A7 is known for heavy traffic. We choose the departure day and time with you, and plan breaks about every two hours.
Borders, tolls and formalities
Marseille is in France. The car crosses the border between Switzerland and France at the beginning of the trip. Both countries are in the Schengen area, but customs controls are possible: each passenger must carry a valid passport or identity card.
French motorway tolls apply on this route. Ask us when booking how they are included in your quote.
The port: cruises and ferries
Marseille is one of the main cruise ports in the Mediterranean, and its ferries sail to Corsica, Sardinia and North Africa. Your chauffeur drops you at the right terminal with all your luggage. Give us the name of the ship, the terminal and the boarding time; we plan the departure from Geneva with a comfortable margin.
What to see in and around Marseille
- The Old Port and its fish market in the morning.
- Notre-Dame de la Garde, the "Bonne Mère", with a view over the city and the sea.
- The MuCEM and the Fort Saint-Jean, at the entrance of the port.
- Le Panier, the oldest district, with its narrow streets.
- The Château d'If, on an island off the coast, made famous by *The Count of Monte Cristo*.
- The Calanques, by boat or on foot, depending on access rules.
- Cassis and Aix-en-Provence, less than an hour away.
At the table
Marseille is the home of bouillabaisse, a rich fish stew served with rouille and croutons, as well as pieds paquets, navettes biscuits and the anise-flavoured pastis. The white wines of Cassis and the rosés of Provence accompany the seafood.
Advice by type of traveller
Cruise passengers. Give us the ship and terminal; your chauffeur drops you at the terminal with your luggage.
Families going to Provence. A V-Class takes six or seven passengers with luggage; ask for child seats with the children's ages.
Business travellers. A Mercedes S-Class lets you work during the trip.
Summer travellers. Avoid the busiest Saturdays if possible; we advise you on the best departure time.
Vehicles
A Mercedes E-Class suits one to three passengers with luggage; the S-Class offers the most comfort for long trips; the V-Class takes up to six or seven passengers with luggage; the Sprinter is available on request for groups.
Booking
The prices on this page are calculated by our booking engine for a one-way trip from Geneva Airport to Marseille. Book online to see the exact price for your address, or call us to plan stops. Book the return at the same time and the booking engine applies a 10% reduction to the round trip.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Geneva to Marseille?
About four and a half hours for about 465 kilometres without traffic, plus breaks.
Can you drop us at the cruise terminal?
Yes. Give us the ship and the terminal; your chauffeur drops you there with all your luggage.
Do I need a passport?
Yes, carry a valid passport or identity card: Marseille is in France.
Are tolls included?
French motorway tolls apply. Ask us when booking how they are included in your quote.
When is traffic heaviest?
On summer weekends and at the start of the French holidays, especially on the A7.
